Ihave an 89 Dodge Dakota Sport. I love my little truck but i NEEEED a V8. The 3.9 thats in it now just isnt cuttin it. what would i need to do to my dakota to do a 318 swap? or where can i find the infromation for this project?????  

A 3.9 is a 5.2 minus 2 cylinders so bellhousing is the same. I am curious about it not "cutting it". Have you considered simply regearing axles? It would be easier than a engine type swap and can help a lot too.  

well i have considered that route but, the 3.9 thats in it is gettin tired, there are hardly any aftermarket parts for it, and until i get myself a different everyday driver i will be driving interstate at 70mph+ everyday. im not sure if regearing the axles would be the most efficent route to take for this application. not to mention i love the sound of a V8. i havent figured the math yet but im thinkin a 318 in my little truck will give me better mpg h/w anyway... i could be wrong tho. thanks for the input any other ideas or information?

i was told that the bolt pattern on the bell housing was slightly different from a 3.9 to a 5.2 is this true?  

As far as I know it is the same on bell housing because it is based off 5.2 (like GM 4.3 is based off a 5.7) Not sure how 4.7 compares in this regard.  Also for what it is worth a 91 on 3.9 is rated at 50 more HP (175 vs 125)than your 89 motor and has more mid range and upper RPM torque too. If MPG is you goal though I would consider a new 3.9 over a 5.2. Your 3.9 is by far the weakest version they made and a 91 on 3.9 is rated at 5 more HP than a 88 to 92 5.2 and you would not want to use a older 5.2 yet as it is pretty weak for what it is worth.  

would a newer 318 bolt in? i dont pan on using the same transmission or transfer case if i do do the swap.  gas milage isnt my main goal, it is a factor tho, if i can get a significant ammount of torq and power out of my truck with the same mpg i will do the swap.  i want more torq for wheelin, more HP for H/w, and get better mpg when i keep my foot out of it. currently an auto, would like to drop in a manual not sure how much work that would be.  


would the 318 auto get around the same mpg as a 360 manual if i kept my foot out of it??  

Dodge 360 were never known for good MPG. Traditionally they were among some of the worst in that regard so anything would be better. Modern automatic trannies with OD and locking converter really give no ground to manuals on highway in regards to MPG. Regardless of your engine choice though, axle ratio, tires size and type play a roll in how much HP is needed to cruise verse what is available and what is left for reserve.  

lets say i wanted to drop the 5.2 in, do you kno where i would find the information on how to do thet,
things like "what other components would need to be replaced?,  what other parts would need to be added and/or taken out,  cost?, what year 318 would be the best choice-year,out of what model doner truck, auto/ manual?  

What is the "best" year depends on what you want to put into swap. You have a TBI injection 3.9, the newer one is multipoint. A TBI 318 would be the easiest swap though you would need a new ECM but wiring should work. A newer multpoint 318 would need a new wiring harness and ECM. A 88 to 92 5.2/318 would be easiest 5.2 because it is TBI too. I think I would not worry about tranny either with this swap.  

ok then, what year 88-92 5.2 has the most hp and lb ft rating? would the 318 and automatic transmission bolt up to my truck?  

It is rated at 170 HP. As far as tranny, the one in it should handle a TBI 5.2 fine and if you bother to swap tranny, you need to make sure output splines match. If you want to go the multipoint route I would still go with a newer 3.9 as it would weigh less and fit nicely and have less cooling issues as you will need to increase size of radiator with a 5.2 a good bit and even more with a MPI one. Given age of truck and costs and trouble involved I would suggest you consider a truck replacement if you really want a 5.2 MPI engine.  

did the 89 shelby dakota have a larger rad than the sport?
will the 318 bolt right into my truck with current motor mount places on my truck or will i have to make adapter brackets?  

A V8 dakota would have a bigger radiator than a V6 one. As far as mounts, I am not sure when they started to offer 5.2 in them but I do not see a big problem here.  

alrigt SnoMan thanks for all the advice will let u kno how the project turns out and what i decided to go with when i get around to puttin her together,
                                    thanks again...