Trying to find a Machanic in Albuquerque for my Dakota

I read his response again. I tell you it’s not snotty.

I wonder if there’s a different & more reliable engine that will still fit this vehicle? The TV show “Counting Cars”, about restoring older vehicles, those guys install different engines from what the cars originally came with, they do this sort of thing all the time. Ford 5L Coyote and Chevy LS engines are very commonly used.