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gut
Dodge Dakota
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2/22/2004
15:27:38
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 Subject: Car craft 400 hp magnum 318
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I know some of you saw this. 400 hp with a magnum 318. There are no emissions checks where i live and i would love 400 hp from my magnum in my 94 dak. Has anyone swapped from efi to carb. I am willing to give up gas mileage for that much power. Wouldnt it be really cheap to just bolt on a cam m1 and carb. probly 370 hp with our stock compression.We already have the short block.
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WipLash
R/T
2/22/2004
16:22:15
|  RE: Car craft 400 hp magnum 318
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You might consider the 53cc closed chamber Aluminum Magnum Heads. That with some .032 head gaskets will get you over 9.5:1 which is what all the 350+HP 5.2/5.9's are running.
I'm considering converting my engine over to the non-magnum style heads just so I can run the Edelbrock heads and Vitor intake. I have access to a Bridgeport milling machine. I can make my own adapter for the throttle body. My biggest concern is finding headers to fit the non-magnum heads that will locate the exhaust manifold outlets close enough to the original location that I won't have to pay major bucks for having the y-pipe redesigned. They used have a set of headers for the 91 nonmagnum V8 Dak, but I have not been able to locate them lately.
Also, if the exhaust port spacing is the same on both the LA & Magnum heads I can make my own header flange. I have access to a laser. I can cut the flange off a set of Gibsons and laser cut a new flange to fit the non-magnum head.
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gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/22/2004
21:32:31
| RE: Car craft 400 hp magnum 318
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Wip, why not just use the headers for your truck? They'll bolt right onto an LA head. Also, you do know that Edelbrock is releasing aluminum heads for Magnum applications this year, don't you? Also the Performer RPM Air Gap intake.
Gut, I wouldn't sweat the compression issue too much unless you enjoy the costs of premium gas. Besides, in a few thousand miles, an engine will "carbon up" and easily go up 1/2 a point. Then you're rattling like crazy. There have been several write-ups in the past 2 years on this area. A stock 340 with unmodified heads scored 391hp with an Edelbrock Performer RPM Air Gap, and CompCams XE268 cam. Hot Rod managed just over 400hp with a 318, hogged the heads out to 360 size (port/polish/2.02/1.60), Air Gap intake and CC XE268 cam. Then there's the write-up you mentioned. Just be sure to get the right type of cam (roller) when you order and don't skimp on spring etc. Since the 318/360 Magnums have the same heads, you're another step ahead. These heads are a tad better than 340X heads in flow balance. Even unmodified, they'll support 400hp. These are great build-ups. Have fun.
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gut
Dodge Dakota
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2/22/2004
22:11:47
| RE: Car craft 400 hp magnum 318
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thanks gen 1
anyone ever done this swap personally?
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gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/22/2004
22:26:16
| RE: Car craft 400 hp magnum 318
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Sorta. I'm hip-deep in this swap now. Well, it's a Shelby, so I'm kinda cheatin' on the V8 issue, but the 318 is out and just last night I put the timing gears on, pushrods in, and intake on my new 360 Magnum. Stock heads for now. M1 single plane. Carter Comp Series 750 AFB, nasty cam...that's all I'm sayin' on that. I've been time-limited for so long, but actually had a chance to do a little this weekend. Oh, and the stock intake bolts are steel, not aluminum, as some have said, and they definitely are being re-used.
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WipLash
R/T
2/22/2004
23:21:34
| RE: Car craft 400 hp magnum 318
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Gen1,
There's no difference in the bolt-hole/flange pattern between the LA heads and the Magnum heads?
If that's the case then this will be easy. The reason I want to use the old style heads is the choices in intakes. I like the Victor intake. Since it's creation it has been the best small block dodge intake. It comes with the nitrous bosses cast in. I was going to have those bosses bored out and put the fuel injectors in there instead of nitrous injectors. If EDDY will hurry up and make the Magnum heads I might change my mind. If they hurry up and offer a MPI 2bbl TB intake I will definately change my mind. It also depends on the cost. They only want $1,3000.00 for the assembled pair of LA heads. That's what DC wants for a pair of bare castings. Then you have just one choice for an intake (M-1). I like having choices. It bugs the hell out of me that the Magnum is 13 years old and we still only have 1 intake to choose from. Besides, I probably will have the only set-up of its kind. A NON-Magnum-Magnum engine.
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gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/23/2004
00:02:51
| RE: Car craft 400 hp magnum 318
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Bolt pattern is the same for the heads to bolt to the block. Magnum heads use different length head bolts. Just be sure to use the to use oiler tappets and hollow pushrods to oil the top side. Magnum blocks have no provisions to oil through the block (but can be drilled if ya really want to). As far as I know, at this time, Edel will offer a carb. manifold for Magnums. No word on a TPI.
