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We have a new truck in the shop. Its a 1990 Dodge Dakota v6 . The customer was told it is one of only 200. All of the guys here at the shop wanted to get some input on the history of the truck or any little fun facts (i.e. specs, original motor, or whether or not this truck is as rare as we think) that anyone has any knowledge of. Thanks in advanced for any help we get!
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The Dakota Convertibles are pretty rare, not as rare as "200" though I bet he was told that because of major options as in maybe there were indeed only 200 of the automatic or manual, 2wd or 4wd. Per Allpar:
The Dodge Dakota convertible, according to forum poster “dakotaquadsport,” was the result of a 1988 contract with ASC, the American conversion shop. In 1989, Dodge sold 2,842 Dakota convertibles, but that apparently saturated the market; just 909 were made in 1990 and a mere eight in 1991, made to fulfill the contract with ASC.
Its certainly a "neat" truck but value wise they really aren't worth all that much no matter how rare they are sadly. Even the Shelby Dakotas don't go for more than a 1-5 Grand usually depending on condition.
That truck brings back some memories though. I remember when my parents were looking to buy my mom a 90 dodge omni/plymouth horizon, dodge city had one on the show floor...as a little kid that was something cool to see.
As far as the engine, 120hp baby! iirc it was only 200 or 190 ft-lbs of torque at a peak of 2000-2500 rpm or something really low. Seriously, the carbed and later tbi v6 were seriously underpowered.
Keeping a tbi there is not much you can do to jump up the power, but going carbed might not be horrid. There are four barrel swaps, but manifolds are rare...have to look for them on ebay or at swap meets. It is a roller cam, so getting it reground is a viable option for more performance. If I was going to mod it, I'd also upgrade to the magnum heads of 92 and later v6's, though you'd have to drill and tap to make it work with unless you find a magnum specific 4bbl (they're out there too). Headers would complete the upgrades.
Perhaps better, and I don't think would really hurt the power would be a swap to a carbed LA small block, fi magnum small block, or even large block mopar.
Of course, even underpowered as they are....they were considered nice little cruisers, but not much else.
Thanks for the input guys...This thing sure is a trip!
We have a guy with a Red one that still brings it in for service at Palmen. Just last week we had a TC by Masirati in the shop.
I saw a white one in west allis. makes me wonder if these sold like hot cakes in Wisconsin.Quote:
Originally Posted by Plum Crazy
Seeing as there are Chrysler plants in WI, they probably gave first dibs to employees.