Shelby 5.2 performance mods? - Dodge Dakota Forum

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Vinny Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 10/29/2002 02:58:27	Subject: Shelby 5.2 performance mods? IP: Logged Message: Hello everybody, I got a bone stock 89 shelby dak and I want to beef it up. I know the 5.2L has about the same horsepower as the newer 3.9L do now. This just wont due gents. What do you suggest?
cudashoe DakotaEnthusiast 10/29/2002 14:43:11	RE: Shelby 5.2 performance mods? IP: Logged Message: Hey another Shelby owner! Not many on here. I would definitly work on the exhaust. The manifolds are supposed to flow well so just get true duals with an x type crossover. What number you have? I have 799 White. 2000 4.7 5- speed, 1989 Shelby #799 White
solow shelby Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/12/2004 00:17:34	RE: Shelby 5.2 performance mods? IP: Logged Message: i am another proud owner of a shelby dak, #939 (red) she runs hi 14's in the 1/4 mile, all i have is k&n filter, flowmaster, accel coil and accel 8mm superstock wires, you also have to have meaty tires to make a shelby dak hook up on the track.. i have 215 50 r15 to race with,,,... be sure to watch out for those electric fans and oil pressure gauge,, they have a tendency to fail just when you need them,,,,, .... good luck my friend. P.S. mine burns 5.0's all day long
gen1dak Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/12/2004 22:01:22	RE: Shelby 5.2 performance mods? IP: Logged Message: Depends on what you can and want to do. Planning on sticking with the OEM-style TBI? MP offered the 360 TBI/PCM as an upgrade back in the early 90's. Scout around and yank one off a 360 in a salvage yard with the computer. Use the 360 TBI gasket as a template to slightly enlarge the 318 intake manifold. Or, throw in the 360 intake and heads as well. The 360 roller cam has a bit more lift than the 318 in LA engines, and roller rocker 1.6's would help even more. That's about as far as you can go with the stock computer. A 360 setup would offer more headroom for a larger cam. Keep in mind that we have it easy. A 340/360/408 will slip right in. You can also graft the Magnum top-end onto the LA block and have a SMPI Magnum deal. As for the fans, I ditched those things shortly after the relay failed the first time. Back then, they weren't so common, and it took a week to get a new relay. I decided to make some mods. Today, it's much easier. Summit sells generic fit aluminum radiators that fill the bill. I yanked the fans and found a radiator that'd fit forward of the stock location. Then I got a flex fan with a 1-inch spacer. It's a cozy fit, but IMHO, much better. With the Summit jobbers, I think a bit more clearance can be made, which would allow for a clutch fan setup. I know, I know....it's not original any more. To each his own. I prefer reliability. Comp Cams markets 3 cams for this setup. One is computer-friendly, one may require pcm mods, the third requires pcm mods. 254HR-12, 262HR-12, 264HR-12. So, with the 360 setup, you could run the 264 in a 318. When you get the tranny reworked, stick with the A500. Have a good kit installed...something with HD clutch discs and Kevlar bands. The valvebody programming was pretty good. The A500 will handle more power if you upgrade a few key parts (consult Level 10, or JVX) There are some parts that have been updated over the years for better lube. Going to the A518 will cost you three tenths of a second in the quarter due to the greater reciprocating weight, but it is ultimately stronger. JVX builds A500's to handle 600hp if you're willing to fork over about $2500. A swap with a later 90's ('97 and up) Jeep rear will net a much stronger 8 1/4 incher 5-lug axle. Get a bigger tranny cooler. While the computer handles ignition timing, you can bump up your initial timing in the usual way. Oh, #1246 here. Once 1-of-1500, now 1-of-1....if I EVER get finished with it! 360 Magnum/M1/750 AFB/one wicked CompCams stick/46RH with JVX controller for lockup and overdrive. Anyone got a lead on a Shelby front bumper chin spoiler?
gen1dak Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/12/2004 22:04:22	RE: Shelby 5.2 performance mods? IP: Logged Message: Jet makes a couple of chips for it too.
