I have a 2wd shortbed 5 speed 318 Dakota w/3.90 rear. Has good power but seems to be held back by slow timing programmed into the factory computer. I am considering a few options for this truck: 1) drop my 452 in it w/aluminum heads and try to make it "look" emission legal (we just have a visual and no laws against different engines as far as I know in Pennsylvania) 2)purchase another Magnum 318 or 360 and put the latest iron or alum. heads on it and keep it fuel injected 3)stroke a 318 or 360 w/heads and carb or fuel injection.

#2 seems like the best choice since I want to keep a shorter stroke for the 3.90 or higher numerically gears if I chose. That would also leave me w/more $$$ to swap in a 9 1/4 rear in place of the factory 8 1/4 thats in it now.  

I'd say go for the 452, just to do something different. Lots of cubes will get you places, especially in that heavy truck.

-dave  

Shoot, I wasnt aware that it was that heavy. The idea sounds good seeing how muscle cars are going for rediculous prices.  

Yeah, I know there's some swap kits out there for all sorts of stuff for gen II Dakotas. Good luck!  

Your problem is the stock computer.  Any swap you do that keeps the stock computer will not do much.  MP used to sell a hot computer that bumped things up a bit but not much.  Heck a stock magnum 318 can push close to 400hp with a cam swap, but the stock computer can fuel it and the timing is too conservative and the beer barrel intake is wrong for that much hp too.  Tho MP does sell an intake that is more suited for it.

My advice would be to consider a different computer set up like the Megasquirt, then go from there.  

i say build a 408 stroker with aluminum heads, fuel injection, and some street manners...  

I'd check into the laws in PA before doin anything, only cuz they are pretty strict about well, everything. However, I think you should go back to a carbureted 360 or something that is more user friendly for tuning. The stock CPU is your biggest problem. Plain and simple it will NOT allow for much tuning. With a carbureted engine you can tune it to your own desired performace or needs. You'll also be able to get rid of all that copper wire form all those sensors that aren't needed anymore. This will make maintenece alot easier. I own a 1992 Honda accord and 1980 Chevy Malibu. I would rather do work on the Malibu, it has more room less plugs and wires. As far as Mopar, I think the Dakota was very good truck. I"d like to see what you can do with it.  

I let this thread go for a while just to see what people think. It has so far been pretty interesting. I know PA literally sucks. I will move out of this state in a year or two, depending on some things. I made my mind up to move due to the cronyism and the ridiculous abuse of government in this state along with lack of service to the people of this state.

The 5.7 and 6.1 Hemi are sounding like pretty good options as well due to the availability of carb manifolds and ignition options. Besides the engine I will have to address the frame now due to of course the salt and acid rain this state uses and receives on a yearly basis. Sandblasting and powder coating sounds good right now.

More ideas are welcome though since this project will be on hold for a short period of time. Thanks everyone.  

Well you got some problems with the salt, no doubt. I live in Ohio so I feel your pain. A quickie fix for the frame, this is kinda hillbilly, brush motor oil over the exposed surface of the frame. Then do a bunch of burnouts or drive hard down a dirt road. The oil will absorb the dirt and therefore put a temporary seal on the metal. Like I said this is temporary and not recomended unless you are really strapped for cash. A new hemi wouldn't be a bad choice for an engine swap either, just make sure to keep that 318. Those engines are tanks when it comes to dependability. Good Luck with that truck.  

I like the 408 idea. I'm going to 4" stroke a +.030 340 for my '67 D-200. It's HEAVY.  

The 452 would make the most torque but do something different with a crate 5.7 or 6.1.  

Have it crushed...  

your best bet is to drop a 408 in there.  the 8 1/4 rear can handle just as much abuse as the 9 1/4, and it's less prone to problems (look in any shop, and you'll see a ram with the rear-end being rebuilt, but no dakotas or durangos there with the same problem).  that rear-end will handle 450hp with no problem, especially on such a light truck.