93 Dakota Performance

I have a 93 Dodge Dakota in the back Yard that I want to turn into a monster. It has a V6 in it that I want to take out, but what should I replace it with. What kind of engines would fit into this vehicle, which would make the most power and which would be the most affordable. I'm looking for V8s Only. Can someone help me. P.S. what transmission would be good also. Any positive information would help. Thank You.

If you are looking at using it as a non-licensed off road vehicle, you can easily put a 5.9L Magnum engine in it, remove the FI/Ignition system from it and put on a 4-bbl setup with electronic ignition. You will need a transmission of your choice also. Mopar Performance sells 390HP 5.9l crate engines that fit into the DAK.
If this is going to have license plates on it, it will be much for complicated. You would be better off to sell it and buy a DAK with a V8 in it and then Mod the V8. You can get 300-350 hp from a 5.2l if you want and still pass inspection and emissions. Even if you don't have inspections in your area, I'm not going to suggest you do something illegal on a public forum.

I live in north Mississippi, there are no emissions. What kind of tranny is good for that 5.9 magnum your speaking of. I want a 5 spd automatic or do I need to get a manual.

You will need to replace the trans with a heavier duty model, it would be easier for you to keep the same type of trans and actually get one from a Dak, you may need to get the crossmember and driveline from the donor truck. If you have a 3-speed auto, you will have to find a 727 from an older MOPAR.
The bell housing pattern is the same on the V6 and V8, you could actually retain the present transmission, it would probably not last long with a strong V8 in front of it.
The Kelley Blue Book pricing for a 93 Dak with a V8 is $1500-$2000. If I were doing this project I would sell the V6 Dak and buy one with a V8 to start with. Then I would mod the V8 to my hearts content. The V6 is 175hp, the 5.2l V8 is 230hp and you can coax it up to about 320hp and still be emissions legal.
Going back to the V6, if you are going to dump a lot of money in this project, you could Turbo the V6, they will take 9-10psi of boost and produce nearly 300hp.

I would put a big block in there. Don't fool around.

just curious what mods do you need to make 300hp on a stock 1995 5.2L Dakota.

Cold Air kit (10hp), Headers (10hp) ,Catback exhaust(10hp), MP or other Computer upgrade(20hp) , Mopar Performance M1 intake manifold(15hp), larger TB(5hp), MP R/T Aluminum Large Valve Heads(20hp), MP Cam(10hp)
Starting HP 230@4800 after mods 330@5600
Torque 280@3200 after Mods 340@4400
Mods based on a dyno modeling program on my computer.
The Aluminum R/T heads raise the comp ratio from 9.3:1 to 10.3:1 premium fuel required.