Year: 2000
Model: Dakota Sport
Basics
The truck started life as a 3.9 liter V6 backed by a 5 speed manual transmission. It is now receiving a custom Sublime Green pearl paint (hence the name), with matte black hood and rumble stripes. You can check out photos of the build as well as many various random project related photos here.
Engine/Transmission
The factory V6 has been replaced with a L98 Chevrolet Small-block engine backed by a 4L60E transmission. The L98 will eventually be replaced with a fully forged 383. The engine is mounted using a custom front motor plate, making use of the stock frame engine pads as torsional limiters. The transmission is mounted using a custom Chassis Engineering cross-member kit with a poly trans mount.
Headers
So far I am yet to find a set of pre-built headers that will fit properly, though I do believe S10 V8 swap headers may work. The rest of the exhaust will be custom bent 2.5" with 40 Series Flowmaster mufflers dumping out back.
Fuel/Air Delivery
The stock fuel tank is retained, the factory pump has been replaced with a frame mounted Holley 'Blue' pump, supplying 110gph @14 PSI, it is fed via the modified fuel line and filter from the tank to the pump, with custom 3/8" steel line leading up front to the Holley adjustable fuel pressure regulator set @7 PSI. A 5/16" return line was added using the factory tank vent as a return.
Ignition
Spark is provided via a MSD HEI distributor with a large cap external coil conversion. A MSD 6AL2 will be added soon.
Cooling
The stock radiator was retained, as was the upper radiator hose (which contains the filler neck and radiator cap). A custom lower radiator hose was sourced. The transmission is cooled via a 30,000lb GVW cooler. The factory electric fan is being replaced with a 16" electric unit mounted in the puller position.
Suspension
The truck will be lowered 3" front and back using drop leafs with a rear sway-bar, and drop springs for the front. All front bushings will be replaced with poly Energy Suspension bushings. Shocks are yet to be determined. Eventual plans call for a 5 link setup out back and maybe an air ride setup.
Brakes
The stock rear drums are being replaced with rear discs and upgraded pads and slotted rotors. The fronts will also get upgraded pads and slotted rotors and braided lines. All factory brake lines have been replaced with nickel-copper line. The stock rear-wheel ABS system has been retained.
Body
Body modifications have been kept to a minimum with the exception of shaving the fender emblems and fender mounted antenna and R/T fender flares. The hood will be fitted with a classic Mopar style hood scoop to clear the engine mounted Street Scoop II.
Interior
The interior will remain mostly untouched with the exception of body matching painted gauge trim and black headliner. The largest interior modification for now will be the custom fiberglass transmission shifter mount and console based off of the factory floor trim piece. Eventual modifications will include race seats and 4 point cage.
