I am building a 1955 Dodge 1/2 pickup on a 1992 Dakota frame with original drive train. The Dakota has a 390 Magnum and automatic transmission. The Dakota has over 250,000 miles on it so I was planning on overhauling both the engine and transmission. The question is when I put everything back together, should I eliminate all the computer “stuff” and just use a carburetor or try to incorporate all the original TBI and ECM?
If I eliminate the ECM what do I need to do to get the transmission to shift correctly?

Maybe I am wrong, but it is kind of appealing to eliminate a lot of those hoses and wires. I am in Montana.

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you
Wayne

Driven carburetor vehicles all my life, avoided fuel injection like the plague, because I KNOW how to fix carbs. After 550,000 miles on two '93 Ramchargers, I'd NEVER go back. The ONLY problem I EVER had was to replace an IAC, once if memory serves. Carburetors belong on model T's. If you want to modify the engine, carbs are probably the way to go.

IIRC, if you want the magnum to be like a regular old small block, you need a new cam with a snout to mount the eccentric for the fuel pump, probably an older timing cover (forgotten now), a magnum intake for carburetor, a standard distributor. I think somebody already answered the trans question.

I agree with 3hundred regarding fuel injection, my only concern with retaining the factory setup is parts availability. I have a '93 Dakota, and once it cleared 25 yrs old, parts haven't been as readily available. Maybe it's not the same in your area? I dunno.

Maybe go with the carb intake but use a Sniper setup? They've simplified the installation even more so recently.

Just a thought since I'm spending your money........

Parts, it's bad, real bad. Parts are the biggest reason we don't have Ramchargers anymore. Not the drivetrain as much as the body specific parts, power window regulators, A/C switches, lots of '93~'93 parts disco'd or no longer available. Between poor sales those years, so not much supply to begin with and oldcarco scrapping any leftovers.

The simple fact that the 92 & 93 systems have not been produced in 30 years wouldn't have any effect on parts availability?

The OEM fuel injection stuff went 200,000+ miles and lasted 30+ years, but suddenly it isn't any good anymore? The reality is, anything that would have been troublesome has been gone for years.

The 92 & 93 Magnums should have the beer barrel intake and port injection. The only fuel to that intake is at the injectors. The throttle body is a dry unit, so the crap gas won't have any effect on it. For the record, I've not had any problems getting anything I've needed for these older systems, as far as parts needed to make the motor run. The new stuff is probably made overseas, so after you get the truck running, buy what ever parts you think you will need, put them on the truck to test them, then pull the parts, reinstall the OEM parts, and put the just bought stuff on a shelf for incase you need it at some point. If you have to use one of those stored parts, its much less stressful looking for replacement parts you don't immediately need.

If you think the fuel injection stuff is hard to find, wait until you start looking for the 3.9 carb stuff. If your intent is to change is back to carb, you would be better off building a 91 and older 3.9. Everything you need for it to function as as carb setup, will bolt onto the 91 and older motor.

The OEM fuel injection stuff went 200,000+ miles and lasted 30+ years, but suddenly it isn't any good anymore? The reality is, anything that would have been troublesome has been gone for years.


The IAC went bad on my '93 (3.9) and I had to source an OEM one off of ebay. The local parts house had one, but it was parts house chinese brand, and the truck's computer didn't like it.

I've always said, the electrical in my Dakota will be its downfall long before mechanical issues or even rot.

Thank you everyone for your help.
Do you have any thoughts on how to shift the transmission if I eliminate the ECM?

When I put an A-500 in my '82, I just used toggle switches for OD and lockup, not ideal. PATC (I think) used to have instructions on their website for how to automate the trans.

Found it

https://transmissioncenter.net/shop...ere-for-727-to-46rh-swap-wiring-diagram/

Thank you! That is a very reasonably priced lock-up at $110.

Thanks again for the suggestion.
Wayne

Would like to see pictures of your 55 build. I'm just planning my 56 pickup to go on my 2001 Dakota chassis. One thing to consider, update the trans to the 8HP-70 8-speed from a Charger or Ram. You get two lower ratios for quick giddy up and two overdrive ratios to helo with steady highway cruising fuel mileage.

Thank you for your suggestion. Do you know if the bell housings are the same? I am using a 1992 5.6 magnum.
Thank you,

Wayne

The LA 318/360, the Magnum 5.2/5.9 and the 3.9 LA and Magnum all have the same bellhousing bolt pattern and can use the same starters. There may be a difference between the flywheel or the torque converter balance between those different motors, you have to use the correct flywheel, or the correct flex plate and torque converter for the motor line that you are using. The motors are factory balanced differently and the flywheel, or the flex plate and converter are balanced with the motor line you are using. There are also cast or forged crankshafts from the same motor line that are balanced differently.

Thank you very much for your help!
Wayne

This right here. I'll and going from memory the 5.2 Magnum is internally balanced and the 5.9 Magnum is externally balanced just to add to this post above so make sure if you have the correct Harmonic Balancer as well.