I have a 2000 Dakota with a broken piston. What are the chances of just replacing that piston? Reman engines are around $3000. Or could I possibly change it over to a 318 magnum. I know it would mean alot of change over parts. But is the trans the same? THANKS, Curt

What are the chances of finding a good used engine at a salvage yard? That's the first place I would go if piston replacement isn't an option.

I really am glad that I have run my low compression 4.7 on midgrade or premium fuel for all these years now. The 2000 model year 4.7 don't have knock sensors and will ping when hot on low octane fuel. You may be able to find used pistons and rods from someone who has tweaked ther engine, because the hypereutectic pistons with the high mounted compression rings are relatively fragile. So they swap them out for forged rods an pistons.

Are you sure the cylinder is junk? I'd try to fix it if not. I only use the cheapest gas I can find on mine, and never hear a peep out of it. 130k so far.

I have a 2000 Dakota 4.7 with 190K miles on it and have run nothing but 87 octane.I have never heard it spark knock.I think I would just go buy the lowest mileage used engine and swap them.They are pretty darned good engines.

Use a reputable salvage yard used engine.

THANKS, Curt

Too bad you don't live around here, I know a good mostly-Mopar yard near me, you can count on his stuff being good, or he makes it good.

Don't mean to hijack this post, but where is this mostly Mopar salvage yard? I live in Ohio (NE Ohio), but would drive the distance for parts if I knew where it was!