| From | Message |
Rob
Dodge Dakota
10/10/2001
05:12:20
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 Subject: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
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Message:
I was wondering if there are any available upgrades for a '88 Dakota. I am currently running all stock parts and was hoping to make a few mods to it to improve preformance and gas mileage(it sucks pretty bad, somewhere around 12-13 mpg). I would like to keep the cost relatively low.
thanks alot
88 Dakota
3.9 V6 TBI
3 speed auto
2wd
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TigerDak
Dodge Dakota
10/10/2001
15:53:51
|  RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
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Message:
Of course! There are lots of them. Check out my webpage to help you get an idea. I am getting 18.75 mpg on the highways with my 1989 4x4, and with 31" tires.
http://www.geocities.com/Baja/Desert/1727/GenIModifications.html
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Rob
Dodge Dakota
10/10/2001
18:48:36
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
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Message:
I was also curious to know if I can get a turbocharger/supercharger for the truck.
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Donald
Dodge Dakota
10/10/2001
22:11:59
|  RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
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Message:
I have an 87 Dak.
My suggestions:
Edelbrock Headers
Jacobs Ignition system
And if you're crafty,
An electric fan.
Donald
:)
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1987Dakota
Dodge Dakota
10/10/2001
23:28:09
|  RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
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Message:
I've also got an 87 Dakota. I have an edlbrock catalog, and found headers for about just under $400, is it worth it? Hey, donald, whats your MPG and HP like? I get 16 MPG, and for horsepower, its not what it should be. Anybody have any other suggestions?
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Joe
Dodge Dakota
10/11/2001
02:20:50
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
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Message:
About the super charger question. You could easily drop 2 grand into it. My suggestion would be to buy a 318 Mag. and inplant it I think they run about 240 HP. Anyone correct me if I am wrong. There are alot of mods avaliable for them. I have a 90' Dak and am also looking for cheap mods. But I was hooked into lifts. 2susp, 3in body, and 31's. Could have got a 318 for the price of lifts and tires but I could not get away from the off road stuff. Good luck with you search.
Joe E.
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Rob
Dodge Dakota
10/11/2001
05:02:08
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
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Message:
I would like the 318 Mag, but I would have to upgrade the front suspension and change the transmission in order to get any kind of an mpg out of it, and it would cost as much as a charger of some sort( I did some pricing cause my original intent was to drop a 318 into it)
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TigerDak
Dodge Dakota
10/11/2001
13:10:38
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
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Message:
The Edelbrock headers are fantastic. I wouldnt buy directly from Edelbrock, but rather go with summitracing.com. There they are around $200 last time I checked.
dont forget a K&N open air element to accomodate your exhaust. And a JET Stage II chip is highly recommended.
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Donald
Dodge Dakota
10/11/2001
13:43:41
|  RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
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Message:
I get about 20 MPG and have a lot more power than stock, but I have Jacobs Ignition system, Headers, and an electric fan.. its hard to tell which one did the most good...
Yeah, don't buy the headers from edelbrock, buy them from summitracing.com.
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Joe
Dodge Dakota
10/11/2001
18:53:50
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
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Message:
Why should you not buy from Edlebrock? explain please. I am also in the hunt for HP and am willing to do mod to get there. By the way, how much did you price the 318 Mag installation for? I am intrested in that too. Thanks Guys.
Joe E.
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Donald
Dodge Dakota
10/11/2001
19:58:20
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
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Message:
Directly from edelbrock, they are supposed to be way more expensive than summit.
Donald
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Rob
Dodge Dakota
10/12/2001
04:35:02
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
I am still waiting on the price for a 318 install, will post it when I get it
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Rob
Dodge Dakota
10/13/2001
22:49:52
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
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Message:
Finally got the price to install to pull the 3.9, and drop in a 318. It is about $1000
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Joe
Dodge Dakota
10/13/2001
23:24:32
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
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Message:
Rob, did you use an Dodge Dealer?, or a mechanic shop? Plus, that is only labor correct. No parts, or extra stuff. I am intrested in this so I just want to get all the info I can. Thanks.
Joe E.
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Rob
Dodge Dakota
10/14/2001
11:18:51
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
That is or a mechanic shop, and yes that is for just the labor. So basically get your 318, get all the mods you want on it then take it in, also said it would probably take a week to do
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Rob
Dodge Dakota
10/14/2001
15:03:54
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
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Message:
I was wondering if it is possible to increase the overall HP more with other mods other than the headers and exhaust and chip.
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TigerDak
Dodge Dakota
10/14/2001
15:40:48
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
Yes, you can sqeeze out some more hp's if yoy go with a K&N air intake and an ignition system, too. Those are all my mods.
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Ray
Dodge Dakota
10/20/2001
10:22:43
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
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Message:
I too am looking at either performance mods or upgrading to the 318.
I currently have '89 4x4, 3.9V6, 4sp+OD tranny.
I'm curious if my tranny will bolt up to the
318 engine. What about the computer? Do I need to get that too if I get a 318?
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TigerDak
Dodge Dakota
10/20/2001
11:44:35
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
Ray - do you have one of those Shelby Dakota's???
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Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
10/20/2001
15:20:42
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
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Message:
Ray, if you are going to switch to a 318 cid, you should get a new tranny. You old one will only hold up if it is in tip top shape. Gen I daks trannies are notorious for weakness. I plan of simply buying a used truck with a good motor. Dont care about body on interior. That way I will simply switch every componet from the 318 to my truck. No hopeing on the 239 and 318 compatability of any component. sounds to be getting very expensive. Also go with a MAG 318. HP is like 240 instead of 150 from Pre mag 318. Much better performance and upgradeability.
Joe E.
