| From | Message |
Spyder343
Dodge Dakota
9/26/2001
21:33:48
|
 Subject: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
Greetings! I have a 1989 Dakota Sport with a 3.9 with a few mods (K&N Open-Element air intake, Flowmaster cat-back exhaust, MSD Blaster 2 Ignition Coil, and MSD Super-Conductor 8.5mm wires), and I was wondering if anyone knows whether or not the stock throttle body on the 1989 3.9 TBI can be replaced with a higher CFM throttle body.
I would also like to say that I have been browsing this site for about a week now, and I am quite impressed. I was especially jazzed when I found a post about fixing the four-wheel drive light (disassembling and cleaning the central axle disconnect on the left front axle). That stupid light was driving me nuts!!! Thank you all for the very informative posts and responses that you have contributed. They have helped me out a lot!!!
|
TigerDak
Dodge Dakota
9/27/2001
00:57:04
|  RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
From what I've learned from also owning an '89 3.9L 4x4, the OEM TBI is pretty much your only choice, unless you can find (good luck) a performance intake manifold from Mopar Performance to replace the stock one. If you can, I'm pretty sure there are Edelbrock or Holley carbs (high perf ones) that can sit on top of it.
If you seek more power, or hp, or mpg, or whatever from your stock TBI, I'd probably get the TBI polished out from an aftermarket place that specializes in polishing the fuel system.
Here are some examples:
http://www.fastdodge.com/
http://members.spree.com/business/krcperform/krc_performance_dakota.htm
http://www.quickd.com/
I havent done this yet - no $$$. But if I could I would...
|
Spyder343
Dodge Dakota
9/27/2001
04:13:42
| RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
Hmmm...that is disappointing, but not unexpected. I wish that more parts were available for Pre-1992 3.9L Dakotas. Given the modifications I have listed, can you suggest any modifications that I can make to give me more power? ...And all you comedians out there, I know, I know, "switch to a V8" Right :)
Thanks for your input Tiger
|
TigerDak
Dodge Dakota
9/29/2001
18:44:19
| RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
Yes I can. I would get hooked up with some headers to accomodate that cat-back. That will give the truck some real "Umph". I'd recommend the Edelbrock headers over the Mopar Performance headers.
Also, acquire yourself a 180-degree thermostat. Then, get a JET stage II performance chip.
One more thing. Replace your stock catalytic converter with a free flowing one from aftermarket places. The pre-1991 cats were made of a honeycomb type material inside to burn any unburned emissions. It wasnt made to be free flowing! Therefore, they really suck. I gained 1.5 mpg by cutting mine out!
Cheapest prices I've found are on summitracing.com.
|
Spyder343
Dodge Dakota
9/30/2001
04:42:05
| RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks for the help, Tiger. I have been thinking about getting a Jet Stage II chip for a while, but all the reviews I have read have been for the newer Magnum engines, and not all of those have been good. Have you put a Jet Stage II in your Dakota, Tiger? What mods have you done?
I have already replaced my catalytic converter with a flow-thru cat. (I guess I misunderstood the term "catback") I noticed a difference in performance as soon as it was installed. Haven't noticed a great increase in MPG though, but I usually can't help driving it with the gas floored. :)
|
TigerDak
Dodge Dakota
9/30/2001
15:08:03
| RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
I have an open air K&N filter, about 4"x13", or somewhere in that range. I also have a Jacobs Omni Torquer ignition. Mopar headers with 2.5" pipes and Borla muffler. Also, yes I have a JET Stage II chip. I know several Gen I guys that have a JET Stage II chip, and nobody has had any problems with it at all. The truck runs very strong with all those mods. The highest mpg I've ever gotten was 18.75. Not bad for a 4x4. Also, am using a K&N oil filter and crankcase breather, too.
Suspenion: I have a 2" torsion bar lift, SkyJacker shocks, 2" body lift, 31" BF Goodrich A/T tires on top of some American Racing Outlaw II wheels. Dana Spicer Limited Slip differential in the rear axle.
|
Spyder343
Dodge Dakota
9/30/2001
18:37:00
| RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
Nice! I'm glad there is someone else out there modifying a Gen I Dakota. I was beginning to think I was the only one! I think I will add a Jet Stage II chip to my wish list, along with an MSD 6a Ignition Control Module.
I noticed that you said you have Mopar Performance Headers, but recommended Edlebrock to me. Have you been disappointed with Mopar's quality?