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Joel Petkovic
Dodge Dakota
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2/23/2004
13:22:40
| RE: Car craft 400 hp magnum 318
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What month magazines are the 318 builds you guys are talking about? Thanks.
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gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/23/2004
22:32:50
| RE: Car craft 400 hp magnum 318
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Joel, I've listed several articles on another thread where you asked about this.
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Joel Petkovic
Dodge Dakota
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2/24/2004
10:52:33
| RE: Car craft 400 hp magnum 318
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Thanks, I'll check it out.
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Scott
Dodge Dakota
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2/26/2004
00:00:52
|  RE: Car craft 400 hp magnum 318
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Hi guys! Sounds like good stuff!
I have a 1997 5.2L 4X4 Dakota and would like more power. What is the first step? The only mod I have made is a K&N filter! An extra 75 hp would be nice.
Any thoughts?
Thanks
Scott
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gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/26/2004
15:52:49
| RE: Car craft 400 hp magnum 318
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Address the production-line issues first. I tend to go in a different route than others, but a good, free-flowing exhaust will deliver instant results, and there's the ear candy ta boot. Also, any improvements you make later on will be fully realized since the exhaust will already be there. The next question is how deep do you want to go? How much do you want to spend. Are you willing to pay for premium gas? If so, the MP performance PCM will give a boost, but personally, I'd hold off until other mods were done. Roller rockers help free up some hp. Do you want to swap cams? If not, go for 1.7:1 roller rockers to boost the stock cam a bit....not as good as a performance cam, but if you're gonna go roller anyway, why not? 180 degree thermostat is an easy lo-buck swap. Then there's all the intake/better-flow TB stuff. Lots to consider.
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Scott
Dodge Dakota
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2/26/2004
22:36:01
| RE: Car craft 400 hp magnum 318
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Thanks gen1dak! Do you have a specific exhaust brand recommendation? What cam would you suggest with 3.92 gears and 5 speed? I'm not at all up on what the hot products are, nor what has been proven beneficial and reliable.
Thanks
Scott
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gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/26/2004
23:50:55
| RE: Car craft 400 hp magnum 318
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Exhaust brands? No, not really. And that sort of question can really start a firestorm. I haven't decided which way I'm going in that department. I did notice something interesting in Summit's catalog. It's a straight pipe chambered exhaust. All stainless. It's a contender for my choice. You really have to look at the product and see past the hype. I remember (mid-80's) a local muffler man telling me how my choice wasn't very solid and he had a better muffler. I went on about the so-called "parabolic reflector" it had (feeling really naive now). He countered by telling me the truth. That "reflector" was just a second piece of metal placed in the ends of the muffler (for protection) where the exhaust would hit directly. They were actually saying their cheapness was a performance enhancement. I took his challenge and went to the parts house to actually pick one up to feel the weight. Then I went back and compared. He was right. His turbo mufflers were nearly twice as heavy. The other mufflers were touted as being lighter and this contributed to performance. His were heavier, and he touted their durability. They were true double-walled units. They weighed more and cost less. Turns out, they sounded great too. First time I heard her run, the muffler man was grinnin' almost as big as I was. I know this isn't a huge help, but sometimes a brand name is something, sometimes not. That last bit of flow might be more than you want just because it sacrifices muffler life. Just check out the product. Does it feel solid? Don't be afraid of some structural weight. Welded seams are a plus. If you're concerned about weight, go with a single 3-inch system. It also offers huge flow. Now that I think about it....Doug Thorley...can't go wrong there, but others make good stuff too. Just don't be sucked in by the hype. You're the one who has to live with it.
Cam. Do you really want 75 more hp, or wouldn't torque be more important? Are you mudding or just want the extra power to push the 4wd along easier at highway speeds? The Competition Cams XR258R-12 would be my choice for a hi-torque cam that operates in the stock rpm ranges. For a bit more the Mopar Magnum RT cam--not a cam from a Dakota RT, or the CompCams XR264R-14. I wouldn't go any hotter than this unless you were planning on an M1 intake and a performance computer. I'm not saying these cams are better than any others, they're just what I'm familiar with. Crane has stuff. KRC offers stuff. Others as well. My cam is a custom grind from CompCams. It was kinda an accident. It's very, very close to what I had envisioned, but when I saw it, I'd decided to snag a Magnum RT cam on eBay. I got it for a song, new for $86. To my surprise, when I got it, it was a custom ground CC cam. I sent the numbers in, and the specs are so close to what I'd really wanted, it doesn't matter. Fate? Hmmm. Anyway, there ya go. Roller rockers are always a good addition since they free up hp with reduced friction. Have fun.
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3.55 owner
Dodge Dakota
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2/27/2004
04:06:31
| RE: Car craft 400 hp magnum 318
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scott, i have a 98 with 5.2 and 5 speed, it has 3.55 gears. what kind of rpm's are you turning in high gear? i have exactly 2500 at 75 mph. I want to go with 3.92's so i can get my 1/4 time down a little, but dont really like the idea of running 3000 plus on the highway.