Wildman77 Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/12/2004 22:20:52	RE: Shelby 5.2 performance mods? IP: Logged Message: 10/29/2002 02:58:27 I'd think he might have found his mods by now, this original post was back in 2002.
gen1dak Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/12/2004 23:07:52	RE: Shelby 5.2 performance mods? IP: Logged Message: Ooops. :-\
bakindak Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/13/2004 19:04:40	RE: Shelby 5.2 performance mods? IP: Logged Message: Hey what is this about dropping a magnum intake on a LA block.
bakindak Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/13/2004 20:32:39	RE: Shelby 5.2 performance mods? IP: Logged Message: sorry correction grafting a magnum intake onto an LA block
gen1dak Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/14/2004 19:49:37	RE: Shelby 5.2 performance mods? IP: Logged Message: A top-end graft is both the intake and heads, not just the intake. Using both, with the Magnum head bolts, it's a bolt-on mod. This has certain benefits if you want to go with the OEM Magnum setup. Basically, you get Magnum hardware with all the emissions-legal stuff on the market, and you get rid of the air injection in the exhaust. Use the Magnum exhaust manifolds or headers to complete the package. Just remember that the Magnum uses 1.6:1 rockers in stock form, so factor that into any cam you use. Mopar Performance sells the pushrods you need to complete the package. If you're gonna run the Magnum SMPI, use a computer from '92-95. If you just wanna put all the Magnum top-end, but a carb instead....bliss can be yours. :-) Get a dual-plane M1, carb, MP electronic ignition kit with distributor, and control the tranny with two toggle switches or an add-on controller. JVX carries this. If you wanna run your stock TBI setup, you really should move to the 360 TBI and computer as a package. You'll have to have an adapter plate made for it to fit a standard 4v intake, but it's nothing fancy. Do not mix/match 318/360 TBI components. Just bolting the Magnum heads on adds essentially 50hp, so you can see where you'd need to address that with a bigger TBI. Otherwise, you'll run lean and fry. Edelbrock is now finally able to offer heads and the Performer Air-Gap for the Magnum, so if you really crank it up, use a single plane M1 or the new Edelbrock.
vern Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/15/2004 13:10:19	RE: Shelby 5.2 performance mods? IP: Logged Message: you can have the mag heads drilled and tapped to except the LA style intake so you can still run the stock tbi system,pcm etc and still reap the benifits of the mag heads. hughes engines .com does it
bakindak Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/15/2004 19:50:43	RE: Shelby 5.2 performance mods? IP: Logged Message: Ok that makes sense, and sounds easy enough. Now a couple more questions. When you read articles about putting magnum heads and intake on a LA block, they all seem to say that there is a loss in compression and power. Is this true or not??? Secondly you said about using a computer out of a 92-95. Is the computer plug and play or do you need to get all the wiring etc as well
gen1dak Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/15/2004 23:10:42	RE: Shelby 5.2 performance mods? IP: Logged Message: Heeeeeyyyy Vern. Could you point out the particular link on Hughes' site for that particular feat? I can't find it and I'd like to see what they have to say. The engine wiring harness from a '92-'95 would be required with the Magnum PCM, unless you're good with that sort of thing and could make your own. And yes, the heads can be drilled to accept LA intakes. Another mod involves not drilling the heads, but making mods to the intake bolt pattern and using angle-cut tube-steel spacers to bolt in like a Magnum intake. To each his own, but adding the extra flow of the Magnum heads, or even 360 LA heads for that matter, begs for the move to a 360 TBI/computer. The 318 deal would be cutting a mighty fine edge with that much of an increase in power/airflow capability. Again. They do not adapt to mods. Now, you've read articles saying the Magnum setup reduces power? Hmmm, sounds fishy to me. With their closed-chamber design, one would actually experience a slight increase in compression, with an improvement in torque and detonation resistance due to the generous quench area. On a zero deck height 360, for example, don't go thinner than .040 in head gaskets to allow for proper piston/head clearance. The Magnum heads will produce a good 40-50hp (depending on engine size) thanks to flow capabilities rivaling the 340X head, and actually having a better intake/exhaust flow ratio than the 340X. Not bad for an unported bolt-on.