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Spyder343
Dodge Dakota
10/20/2001
20:42:25
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
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Message:
Hey TigerDak! I think the '89 Shelbys had a 318 in them.
By the way, I hear most of the engine components of the 238 and the 318 are interchangable, since the 238 is just a 318 with two cylinders missing. I don't know about the tranny though...
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JOe E.
Dodge Dakota
10/21/2001
14:22:26
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
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Message:
Hey, the tranny is interchangable. It will hook to the 318 but it is the strength that counts. From what I have heard, the 318 has a similar bolt pattern but is weaker that the 318 tranny.
Joe E.
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visitor
Dodge Dakota
10/21/2001
19:26:15
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
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Message:
>Gen I daks trannies are notorious for weakness.
What year did the Gen2 trannies begin? I have a 1991 4WD w/v6.
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Ray
Dodge Dakota
10/22/2001
00:02:08
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
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Message:
No, mine is just a 4x4 V6, std cab.
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Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
10/22/2001
01:33:59
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
Ray, I just got done working on my 1990 Dak. I ordered a K&N cone filter and made a home brew cold air intake system. Did this because K&N doesnt make a FIPK kit for Gen I daks. I used 3in PVC/ABS pipe. After a few startups to hopefully get my main computer to function properly, my truck really has more low end torque. I was really surprised. What all this is trying to say is start your mods with a cold air intake system. It really helps your HP out. Take it from someone who just found that out today! Good luck man.
Hey and also, if you hurry, on www.ebay.com there is a set of performance headers for non-mag 239 V6 daks on sale. They were only like $80.00 when I saw them. If I had a 4x4 I would have them, but my 2wd will not use the same header set up as you 4x4. Good luck
Joe E.
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Rob
Dodge Dakota
10/22/2001
05:20:06
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey joe could you tell me how you built your cold air intake, I would like to install one on my truck, also I am a curious as to where you live because up here in canada I think it might be starting to get a little bit too cold for a cold air intake, without some modifications to get some heat off of the block. Thanks
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Spyder343
Dodge Dakota
10/22/2001
19:49:16
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
TigerDak, does it matter that edlebrock headers are not ceramic coated?
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Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
10/22/2001
21:42:29
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
rob, I live about as far away from Canada as you can in the USA. South Florida. yeah the rain forest! A cold air kit is very nice to have here since the engine compartment gets very warm, quick! If you are still intrested in the cold air fixer instructions, please just ask. I will explain it. Not that complex anyway. Good luck.
Man I wish I had a 4x4!
Joe E.
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TigerDak
Dodge Dakota
10/22/2001
23:16:24
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
No it doesnt matter. The Mopar headers arent either. If you were to buy headers that came coated from the factory, they would be in the $400+ range. Anyways, the only headers for the Gen I Dakotas are either Mopar or Edelbrocks. If you want them coated, you can get them custom-done. Check out www.powdercoater.com for example.
You can also wrap them with a "header wrap" to keep the heat inside the pipes, and less getting out into the engine. I know people that say they are not necessary, and they arent. But I also know people that swear by them, saying the reduce the engine heat big time. They arent very expensive and might be worth the cost/labor.
Headers are a bigtime maintenance commitment. Every 2-3 months you're gonna have to get out there and tighten the bolts everywhere. Also, I'm finding that about once every 9 months or so, I can expect the header gaskets that fit onto the Y-pipe wear out. Headers are an awesome upgrade, but they will require some of your Saturday afternoons maintaining. So be prepared!
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Spyder343
Dodge Dakota
10/23/2001
02:27:53
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks for the input Tiger. Ever since you told me about the Edlebrocks, I have been wanting to get them. Just need the $!
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Rob
Dodge Dakota
10/23/2001
05:14:09
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
Yeah the instructions would be great because I am sure I can get it all to work , I was looking under the hood today and I recalled that I had a heat stove on the right manifold, so I can get heat off of that and up to the the air filter
Thanks
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Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
10/23/2001
15:38:11
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
Ok Rob I will try to explain it as best I can.
First off, I bought a K&N cone filter. In the 7-9in range. Make sure it has a 3in bottom opening. I bought a 3in dia PVC 90 deg elbow and 3in PVc straight tubing. I took the stock air tube, the accordin one that runs from the grille to the computer to the stock air assembly, and took it off. I then bought a fernco 3in rubber tube joiner and tightened it to the stock air assembly unit where the old tube connected. Then took a est. 4.5 in PVC piece and tightened it to the rubber joiner. The on went the 90 deg elbow. Then another piece of straight PVC est 10.25 in. This runs along the passenger side of the truck, next to the computer and water cooling resivor tank. I took a drill bit that is used to cut 2in holes and bore a hole where the computer air sensor is. Then take the accorden stocl tube and cut the air sensor connector in the middle off. That will connect between the PVCtube abd the computer as it did as stock. Then I used a another fernco rubber connector and used it to lock the air sensor connector down. Then on the very front end, your K&N filter will go.
Make sure to throughly clean out the PVC tubing after cutting because once you remove the factory paper element, there will be no protection from things entering the throttle body. Then all you must do is fabricate a heat shield. I am in the process of the so get back to me later OK.
I know this is really long and jumbeled. I am buying a digital camera so I will take a pict ofit and post it here or send it to you. Thats the easiest wasy to look at it. Good Luck.
Joe E.
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Rob
Dodge Dakota
10/23/2001
19:29:05
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks alot, I will read over these and see if I can kinda visualize how you did this, I hope to see some pics soon cause it will make it even easier
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Rob
Dodge Dakota
10/23/2001
19:39:20
| RE: Upgrading My '88 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
just one more question but what is the optimal air intake temp to get the best cross of mpg and preformance
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