| From | Message |
CTW
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/09/2002
01:40:33
|
 Subject: any mods for 1990 dakota?
IP: Logged
Message:
Howdy,
Just read most of the posts on mods and noticed most discussion is on newer trucks. I just got a stock 1990 3.9L 4x2 with 43k (~17 mpg in town). I'm wondering how many of the mods discussed here would work on a 1990. I don't think cold air filter would fit. Is getting 180 degree thermostat useful for 1990 model year? Any other basic mods besides better intake/exhaust that would work for 1990? All the cars I ever worked on are from '70s. I need to catch up.
Also noticed newer dakotas have optional 22 gal tanks. How hard would it be to swap in a 22gal tank to a 1990? Would it fit same pump, etc? Seems like there's enough room for longer tank under my long bed. would ground clearance be problem?
thanks for replies,
CTW
|
87DakBuilder
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/10/2002
05:26:28
|  RE: any mods for 1990 dakota?
IP: Logged
Message:
SUp There, I got a Gen I Dak too, Only difference is mine is carborated (not Good) Most of the mods on here that the people suggest actually work for our trucks too. You just gotta do a little more research. Try getting the mopar performance Catalog. It has a lot of useful tips. I myself am in the process of putting a Magnum intake and TBI unit on my truck. Once I get the whole process under way I'm gonna post my results in the forums. Besides the intake and PCM, I don't think there should be much a difference. Time will tell.
87DakBuilder
|
CTW
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/11/2002
20:07:08
|  RE: any mods for 1990 dakota?
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks> I'll also post results of any mods I try.
CTW.
|
Rik Jez
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/11/2002
20:51:01
| RE: any mods for 1990 dakota?
IP: Logged
Message:
A 22 Gallon tank was available as an option in 1990 so you can probably find one used or aftermarket. '87-'91 should all be the same. Edelbrock makes headers which are pretty nice and Jet Performance makes a Stage II chip to go with that exhaust and t-stat. Get rid of your cat or go with a high flow. I've got an '89 with all this and I'm getting rid of the smog pump along with replacing the stock fan with an electric one as I've heard this is good for a few extra ponies.
|
Spyder343
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/13/2002
06:09:10
| RE: any mods for 1990 dakota?
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey there CTW! I have an '89. You are right about the cold air intake. As far as I know, no one makes one. I think there may be a way to adapt one though, or you can make your own. I know you can get an 360 degree open element to fit. You probably have a Holley two-barrel throttle body, so K&N has one that will fit. The 180 degree thermostat is a good idea. I'm not sure if I noticed any performance gains from mine, but the engine does stay a great deal cooler and runs smoother.
Rik Jez: Removing the smog pump won't give you any noticible gains in horsepower, but the electric fan sure will! Should do an underdrive crank pulley too. The one for the 318 (5.2L) fits ours, but it's got to be from the same generation.
|
Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/13/2002
12:51:33
| RE: any mods for 1990 dakota?
IP: Logged
Message:
Spyder, does the electric fan make enough difference to change the stock out? If you have done it, do the elect. fans cool as well as the stock fans? I live in s. fla HOT, HOT, HOT...
A 1990 V6 here. Do the cat removal and headers and make a K&N 3in intake first. Then do the exhaust and also Jet Chip Stage II. You can wake up your Dak. Just takes time and $.
Joe E.
|
Spyder343
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/13/2002
20:10:27
| RE: any mods for 1990 dakota?
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey Joe. I have heard that removing the stock clutch cooling fan adds 10-15 horsepower, but I can't remember for sure. It is definitely the most power-consuming belt-driven component, aside from A/C compressors. The only problem I have heard with replacing it with an electric unit, though, is that electric fans simply don't move enough air to keep the engine cool in warmer climates (i.e. Florida!). I haven't put an electric fan on mine yet, and I am not sure I will even though I am in Washington. An underdrive crank pulley is definitely on my list though!
|
Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/13/2002
21:54:03
| RE: any mods for 1990 dakota?
IP: Logged
Message:
Spyder, do you know who much air the stock fans moves, (CFMs ???)? What if I used a puller fan and a pucher fan. Room would be tight but it might work. What do ya think.
Under drive pullies----
Who makes them for us? Will it effect any other systems potency?
Thanx man.
Joe E.
|
Spyder343
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/14/2002
20:28:20
| RE: any mods for 1990 dakota?
IP: Logged
Message:
Sorry Joe, I don't know what CFM the stock clutch fan moves. I don't remember who makes the underdrive crank pulley, but Summit racing sells a set for pre-Magnum 318s (5.2) that includes a crank pulley and an alternator pulley for about $120 that would fit the 3.9. Using the alternator pulley will kill your battery though. Doesn't let the alternator turn fast enough to charge it. Using just the crank pulley wouldn't cause any problems though. I believe that my engine has four belts (air pump, power steering, and two alternator), which would require a four groove pulley (regardless of whether the air pump is connected or not). If you have A/C, it may be one more. You'll have to take a look. Good luck!
|
Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/14/2002
21:31:22
| RE: any mods for 1990 dakota?
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks man, I will look into it this weekend when I have some spare time. So whats new on your rig? Anything cool? Talk to ya later.
Joe E.
|
Spyder343
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/15/2002
05:35:27
| RE: any mods for 1990 dakota?
IP: Logged
Message:
Not much new on mine. I washed it not to long ago, and just did an oil change today. I did notice that, after it was warmed up following the oil change, it was blowing some white smoke from the exhaust pipe, and smoked more when I revved the engine a bit. It has NEVER smoked before after it has warmed up. It didn't smell like gas, so I'm hoping that I don't have a head gasket going out! Ah well, if I do, it will give me an excuse to replace my chattery lifters and timing chain... By the way, let me know if you find that pulley. I may be interested in getting one myself!
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
