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Snoozn2
Dodge Dakota
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2/15/2003
19:37:51
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 Subject: 3.9L Performance Mods
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I just gotta say, really cool site. I'm newbie here, & I've got some questions about modifying my truck ('00 3.9L 5-spd, 2WD reg. cab short-bed). I've already dropped in a K&N panel filter & bolted on a Helix throttle body spacer, & I'll be installing a Jet chip soon. This'll probably end up seeming like "20 questions", but here goes...is it true that the K&N cold-air intake for the 5.2/5.9L will fit my 3.9 (has A/C but no cruise control)? Also, do any companies make a dual-rear exit cat-back system for this application? I've done some digging, and it seems like the only cat-back you can buy (aside from a custom muffler-shop job) is a single side exit system from Gibson. I've also heard about bolting on the throttle body from a same-year 5.2/5.9L. Would I be able to do that and retain the spacer? I could see ditching (or pawning, or something) the K&N panel if the FIPK fits, but I'll really kick myself if I wasted the $$$ I spent on the spacer. Plus, would I fail emissions if I installed a V8 TB? I was also wondering about ignition upgrades. I've settled on a wire set, but I was wondering if an MSD-5 ignition box is emissions/ECU compatible this engine, and what the best performance choice would be for spark plugs. Regarding the drive train, I bought the truck used and it came without limited-slip. Is there an aftermarket one that would fit, or would I have to fork over at a dealership for a factory limited slip unit? I was also wondering if there are traction bars that would fit, because it has pretty bad wheel hop on launch (unless I've got at least 150lbs of weight in the rear of the bed). Also, would swapping the stock 15x7 rims for a set of 17" R/T rims cause a speedometer error even if I offset the increased rim diameter with a lower-profile tire? I was hoping to get those rims because I'd really like to get some wider tires to improve cornering; since my rims are so narrow, no 15" tires beyond a 225-series will fit. Thanks for reading this far and tolerating my long-windedness. Any other performance suggestions would be greatly appreciated, but I don't want to go inside the motor, add nitrous, or add a blower and void the warranty; also, those JBA headers are beyond my budget. Mucho thanks in advance for any advice.
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Cal Dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/15/2003
19:59:12
|  RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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Holy crap, when i first saw how long this was i figured Snoozn2 was in college, cause that is an essay. Ok, now for the answering part.
Besides the Gibson, i haven't heard of any other complete cat-back dual exhaust. However, a custom job can easily be done by a muffler shop, which then lets you choose what type of muffler you want, as well as the diameter of the pipes(not offered by Gibson). Personally, i just put on dual flowmaster 50 series and love it.
The throttle body is one of the best and cheapest mods available for our trucks. There are several options for those: the stock V8($200), Fastman ($250) and Flowmetrics($400). The Fastman has the best bang for the buck. And this mod won't make you fail the emissions tests.
That throttle body spacer is a piece of crap. I just like you bought it without talking to this forum. I learned that it did nothing quick. It only makes a whining sound and does absolutly nothing for the engine. I suggest getting rid of it - try selling it on ebay to gain some money back.
From what i have heard, the MSD is a great ignition upgrade for the truck. I haven't done this but have heard good things about it.
The other questions i am not sure of so i won't answer them. The JBA Headers are kinda costly - $400 plus installation. If you put these on you will loose alot of low end torque but will gain aton of higher rpm torque and HP.
Thats it for me.
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DakotaDan
*GenIII*
2/15/2003
20:02:59
|  RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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Well I'll take the K&N question sense I have one on my truck.....
Yes the K&N FIPK will fit a V6, I have the 57-1517 kit on my truck in 2000 Dodge changed the location of the cruse control from the fire wall to the front fender that being said and the fact you don't have CC you should be able to use the 57-1509 kit it is for 97-99 V8's the main difference between the two kits is the bracket for the CC on the 00+ models, it is also cheaper than the 1517 kit.
http://www.dodgetruckworld.com/mygallery.asp?id=3242&album=6696
http://www.knfilters.com/FIPK/fipkinstr.htm
Dan
Next Time You Think You're Perfect
~~~~~Try Walking On Water~~~~~
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Darryl
Dodge Dakota
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2/15/2003
20:40:43
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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Well.... I guess I'll take the R/T wheels. They are a real nice set up, with the correct back spacing and offset. Your dealer can flash your PCM for the 255/55/17 wheel/tire size, this takes 30 seconds and should be free, your speedo will then be correct.
As for any other mods, take ALOT of time checking this sites past threads. They are the best source of info.
