One thing to consider when swapping to a bigger engine is the drive train. The stock 2.6 drive train probably wouldn't be up to the power from the 3.5L v6 much less a v8. Its why mitsu went to a beefier rear end in the v6 and TD models. If it were me, I'd throw the big locking rear end from a gen II SR under there. If you haven't seen it... trust me it's substantial and you get a locking diff to boot. The gearing options for that rear diff are either 4.2 (gen 2.5 version), 4.6 (gen 2 version) or you can put 4.9 (01-04? sports). Not sure what solid axle you're looking at but it would need to have a matching gear option.

Also, If power's really what you're after I know someone with a turbo 2.6 thats pushing enough boost that he blows away corvette's on the open highway going uphill <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />. That's Jason who's occasionally on this forum. Currently he's sourcing an auto tranny cause his manual tranny cannot handle the amount of power coming from his engine.

Also what kind of timeline are you thinking this project will take? Weeks? Months? Years?

As for the other engine's you're asking about, can't say. Nobody I know has tried putting them in so you'd be on virgin territory with them.

Well I decided to use a dodge magnum 3.9 v-6.I talked to my trans guy today and he is going to trade me his v-6 and rebuild a trans for it, for a 1967 valiant i have. There is going to be other stuff that he will owe me so this project might turn out pretty reasanble. I figure 1 year is the time line.Still trying to figure out what axles to use for the sas. I need to use that search feature more.

Nice. Glad it will be reasonable for you. What transfer case are you planning to use with that tranny?


Will definitely help you figure out what to use. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I am going to do the dodge transfer case also. Have been doing some research and I might use the mid 80' toyota axles. I am trying to find some pics to see if they have the same side of pinion as the doge transfer case output.

Never really seen under a Yota, but it seems whenever people talk about them, they say driver's side drop on the t-case.

toyotas up till 95 had passenger drop, tacomas 95.5 up had driver's drop.
Depending on the dodge case it could be either PSD or DSD...

toyotas are a good choice, light, strong for there size, huge aftermarket. I advise researching hevily into these axles if you choose them, their are many mods you need to run them. They are strong if you put in your effort (and $$) If you can find an ideal dana 60 for less than $500 or so, You might as well buy them. Ford kingpin HP D60 or chevy heavy duty kingpin 60s are the best.

Pick a side, or axle and go from there <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

oops i missed the part about the fab shop, you should know most of this stuff...

Which dodge case?
You could run a np231/dana 300 doubler or even a np231/np205 doubler...both can be twinsticked for digs right behind the v6 transmission
dont screw with dana 44s
don't run a d60 rear, run a d70 or 14bolt FF
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I talked to my trans guy and he thinks the 231 would work, but the drop is wrong so we are looking at using a 208.

Right now my 2.6 puts out about 240 HP 290 ft Lbs TQ. The rear diff has not had any issues. Thats more HP and TQ than the 3.9 or the 3.5 V6.


Plenty of conversions have run the stock 2.6 rear diff.

Jason's problem has been with fifth gear (OD) with a loaded vehicle (towing) combined with tall tires. For everyone else the five speed has been fine. I ran that same tranny for seven years on 31's with a turbo and never lost fifth gear. I never towed... Most 2.6 turbo finve speeds hold up just fine.

The auto holds up very well.

Before you go through the trouble of putting a 3.9 Dodge in there, compare its HP numbers with the stock V6 that came in the montero. I don't think your going to find a big difference.



Kevin

you could run a np231/chevy 205 combo or np231/dana 300
they are both passenger drop