How much horsepower does a 1989 Shelby Dakota have?
The 1989 Shelby Dakota typically delivers about 230 horsepower from its 5.2-liter V8 in stock form, with Shelby-tuned examples commonly cited in the mid-to-high 260s horsepower. This article explains the numbers, what influences them, and how this rare pickup fits into performance history.
Power figures for the 1989 Shelby Dakota
The following figures reflect commonly reported outputs for the 1989 Shelby Dakota variants. Official factory horsepower numbers are not widely published, and tests from the period vary slightly depending on equipment and testing conditions.
- Stock 5.2-liter V8 (318 cu in) in the Shelby Dakota: approximately 230 horsepower.
- Shelby-tuned/modified versions: typically around 260–270 horsepower, depending on the specific build and exhaust/intake setup.
- Aftermarket or rare factory options: numbers can exceed 270 horsepower with additional performance modifications, though such configurations are not representative of the standard 1989 Shelby Dakota lineup.
In summary, most 1989 Shelby Dakota examples sit near 230 hp in stock form, with Shelby’s performance-oriented tweaks pushing output into the 260–270 hp range for well-documented builds.
What influences the horsepower on this model?
Engine and tuning factors
The Shelby Dakota used Chrysler’s 5.2-liter V8 (the Magnum family) as the baseline. Horsepower numbers are influenced by factors such as intake and exhaust enhancements, camshaft profiles, compression, ignition timing, and calibration. Shelby’s changes typically aimed to improve breathing and efficiency, which can push peak horsepower upward compared with the stock Dakota setup.
Drivetrain and documentation
Drivetrain choices (manual vs. automatic transmissions) and how the vehicle was tuned at the factory or by dealers can affect measured horsepower and torque. Because Shelby’s runs were limited and documentation varied, published numbers for the 1989 Dakota can differ between sources, dyno results, and owner reports.
Summary
The 1989 Shelby Dakota’s power output centers around roughly 230 hp in stock form, with Shelby-tuned variants commonly estimated at about 260–270 hp. The exact figure depends on the specific build, exhaust and intake configuration, and any aftermarket adjustments. Given its limited production, owners and collectors often cite a range rather than a single fixed number.
Additional context
As a rare, niche model from Shelby American, the 1989 Shelby Dakota sits at an intersection of performance tuning and pickup practicality. For collectors, provenance—such as documentation of factory modifications and records of individual builds—can be as important as the horsepower figure itself. If you’re evaluating one today, a GMP-certified dyno run and a review of the restoration or modification history can provide a clearer picture of its current power output.
Bottom line
Power figures for the 1989 Shelby Dakota commonly center around 230 hp stock, with performance-tuned examples reaching into the mid-to-high 260s hp. For enthusiasts, the vehicle remains a rare example of Shelby’s foray into a compact pickup, valued as much for its rarity and heritage as for its raw numbers.
What was the top speed of the 1989 Shelby Dakota?
Quarter-Mile................ ...... 16.4@ 82.6 mph. Top Speed.. ...................... 112 mph.
How much horsepower does a Shelby Dakota have?
175 hp
The throttle-body fuel-injected Shelby Dakota V-8 produces 175 hp at 4000 rpm—5 hp more than it develops in regular-size Dodge pickups and 35 hp more than in Officer Mike Rowave's Grand Fury.
How much horsepower does a 1989 Dodge Dakota have?
The Sport designation gives you a standard 3.9-liter V-6 good for 125 horsepower, mated to a four-speed automatic.
How many 1989 Shelby Dakotas were made?
Details. Powered by a 5.2-liter V8 engine backed by a 4-speed automatic transmission, the Dakota Shelby Edition was produced in 1989 only and, of the 1,475 produced, only 480 of them were Bright White.