Darryl
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chris
Dodge Dakota
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2/15/2003
22:11:08
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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howed those rockers work out for ya dan ,
anthing noticable,other than the mileage
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87DakBuilder
Dodge Dakota
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2/15/2003
22:44:14
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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Hey, Since everyone has taken all of the questions except the limmited slip one, I'll take that. You can go to truckperformance.com, and pick up a limmited slip differencial for our trucks. The one common part that Chrysler hasn't changed on the Dakota line is the 8.25 rearend. On that site you will find three different differencials to choose from, they have info and you can choose which one is best for you. You also can change the gears there too. Price is about $400 for the Differencial. Don't know if that's in your range or not, but it is certainly cheaper than the dealer item. As for voiding your warrenty, performance parts won't do that, if you pick the right ones. One other thing to look into is autolite 3923 spark plugs, and 8.5 mm wires, the 3.9 v6ers love them for some reason, gap them between .40 &.45 you have to figure that one out for yourself.
87DakBuilder
(Recently purchased 92 Magnum V6, NO2 & S/C to come..... Oh yeah)
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Snoozn2
Dodge Dakota
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2/15/2003
23:20:03
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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Wow. I had no idea I'd get that kinda response. Thanks to all you guys for your advice; I really appreciate it. My gearhead buddies over here (all F-Body and Mustang drag dudes) only rip on me if I ask if they know any tips for this truck. I'm sure you guys know what I'm talking about; the usual "real men drive V8's" bullcrap, and "what the hell'd ya buy a truck for?"...
Thanks Cal Dak; I pretty much agree with you on that spacer. It does whistle, but it didn't noticeably improve mileage & I really can't feel any kind of seat-of-the pants improvement. Just two questions. Where could I buy that Fastman throttle body, and how does the 3.9L sound with Flowmasters?
Thanks also to Dakota Dan for the K&N part #'s/info & to Darryl for the info on the wheel swap (and yeah, I'll DEFINITELY invest some hours scouring this site!). I'm not used to modifying newer computer-controlled vehicles; up until this truck I've been strictly old school, carburetors and cam swaps. Again, I really appreciate your guy's time, and thanks for the great response.
PS-I'm not in college, I'm just motorhead working the counter at a parts store.
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Snoozn2
Dodge Dakota
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2/15/2003
23:26:25
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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Hey, thanks 87DakBuilder; I just finished writing my last reply and checked back, and saw your post, so again, thanks. I'll be checking that site as soon as I post this.
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Darryl
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2003
00:30:44
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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Snoozn2,
www.thefastman.com (651-484-0586)
Dan Arcand is the owner and one hell of a guy. I have his 46mm TB and it is great, the best mod yet. Price around 250$
Darryl
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97dakotasport
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2003
03:58:18
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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v6 sounds kinda ricey in the cab around 2k, it's a v6 your not going to get anything reač«?½deep. I do like my 50 series though.
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whitedakota2
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2003
17:42:57
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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The V8 throttle body from the junkyard or an aftermarket one is a great mod to get. The 1.7 roller rockers from Crower is another.
There is a limited slip rear end for our Dakotas made by Dana called a Trac-Loc. You can get it for about $160 from www.fourwheelparts.com, and I am going to order mine soon.
Home made cold air intake
IAT moved to intake
Crower 1.7 rr
asp complete underdrive pulley set
V8 thottle body with top milled off
S bolt
JBA headers
brass contacts in cap and rotor
Autolite 3923 spark plugs
Flowmaster muffler
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JKnPA
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2003
18:36:45
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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WhiteDakota2,
It sounds like you know what your doing. Do you have any photos of your mods??? I just bought a 96 V6 3.9L., my first dodge truck, so I'm trying to learn as much as I can. The ECM is also new, because my last truck was an 85 GMC.
I've only had the hood up twice since I bought it last month, sitting outside in the snow, so I can't do any exploring. The first thing I did was buy the manual; reading as much as I can. I just can't believe that people come on this board and ask questions about the location of parts, like sensors! How can you possible fix anything without the manual, or knowledge of how the part works?
Any further links on mods. would be appreciated.
John.........snowing like *^%*^*&**
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Cal Dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2003
20:04:29
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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The fastman throttle body is located where Darryle said - thefastman.com.
I like the sound of my flows. It has 2.25in. pipes after the muffler with 3 in. tips. It sounds great at idle - the only area of the rpm band that i dont like is between 2000 and 2400 rpm. It sounds like it is fabricating the sound and trying too hard to make a V8 sound, so the sound produced has the noticeable V6 sound. Other than that it sounds awesome. Oh and by the way, my V8 friend thought it sounded like a V8 so i will take that as a big compliment.