Also, has the K&N crankcase breather or oil filter improved performance at all? After reading that you had one, I thought it would be a good idea to use one myself, considering that they are cleanable and all, but it would also be cool if they helped engine performance as well. I read about the K&N Oil Filter on other posts and, since they are only a few bucks more, I think I will get one of them too.
|
TigerDak
Dodge Dakota
9/30/2001
20:30:41
| RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
The problem with the Mopar headers is this: they arent made with emissions connections. I personally didnt care since my county doesnt do emissions testing - so I can live without. But there are people who need that. When the exhaust shop I hired was installing them, they are by law required to hook up emissions testing anyways, and this required hours of more installation modifications. I was disappointed with that about the Mopar headers.
I know several guys who bought the Edelbrocks and they love them! They do have emissions connections and had zero problems getting them to fit. I cant say that about the Mopar ones.
You wont notice any special power improvements with the crankcase breather. It just looks cool and gives me satisfaction that K&N filtered air, and lots of it, is getting inside the crank. The K&N oil filter, for $10, is nice. Combine that with a good sythetic or any oil and you'll feel good about it. I figured since its made by K&N, its gotta work great. Have had no probs there.
The highest recorded mileage I ever get are nights when the air is cool, the crank full of clean oil, and long open stretches of highway. I am trying hard to sqeeze out 19, but havent got there yet!
|
Spyder343
Dodge Dakota
9/30/2001
20:33:20
| RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
By the way, what part number was the K&N Crankcase breather you used? Thanks Tiger!
|
TigerDak
Dodge Dakota
9/30/2001
21:07:34
| RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
Sorry, I didnt write it down. But you can just call K&N's tech line, tell him the diameter of the hole (leaving the stock rubber thing in place) and he will give you a part number and a choice of either black or chrome! I coulda spent $26 retail with them, but I decided to do a special order through Checker auto for $18 and it was there in two days.
|
crazy50
Dodge Dakota
11/09/2001
19:54:48
| the 89 body?
IP: Logged
Message:
hi, my buddy has a 89 dodge dakota , his dad gave him this truck . know this thing needs some work done to it . what can he do to the outside of the truck to make it look nicer ? what could he get for it ?
crazy50
|
crazy50
Dodge Dakota
11/09/2001
19:56:12
| the 89 body?
IP: Logged
Message:
hi, my buddy has a 89 dodge dakota , his dad gave him this truck . know this thing needs some work done to it . what can he do to the outside of the truck to make it look nicer ? what could he get for it ?
crazy50
|
Spyder343
Dodge Dakota
11/10/2001
03:57:05
| RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey Crazy50. A month after I got my Dakota, someone sideswiped me in a turn lane. My truck was repainted as part of the repairs. Probably the best thing to do to make an old finish look better!
If this is out of the question (dealing with insurance companies is always a pain anyway), you could try using Mguiar's polish on the finish, followed by a couple coats of wax. I have also heard that clay bars can be used in some fashion as well, but I am unsure how it is used and what it does. I'm not sure if you were referring to the finish on your friend's truck or not, so let me know if this helps!
|
crazy50
Dodge Dakota
11/10/2001
16:44:25
| RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
thanks for the reply. i will be sure to tell my buddy what he sould do .thanks
|
Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
11/11/2001
23:43:09
| RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi guys, I also have few questions about mods. I have a 1990 Dak,2wd,3.9L. So far i have a K&N 9in cone filter on a homebrew cold air system,flowmaster muffler with dual pipes. I have talked to TigerDak about headers but he said that they would cost $300.00 to install. So i will contact a shop tomarrow. But how do you feel about Jacobs Ing. coils? I am close to buying one and want some thoughts about its worth. What about spark plugs, wires, etc. I am also not happy about the amount of aftermarket prod. for GenI Daks. Very hard to find anything. Any other suggestions about performance? Thanks.
Joe E.
|
JW
Dodge Dakota
12/28/2001
18:17:22
|  RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
Anybody who adds headers and high flow exhaust/KN filter etc pumps through lots more air... Add some fuel. 3.9's with K&N filter, Edelbrock headers, new catbacks are running lean. Swap in 89-90 318 throttle body fuel injectors to add more fuel.
|
87DakBuilder
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/13/2002
07:55:16
|  RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
Sup Fellas,
I'm building an 87 Gen I Dak, and I'm having quite a few problems finding aftermarket go fast parts too. Here's my question, WHy does the 89 have a tbi, but my truck is carberated. I'm trying to convert it to mpi or tbi so I can get more fuel. I'm also interested in running a cool air system, but I'm not sure if one is out there for my truck. Can I modify one to fit. Also will a jet II performane chip work with my pcm. I'm in the process of getting some headers, and changing my old Caylick converter, cuz of the horsepower that it holds back. I'm also gonna order an aftermarket cam. If I can't find any addition parts besides ignition and things, I want to put magnum heads, intake, Pcm and injectors on my motor, is this posible. Oh yeah and I read that premagnum tbi will fit on my truck, is that true. Thanx for all of the help.
