Ford V8 Transplant: 1988 Dodge Raider

The 1988 Dodge Raider was a competent performer with impressive off-road capabilities. However, many people craved more power than the factory four-cylinder motor could provide. The seller has taken matters into their own hands, swapping out the four for a Ford V8. That means that it could spring a surprise off the lights, making driving pretty entertaining. I must thank Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting the mighty Dodge listed here on eBay in Collierville, Tennessee. The seller has received no bids on their auction that opened at $5,500, although there is a BIN option of $8,500 for those who find the prospect of a potent off-roader too intriguing to resist.

There were many manufacturer collaborations in the 1980s as companies sought to reduce development costs and maximize profits. Dodge turned to Mitsubishi in 1988, basing the Raider on that company’s successful Pajero. Our featured classic has a long list of custom touches, with the seller admitting that its factory Medium Tan paint has received several touch-ups. The vehicle remains presentable, and the buyer could leave it as-is if they worry that off-road adventures might damage pristine paint. However, there are rust issues requiring attention, which may motivate the buyer to undertake a cosmetic refresh. The floors have already been repaired, although the seller admits to chassis rust. It is unclear how extensive it is, and only an in-person inspection will reveal the truth. However, the Pajero enjoys a reputation abroad for being pretty robust, so rectifying the problem may not be difficult. The seller fitted a custom front bumper and adapted a Jeep rear bumper. When combined with the 1¼” lift and the 17″ Toyota wheels, they give the Raider a purposeful appearance.

The 1988 Raider featured Mitsubishi’s 2.6-liter four-cylinder motor under the hood, producing a respectable 109hp and 142 ft/lbs of torque. Buyers could choose between a five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic, which sent power to the pavement via a dual-range transfer case. However, the seller’s mechanical upgrades render much of what I just wrote largely academic. The motor occupying the engine bay essentially doubles both the cylinder count and capacity, because the seller has bolted in a Ford 302ci V8. It features a long list of upgrades, including Edelbrock aluminum cylinder heads, a Trick Flow camshaft, 1.6:1 aluminum rockers, shorty headers, and an Aces Killshot fuel injection system with a matching ECU. An electric water pump and an aluminum radiator keep temperatures under control, while a larger oil pan ensures the slippery stuff reaches the right places. The seller avoided placing undue strain on the original transmission by installing a five-speed AX15 manual transmission and a heavy-duty Luk clutch and pressure plate. They have adapted the five-speed to the original transfer case but only run the case in two-wheel-drive high range because they have removed the front differential. They include that component, allowing the buyer to return the Raider to its off-road roots. The seller claims that the Dodge isn’t for the timid, because it is loud and rugged. It still requires tweaking and tuning to perform at its best, but the vehicle appears to be a turnkey proposition that could be quite brutal once finished.

Trimmed in Brown cloth and vinyl, this Raider’s interior looks quite tidy and serviceable. The seats appear to be free from significant wear or other problems, and I’m surprised by how clean the carpet is. The dash hasn’t cracked, and there’s no evidence of crumbling plastic. There is a hole where the factory radio should be, but finding something to fill the void shouldn’t be difficult or expensive. Overall, I would consider the interior to be comfortably acceptable in its current form.

In its original form, this 1988 Dodge Raider would have been capable of delving fairly deep into the wilderness. The V8 transplant will put significantly more torque at the driver’s disposal. With the four-wheel-drive system reinstated, it could crawl over pretty harsh terrain with the motor barely ticking over. It needs work, but the BIN figure means that it isn’t an expensive starting point for a custom classic project. I am surprised that the seller has received no bids. Now that you know what this Raider offers, are you tempted to rectify the situation?