440 Dakota

Thinking about a 440 in an 89 Dakota that I bought last weekend. I'm wondering about a set of KB 236 pistons and using a set of truck center dump manifolds. Do you think the pistons and manifolds would work for a street driven truck?

I don’t see an issue. Know nothing of those pistons. I do know guys run manifolds on even strokers all the time.

center dump wont work.u will need car manifolds dumping in the rear

I think the pistons are fine for street use. They are quench dome style... the dome may need machined down for clearance or to dial in CR where it needs to be.

The engine will be set back against the firewall, and I remove all that engine mount brackets on the frame. That's why I'm thinking center dumps might work. Going to order an ultra bell and do some mock up soon. I fab my mounts using 3/16 plate and using the truck brackets and mounts. I'll post plenty of pictures.

I’m very interested! I am putting a 400/512 in an 89 v6 std cab longbed dakota except I have a 54 pickup body on there so the engine bay is moved from a stock dak. On mine the rear two cyls are under the dash!

I had A-body fenderwell headers on mine

Hauled it to the courthouse today for the title vin inspection. Now I can tear it apart! Doghouse, engine, trans., and the bed should be off soon. Pictures to come.

Wow in Pennsylvania we just pay taxes on the sale price and get the title.

KY is hardcore on vehicles from out of state. VIN inspection on car, must match title. Special paper must be signed by seller and notarized. If not, you pay sales tax on highest book value that can be found for that model! Even if title from other state doesn’t require notary, the KY form does.

I just had an ordeal on my truck this year. Had a transposed number. A b and a d were back to back and flipped on the title. Sherrif threw a fit and it took days to find somebody who knew what arcane form was needed to fix it. I had to call the state capitol, multiple trips places, inspection fee. Lots of “we can’t do that” nonsense. Just insane level of bs that should’ve been handled on the spot, but wasn’t.

Oh and in 4 years they are likely going to make me bring it in to see if I fixed it up and add a raise to my assessed value. Heard some guys are getting popped with that. Might depend on which of the 120 counties you are in...

It would be a lot easier/lighter to throw a 4.25 crank in a 5.9 magnum and use all bolt in readily available stuff to get 440 CID in there and you could still get to the plugs real easy when done.

But I want a 440 Dakota.

I agree, a 440 in a DAk will be an exciting ride!

fender well A-body headers you say?

Fenderwell hedders sound good to me.

I'm thinking about a stroker kit for the 440 block. Looks like I can get a 512 kit for a reasonable amount.

Yup I just did a 440 source 400/512 kit. On the second mockup once the block was bored I was checking everything so it could go back to the machine shop but every bearing clearance and endplay was right in spec out of the box! It was very affordable and I can’t wait to fire it up!

yep a body hooker super comps worked well for me

Got to go ahead from the city for a garage so this may be put on hold. I need to get a building put up before I need to start on this project.

Dang I was looking forward to seeing somebody do one now that the schumacher kit is out of production

I may do the mockup for the mounts and such but don't want to spend much money on it until I get a building up.