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Scott
Dodge Dakota
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2/27/2004
22:50:41
| RE: Car craft 400 hp magnum 318
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gen1dak,
Thanks for the detailed feedback. I'm primarily looking for improved street performance. Stronger 2nd gear pull would be nice. I do some four-wheelin', but not as much as I drive it to work. So 300 to 325 hp would probably be fine. The question is can an exhaust system, cam and a chip do it?
3.55 gear,
I think I run about 300 rpm higher at 75. I will check and get back to you.
thanks
Scott
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gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/28/2004
17:28:17
| RE: Car craft 400 hp magnum 318
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Yeah, especially with a pretty good cam. For comparison, a 318 with Magnum heads managed to break the 400hp mark with the CompCams XE268. That's only a 224/230 @ .050 with .477/.480 lift. Granted, it's a carb setup, and that's on the engine dyno. Easily a street-driven engine that idles at 750rpm. I cite it just to show that 325 at the crank is relatively easy. The XE265R-14 is pretty close to the XE 268 (flat tappet cam). You will definitely need computer mods with a cam like that.
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Scott
Dodge Dakota
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2/28/2004
17:59:52
| RE: Car craft 400 hp magnum 318
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gen1dak,
Sounds like you're in tune with these engines!
Ok, what chip manufacturers should I look into?
Thanks for the help
Scott
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gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/29/2004
00:50:56
| RE: Car craft 400 hp magnum 318
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Well, if it be Jet or Mopar, they both state the need for premium fuel with the chips/PCM's intended for modded engines. One way around this is to run the Mopar Performance PCM and something like the MSD boost timing retard module. This allows you to retard the timing being dialed in by the PCM. You'll still get the fatter fuel curve, but ignition advance will be held in check. You'll give up a few horses, but will still be able to run regular gas. However, if you're okay with premium, personally, I've been partial towards the Mopar box in the past. The Jet deal seems to be just as effective, but I've not seen much hard data on them. I have seen data on the Mopar boxes for over a decade and I know they work. Then there are the stand-alone controllers from Accel and the like. Big money there, but nearly infinite in adjustability. I've seen a couple other names thrown around. That Hypertech Power Tuner is all the rage now for the newer models ('97-up). You could really customize things that way. I'd go Mopar of Hypertech, and the more I read, that Hypertech looks pretty cool. You could do the same deal with limiting timing, but fattening the fuel curve as you add mods.
I hope my advice is helpful in some way or another. There's a hundred different ways to do this stuff, and my views are hardly the only route. I don't want to come across like I'm the know-all righteous way or anything. There's always something new to learn about these things.
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bill dedman
Dodge Dakota
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2/29/2004
04:11:13
| RE: Car craft 400 hp magnum 318
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Can somebody please tell me what issue of Car Craft the "400 hp Magnum" story was in? Someone else asked too...
Thanks in advance.
Bill
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gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/29/2004
12:04:34
| RE: Car craft 400 hp magnum 318
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Take your pick:
"410HP Small Block for less than $3500"....Chrysler Power March '97
"390+ Horsepower 340 with four bolt-ons"...Mopar Muscle Feb 2001.
"Magnum Advantage. Converting pre-92 A-engines to Magnum Cylinder Heads" Mopar Muscle October '98.
"318 Power" 340+ HP Mopar Muscle Aug and Sept 2000.
"Junkyard Jewel. Build 400 HP for $1500" Hot Rod April 2003. 318 buildup.
"Cheap and Easy: 357 Horsepower 318" Mopar Muscle November 2003.
"Latest Dyno Blast! 335hp-400 ft/lb SMOG 360." Mopar Muscle. May 2001.
"3-8-Teen Dream. Bolt-ons add 100hp to a recon 318 Long Block." Mopar Muscle. December 2003.
"Magnum Head Conversion. Heading for a transplant." Mopar Muscle. August 2003.
"The Little Mopar That Could. A 400HP Bolt-together Chrysler 318." Car Craft. January 2004.
"Small Wonder. How to build a 378ci Mopar small block that thinks it's a big block." 471hp/465ft-lb. Mopar Muscle. March 2000.
"Return Of The Mad Scientist 340." WOW! 477HP Street 340 for $2500. This is the 390+hp 340 with ported heads and more cam. Mopar Muscle. November 2002.
"Small Package, Big Surprise. Big-Block Performance From a Small-Block Package." 602hp 340. Mopar Muscle. October 2003.
And one for the pre-Mag TBI guys...."Loada Dakota." Shelby Dakota buil-up all on a stock 5.2 long block that netted 13.69 at 99mph, including a small shot of nitrous. High Performance Mopar. November 1993.
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