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whitedakota2
Dodge Dakota
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2/17/2003
03:14:35
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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Two places you can check for mods are
http://www.krcperformance.com
http://www.speedtweaks.net
I have been working on vehicles for years so it comes kinda natural, but I still have questions. And the guys on this forum are great for answers. I can take photos if you want.
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JKnPA
Dodge Dakota
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2/17/2003
08:24:35
|  RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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WhiteDakota2,
Thanks for the reply. It's always nice to have a photo.........much better than trying to put it into words. I plan on getting a digital camera soon.....never seem to have enough $$$$$$.
This is a good site on 'technical" stuff pertaining to ECM vehicles. I think its sponsored by Toyota, but it gives good 'general' info, especially on "sensors".
http://www.autoshop101.com/
John....... **** in a Blizzard ********
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Snoozn2
Dodge Dakota
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2/17/2003
18:43:27
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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whitedakota2, thanks for the info on the rockers and for the diff website. I was wondering, regarding the limited slip advice from you and 87DakBuilder, are all Daks equipped with 8.25" rear axles? I'm only asking cause I called a local Dodge dealer a few months back to see if by using my VIN they could tell my what axle I had; the service guy said "I'm not sure, but it's probably a 7.25". Did our trucks even come with a 7.25 axle, or was it typical dealership crap?
Cal Dak, I've got another question (sorry) about the plugs - it got slow at work today, so I dug around & according to our catalogs, the OE part # for Autolite plugs in late model Daks is 5144 (I think; I should've written down the #). I was just curious if the 3923's were OE in another Mopar vehicle or in older Dakotas, or if you guys have just found them the best overall choice through experience. Also, did you put in a resonator or pre-muffler to get that sound, or just the 2.25" outlet 50-series Flowmasters & the tips?
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Cal Dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/17/2003
22:51:30
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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Snoozn2: I put the autolite plugs on because i heard on this site they were the best for our trucks. They seem like pretty good plugs. And for the exhaust: The only thing the muffler shop did was put the flowmaster 50 series delta flow on and 2.25 in pipes after the muffler with stainless steel tips. As far as i am aware of no resonator or pre-muffler.
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Cyalume
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2003
13:08:07
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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Pacesetter makes a dual catback system for the v6 app, they also make a 2 pipe side exit kit. This is from a dealers auction on eBay. "All aluminized construction, 2½" intermediate pipe. Mandrel-bent dual 2¼" tailpipes exit behind right rear tire in stock location." Ive bought from this dealer before, and Im REALLY happy with the service, so I recommend taking a look. Their eBay ID is mgh7002, and email address is WoodAndCo@aol.com.
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DDave Almon
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2003
15:13:08
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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As far as I know,all Dakotas come with 8.25 rear diffs.You can find after market limited slips all the way to air lockers.The only bummer is that you need a special tool to ajust the side bearings on Dakota rear diff.
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Snoozn2
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2003
18:56:53
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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Thanks yet again for the advice, guys. I know I said it already, but I really appreciate it. BTW, Cal Dak, I wasn't questining the plug advice, I was only curious. Uh, anyone know a good drivetrain shop in the Chicagoland area for installing a limited slip (since I'm sure as hell not taking it to a dealership)? I wouldn't want to do that one myself; I've never taken apart or rebuilt a rear end, and I don't wanna damage my Dak.
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Snoozn2
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2003
20:01:54
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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Hey guys, I was just thinking, since this seems like the best place to ask...I was wondering if anyone has any acceleration #s for stock V6 Dakotas? I'm looking for a baseline to see how much difference the stuff I'll do will make. I've read that the late model Daks with the automatic & 3.9 hit 60mph in just under 11 seconds, but does anyone have a 0-60 for a stock 5-spd V6, or 1/4mi times/mph for either? I've driven an '03 auto, and it feels significantly slower than my '00 5-spd from a standstill and in passing. Could auto vs. stick could make that much of a difference on a vehicle with a high-torque/low-hp motor? They both weigh the same (both have no options except for A/C), and both have the base rear axle ratio (3.23:1 I think). Only real difference (aside from the trans) that the '03 has 16" rims, which I guess would make the rear end act a bit taller. Oh, and the engine was pretty much broken in, it had about 7500 miles on it.
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DakotaSport99
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2003
17:18:30
|  RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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The best performance mod so far that i have found was when i bought a 3" R/T tailpipe and removed my muffler. It sounds awesome and it is cheap to do. I spent about $60 on tailpipe and $8 on some pipe to take place of muffler. There is a huge difference in HP after this was done. I highly recommend this to anyone with a V6 engine. I really noticed going up hills. I use to lose HP going up hills and couldn't accelerate up long steap hills and now i can. There is a big difference and i am letting every one who wants to know about this...