87DakBuilder
|
Andy D
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/14/2002
17:31:09
| good cams for a 3.9L?
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey, my dad and I are sending our 3.9 into a machine shop and having the engine rebulit due to high milage and piston noise, will likely need to be bored out. With this extra displacment, does anyone have any suggestions on a good cam for bottom end tourqe for towing? Thanks for any help
Andy,
|
Spyder343
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/14/2002
19:59:26
| RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey guys, I am not sure, but I have not found any camshaft manufacturer that makes one for the 3.9. I am going to have one custom ground when I finally get around to it.
87Dakbuilder, the only answer to your question is that your truck is an 87, and 87 Dakotas were carburated. I believe (but don't quote me!) that TBI was first introduced in the Dakotas in 1988. I don't know about converting from carburated to fuel injection though. Sorry :( You could probably start a new thread and see what kind of responses you get. I haven't been able to find a manufacturer that produces an air intake for the pre-mag Daks, either. I ordered a chrome top and bottom plate from K&N, so now I have a 360 degree open air intake on top of my throttle-body. You could try that, or ask Joe E how he made his home-brew intake for his '89. As for the catalytic converter, good idea. I would go with a good flow-through, and you may want to couple that with a new, high-flow muffler like Gibson, Borla, or Flowmaster. Worked wonders on my '89. Hope this is a help!
|
Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/14/2002
21:46:59
| RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
Spyder, a little off base here but I think I remember you saying you ran a Jacobs or MSD ignition. If so, what gap do you run on your plugs. I have heard about .010 larger than stock. but what is stock? I now have my Jacobs Omni Mag. ignition, Jacobs Ing. coil, Jacobs 8.5MM SP wires and Autolite 3923's. Thanks for your help.
Joe E.
|
Spyder343
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/15/2002
15:47:06
| RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
I have and MSD 6A and my plugs are gapped at .040 right now. I read on speedtweaks that .005 to .010 larger than stock (stock on ours is .035)is the best. When I installed my ignition, I gapped the plugs to .040, and it ran great (smooth idle, better top-end, etc.) so I just kept them that way. I may try to increase the gap to .045 at some point, but .040 is definitely a good starting point.
|
Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/15/2002
20:29:14
| RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
Spyder, I hooked up my jacobs ignition today. took a while though. But once I got the entire thing together, I tried to start it. All I got was a not fire off. I was pissed. But then I remembered to check the 15 Amp fuse, and it was gone. So I got a new fuse, and it ran like a charm.
I have noticed a smoother idle and better top end power. I think over time, when the computer readjusts, it will be even better.
I gapped my plugs at 0.045. Seems to work great. I used the Autolite 3923's. If you have any better plugs, please tell me. Like any of those multi. spark plugs. Thanks for the help.
talk to you later.
Joe E.
What type of engine intake can I use on my 1990 Dak. Not air K&N but like Edlebrock, M-1, etc? I am trying to get new fuel injectors from a Pre-Mag 318 to bump up HP. stock 3.9L =50pph, 318 injectors = 65pph. Thanks.
Joe E.
|
Spyder343
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/15/2002
20:39:44
| RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
What type of intake are you looking for? 360 degree or cold-air tube? Or are you talking about an intake manifold?
|
Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/15/2002
21:45:51
| RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
Spyder intake manifold. thanks
Joe E.
|
Spyder343
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/16/2002
19:41:19
| RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
Okay, cool. As far as intake manifolds go, I may have heard of Mopar Performance having them for the 3.9, but I am not sure, so you should check. Other than that, you're probably out of luck.
|
mo
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/20/2002
10:27:19
| 1989 dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi guys whats going on. maybe you guys can help. I have 89 dakota 3.9L sport with 4x4. and this thing is driking lots of gas and has no mods to it at all!!! i am getting around 14 MPG on a little 3.9 :(. anyone have any ideas what i can do. I was thining about putting a chip and to give me more power. Anyone know if they really work?? and can you feel it. I would love all the help i can get to get this 125 HP 3.9 to go better thanks for all the help.
MO
|
Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/20/2002
12:13:16
| RE: Throttle Bodies for '89 3.9 TBI
IP: Logged
Message:
MO, do this: (over time of course)
-K&N intake
-Free flowing exhaust
-perf. ignition system. like MSD, Jacobs, etc.
-8.5mm spark plug wires
-headers. Edelbrock recomended, or Mopar is you like work.
-get a high flow cat converter. or loose it totally like I did.
--Jet StageII chip I have heard works nice. On Pre mag engines only.
-have also heard that larger fuel injectors help. ( no personal expierence though, hopefully soon)
Good Luck my friend. Take your time. First, start with the K&N and no cat.
Joe E.
|
| | P 1 Next Page>> |