vern Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/16/2004 10:58:03	RE: Shelby 5.2 performance mods? IP: Logged Message: if you use a 92-95 pcm you,ll need the wiring also i don,t know the cc,s on the mag heads,but you can have them milled if need be to get your compression back hughesengines.com/heads/magnum_heads.asp scroll down under the stage II heads[drill and tap] for both bolt patterns
gen1dak Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 1/16/2004 11:52:41	RE: Shelby 5.2 performance mods? IP: Logged Message: Okay, I got the head link. I was wondering if anyone had tried that yet. Makes sense since it was the way things were done on the LA. There's nothing there about using it with a stock 88-91 TBI/computer. Besides, if one wanted to have anything close to a port match between the LA intake and Magnum heads, they'd use 360 LA intake (as opposed to opening the 318 stuff up with a grinder), so on a 318 with Magnum heads, the 360 hardware, TBI/PCM and all will be easier to start with....well, all but finding it. Personally, I'd go with the 2bbl Holley unit, hide any extra wiring in OEM-style black wraps, hide the extra computer, and let them prove it wasn't stock if the emissions cops came around. At anything less than a good inspection, you'd never notice the difference. They have an O2 sensor plug-in that makes it work just like the OEM. Plus, you'd have an all new, adjustable system. On the other hand, I scored a wiring harness for under $30 last year, and the intakes go for $30-$50, and a stock Magnum computer can easily go for under $100. It really comes down to how much you want to do, and how you want to do it. I'm putting the 360 Magnum in with a carb for now, and working to put the Magnum fuel system in later....just in case I need to.
joey Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 2/05/2004 13:27:49	92 5.2 dakota stock horsepower IP: Logged Message: I just purchased a lifted dakota with the 5.2, 3" magnaflow, k&n, 32" tires and weld wheels. it is a sharp ride and will burne the 32's right off it if your not carefull. so i was wondering a bout the stock horse power and a few cheap mods i could throw on in a couple days.
gen1dak Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 2/05/2004 18:54:32	RE: Shelby 5.2 performance mods? IP: Logged Message: The '92 5.2 had the best cam and exhaust along with early '93's. Wouldn't mess with the exhaust manifolds til much later. A good hi-flow muffler will help a lot. The cam lift is the same as later 318 cams, but the cam timing is more aggressive in the early ones. Slap an Edelbrock air cleaner on (PN 1221 with spacer/PN 8093). Swap in a 180-degree thermostat. The computer makes best power at 182-degrees. Quick and easy and a great improvement.
WipLash R/T 2/05/2004 23:12:33	RE: Shelby 5.2 performance mods? IP: Logged Message: Gen1, I'm lost here. Your saying that the magnum heads will bolt onto the LA block? Then the reverse is true also? Right? I had a set of 340 heads I was going to put on my 1993 magnum. I was informed by Mopar Performance that this was impossible. They said it would be like putting the 426 heads on the 440. They told be that you could get the bolt holes machined in the block to line up but the water passages wouldn't line up. In 1993 there were no aftermarket heads available. So I was going to take a set off a 1971, 290hp 340 4bbl and put on there. They told me it would be easier to just swap the whole block out and fabricate some new engine mounts. OK, heres one for you. Dosen't the 1989 LA block have the oil going through the rocker arm shaft instead of the push rods? How are you going to get oil to the rockers and valve stems if you remove the LA heads and install Magnum heads? Has anyone actually done this? What I was wanting to do was possible because the oil could still come through the pushrods. I was going to have the rocker arm stands machined down to accept Chevy style rockers. MAJOR BUCK$. I gave up on the idea. The only way I can see oil getting to the rockers is if you run an external oil line. Of course, the old NASCAR engines had external oil lines going to the head anyway because Dodges were so bad about spinning the cam bearings and this would block oil flow to the top end.