DakotaSport99
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87DakBuilder
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2003
22:01:35
|  RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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Snooze,
I'm glad to have been of help, now I'd like to respond once again to your question about the dealer. In short, that guy was full of it. To the best of my Knowledge chrysler doesn't make a 7*1/4 rearend, the 8&1/4 is the smallest that they make. Like I said this is to the best of my knowledge, and it has been around since the mid 70's or so. They also make a 8&3/4, 9&1/4 and the dana 44 & 60. But the dana rearends were for muscle cars back in the 60's. Now to address your question of is that the base rear for dak, the answer is yes, but with the exception of the v8 Daks and r/t Dak, they are equipped with the 9.25 rear. I'm not sure what type pluggs the factory uses with the magnum line of engines, but the 3923, and 180 degree tstat, really make them come alive. Those are some cheap mods that should give you noticeable seat of the pants power. Hope that is of some help to yah. Best of luck with the rear.
87DakBuilder
(Recently purchased 92 Magnum, v8 tbi, N2o and S/C to come)
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Snoozn2
Dodge Dakota
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2/20/2003
19:19:05
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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87DakBuilder, thanks again. Also, thanks you guys for the all that great info (part #'s, websites, etc.). Anyway, I put my employee discount to good use today and bought a set of platinum 3923's so I won't have to worry about the plugs for a while.
I'm just about ready to get the wire set (MSD 8.5mm), 180 stat, and exhaust (all that's holding together my stock muffler & tailpipe is rust and wishful thinking, so that's gotta come first). The FIPK and Fastman TB will have to wait for summer ($$$).
One (hopefully) last question - I wanted to install a chip, and I'm leaning toward Jet. Considering that the Stage 2 chip isn't CARB certified and is listed in most catalogs as "for off-road use only", will it make my truck fail the emissions test? If that's the case, is the Stage 1 chip worth the price, or would I be better off just removing the Stage 2 when it's test time?
BTW, sorry about the 0-60 post; I dug around on the site last night and I didn't realize til then that it was an ancient thread. Still didn't find any stock 5-spd/V6 times aside from "guesstimates", though.
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Cal Dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/20/2003
20:22:53
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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i think that as long as you aren't in california, you should pass the emissions tests with the stage 2 jet chip on. When you take it to the dealership, make sure you take it off though, i have heard they wont look at your car and have even heard of them taking one(no proof though). The mopar performance pcm would be a better buy, because there have been mixed reviews of the jet chips and performance gains from them.
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Snoozn2
Dodge Dakota
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2/22/2003
13:56:56
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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I checked the Mopar Performance website a month or so ago looking for 3.9 stuff and could only find chips (and cold-air intakes for that matter) for the V8s. Is the V6 chip a new item, or did I just miss it somehow?
Anyway, according to Jet's site, the Stage 2 chip is worth 18 rear wheel hp (peak gain, average like 13-15), Stage 1 I think was 11hp peak at the wheels. I was wondering what the claimed gain is for the M.P. pcm (also, would I need premium gas like w/Jet), and what your guys' experience has been with both brands of chips. 18hp at the wheels sounds kinda optimistic.
BTW, I've heard of people getting the Stage 2 and using 89 octane instead of 91 or 93 like you're supposed to and then bitching that they didn't get good power gains (a friend of mine actually did this), so I wonder if that has something to do with the Jet's mixed reviews.
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87DakBuilder
Dodge Dakota
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2/22/2003
16:33:32
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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Hey Snooze,
Hears the deal with the Jet Chip, I've heard that they really aren't worth the money. I'm not saying that you should beleive this, but from everyone I've spoken with they've said that they really haven't noticed any of a difference. As for the mopar pcm, it's not a new part, they only made them from 92-93 for th v6ers though. On the Mopar website, any of the items that you see for the 5.2l v8 (318) will fit and work on our v6ers. That's the beauty of our engine, it is a 318, minus two cylenders. Hope this is of some help to you.
87DakBuilder
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stealwings582
GenIII
2/22/2003
17:03:02
| RE: 3.9L Performance Mods
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I have the Jet II chip and the only thing I've noticed is that after you've put a few miles on the Jet chip itself it starts to pick up a little on the low end. Doesn't do anything for gas mileage or high end. And I haven't noticed anything in transmission shifting. Only thing to do other wise is to go to a place like an Auto computer programmer. KRC Performance and some hotrod shops will do it.
Wouldn't want any other!
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