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Adam
Dodge Dakota
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9/24/2005
17:05:01
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 Subject: 5.9L Upgrades??
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I've got a 2003 dodge dakota quad cab sport with a 5.9L V8, I really dont know much about engines, so i was wondering what some of you would say are the best engine upgrades as far as price/reward is concerned?
-Adam
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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9/24/2005
21:31:14
|  RE: 5.9L Upgrades??
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I didn't know they still made that engine in 2003, thought 2001 or 2002 was the last year. Learn something new every day.
Anyway, your question is rather broad and vague, so without further definition any answers will be broad and vague. It's like asking, "I need to make a repair, what tool should I use?"
To make any kind of improvement, you have to have a plan. Otherwise you're just wasting money and time on various parts, rather than putting together a reasonable package.
So, what kind of driving will you normally be doing? Where do you want the power upgrade to be (speed, rpm, launch, cruise)? Will you be towing? If so, how much and how often? Do you want it to look and sound good? Or do you want it to really perform?
Think about what you're going to use the truck for the most, and where you would like it to perform the best. Also think about what you're willing to give up, since performance mods are often a trade off.
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Adam
Dodge Dakota
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9/24/2005
21:50:32
| RE: 5.9L Upgrades??
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well I'm already planning to get some bigger rims with low profile tires ( should improve handling ) so for the most part it will be used on the street unless i get into some weird situation and end up in the mud, i think the main thing would be acceleration , i definately like that it will burn out if i hit the gas and brake at the same time dunno if thats cuz of horsepower or torque or what (like i said i dont know much about engines) but i would like to see that ability improved..thanks for the help
-Adam
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jakesurfco
Dodge Dakota
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9/25/2005
01:36:54
| RE: 5.9L Upgrades??
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i have a 99 club cab rt with powerdyne super charger 9 lb pully with waste gate gibson headers no cat with o2 sym (no check engine light) 3 inch exaust flomaster mufler helix power tower shift kit. just wondering if u guys had ne more good up grades (chips,throtle bodys,msd ignition, dif gears,etc)
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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9/25/2005
14:32:57
| RE: 5.9L Upgrades??
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Better wheels and tires is usually an excellent upgrade; improves performance and looks both. Of course, if you add a 20" wheel and a Z rated tire, you won't be able to tow or haul much.
Also in the handeling department, look for better brakes. That will allow you to drive deeper into the corners, and give you greater consistancy. At the very least a good quality solid rotor and carbon fiber pad. Do some research here on the board and other high performance boards for good brake selection; that's a whole new thread right there.
For better off the line performance, swapping to lower rear gears is about the best bang for the buck. You won't gain any HP, but you'll apply more torque to the pavement. You probably have 3.55 with an open diff. Got to at least 3.92 and LSD. Some people go with 4.10's. If you rarely drive aboove 65mph, 4.10's would be a good choice.
A cold air intake has been shown to improve power. A cat back system and aftermarket ignition will add ZERO power to a stock engine. K&N flat panel filters are of dubious value. Don't waste money there.
Certainly reprogram the computer. There's lot of power to be gained there, it's cheap, and generally takes less than 15 minutes (including reading the instructions). I would do this first.
Consider a blower. You get a lot of power with a relativly small investment in money and time. The downside is they do tend to increase engine wear. And if your engine has a lot of miles on it, it may hasten it's demise.
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Adam
Dodge Dakota
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9/26/2005
03:04:40
| RE: 5.9L Upgrades??
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Its got 40k miles on it so far , i have a waranty that goes to 80,000 if i change out the diff gears and reprog the comp will that void my warranty? Thanks alot for the help
-Adam
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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9/26/2005
21:12:56
| RE: 5.9L Upgrades??
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To void any warrenty repair, they have to prove that the failure was caused by the mods you made. So if you change rear diff gears, and the bearing fails, you're on your own. But if the trans fails or you drop a valve, it's still covered.
On that note, be aware of problems with chrysler rear ends. The carrier bearings are pretty famous for failing at the 60-80K mark, so yours may not last long. Plan on rebuilding the diff, adding LSD, and swapping gears. That will cost you about $800'ish.
For the computer, they could make a case that the changes in timing and fuel curves caused an engine failure, because the engine was operating beyond design parameters. If you ever need to take it in for repair of any type, just reprogram the computer back to stock and there won't be any arguments. I don't recommend the mopar computer. It won't void any warrenty, but it doesn't make any more power, either.
A drastic change like a blower will most likely void any drive train warrenty. It's easy to "prove" that a 50% increase in torque will cause driveline parts failures.
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Victor
Dodge Dakota
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1/30/2016
02:47:36
| RE: 5.9L Upgrades??
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Message:
So I got a 01 quad cab 4x4 with a 5.9
I'm wonder what my options are with chips want
to gain the most hp torque and fuel economy as
possible
I also need help with approaching dual exhaust
Want to do straight pipes with headers but
really don't know what to expect price wise or
if I can go actual straight pipes with the
transfer case down there
Its a work truck and I spend allot of time in
it also I want to avid any major motor work
until it's paid off
Eventually I want to do a stroker kit
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