gen1dak Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 2/06/2004 00:04:59	RE: Shelby 5.2 performance mods? IP: Logged Message: They lied! They also had no financial interest in helping you. The water passage bull....was just that. Cock-and-bull story. Nothing more. Mopar now sells the Magnum heads expressly for the purpose of retrofitting LA blocks, not to mention Magnum blocks. Roller-cam LA's started production in '85. It was then that they started oiling though the pushrods. Note that the rockers have the oil hole relocated slightly to work with this change. So, to put Magnum heads on LA blocks, bolt 'em on, and you'd use lifters that oiled through hollow pushrods to the Magnum rockers. For LA heads on a Magnum block, the Magnum is not drilled for the traditional rocker shaft oiling. They can be drilled for this, but there's an easier way. Quite simply, use the Magnum lifters(since it's a Magnum block), hollow pushrods, and the '85-'91 shaft-mounted rockers for roller-cammed LA's. Badda Bing! This works with roller-cammed LA's, but the same can be done with flat tappet LA's since 95% of the aftermarket lifters oil anyway. You'd just need longer hollow pushrods, and the '85-91 rockers. MP sells adjustable hollow pushrods, as well as sets aimed at these particular mods. This LA head to Magnum block capability is vital since some racers have several thousand hours of work in their heads, not to mention $$$. This way, they will be more likely to buy new Magnum blocks without fear of losing their considerable investments in heads. You can even have the Magnum heads drilled to accept the LA-style intakes. However, unless it's some sort of high$$$ race piece, with the M1's, and the upcoming Edelbrock Performer RPM AirGap, why bother? Hope that answered it for ya. If not, fire away and I'll get back with ya.
WipLash R/T 2/06/2004 20:13:27	RE: Shelby 5.2 performance mods? IP: Logged Message: DAMN! If your right, I'm really pissed. I shucked that whole project. I already had the 340HP heads. I was looking for a set of W-2 heads. At the time Victor-Jr had an intake with bosses in it for putting in nitrous injectors that bolted up to the W2 heads. I was going to machine those bosses to accept the fuel injectors. With the home-made cam I already had, and that homemade Vic-Jr I could have easily made 1hp/ci. My biggest obstical was going to be the headers. A custom header fabricator is very expensive!...... Them lying BASTARDS! Why would Mopar Performance Technicians say something like that? I knew all along that this was very possible to do. I listened to those idiots at Mopar Performance and gave up on my goal. That plus the near fatal accident I had in 1993 pretty much put an end to my hot rodding mopars. I'm just now getting back into the game.
gen1dak Dodge Dakota JOIN HERE 2/06/2004 21:45:34	RE: Shelby 5.2 performance mods? IP: Logged Message: Mainly, these people who are supposed to know more than the people with the questions, tend to be long on title, short on helpful info. Now, there are some real authorities out there. I'm not talking about them. Hey, the first time (early 90's) I bought brake shoes for my Shelby, the dealer charged me $60 for the front pads because they were "Shelby" pads. I bought the truck from them, and they stood right there and screwed me. So much for dealer loyalty. Live and learn, I guess. If the techs you spoke with even knew what they were talking about, you can bet they were told to not encourage your sort of ideas. I remember reading when the Magnums were introduced. The initial word was that few if any parts were swap items except maybe the pistons. They make a whole lot more money getting people to buy into a new program. New speed parts, all that. After a few years, the cat was pretty much outta the bag. They don't care so much now because they're on to new engines, but they'd still rather sell you some Magnum heads. The only problem you'd have with using LA heads on Magnum blocks would be if you were trying to run a solid lifter cam. Since the solid lifters don't oil, and that's how the system would have to oil the rockers, you'd have to have the Magnum block oil passages drilled like the LA block. Otherwise, late LA rockers, oiling lifters, and hollow pushrods. Rock 'n Roll! It was all about transition. The last of the pre-Magnum Commando heads actually requires the Magnum head bolt set instead of the LA set due to the changes that were being incorporated as they morphed to Magnums. I recently was in the same boat when asking MP about 46RE tranny mods. They stated, without exception, that the changes were not possible. See, basically, I got a free 46RE with the 360 Magnum I bought. I figured, what the heck. It was then that I found some genius had further screwed up the brilliant torqueflite design by making it totally electronic. My questions revolved around backwards engineering it to make it into a 46RH. They said no way. Got the video and manual from ATSG. Looks do-able to me. I'm using the A500 overdrive housing from my original, and the output shaft with governor and tubes. Got a HP A518 valve body a while back. It's been slow going. Never enough time. Thing is, unless you have all those LA parts layin' around, it's easier to get Magnum-specific performance, parts now (with similar costs unless eBay is cooperating) and just put them together. You know something funny? Comp Cams recently introduced a new line of shaft-mounted rocker assemblies. Why? Solid reliability, strength. They make them for most engines, including, get this, the 318/360 Magnum! I'd kinda like to do that to mine later on. I'm such a sentimentalist, I toy with the idea of putting an old-style starter on, just to make it sing as only an old Mopar can.
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