| From | Message |
Shawn Lattimer
Unregistered
3/07/2001
18:12:05
|
 Subject: Question for Bernd
IP: Logged
Message:
Bernd, you seem to be the 3.9L master, so I am posting a direct question to you. I have a 2000 club cab, 3.9L, auto, 3.93 gears, 4x4, gibson single, JBA's, and a K&N element.
I don't race the truck, but I am tired of being blown away by wimpy cars and low class trucks like S-10s. I drive a lot of miles (I have about 34000 on the truck in a year) and I am looking for reliability. With my truck being nearly out of warranty, I am open to what changes I can make. However, the Dakota is currently my only vehicle and must always be running. How would you rate additional mods such as a supercharger, Jet module, or throttle body upgrade for my purposes. Money isn't the real object, but I want to get my money's worth with the mods I make. What are your recommendations??
By the way, I am a mechanical engineer, and a fair mechanic, so I do have a relatively deep understanding of what I am doing.
Also, anyone else with intelligent opinions, please add your input as well. I have directed this to Bernd only because most in this group seem to differ to his opinions.
Thanks,
Shawn.
|
Bernd
GenIII
3/07/2001
19:21:40
| RE: Question for Bernd
IP: Logged
Message:
Remember, you've got a 4x4 (not the lightest thing in the world) and it's being put in motion by a V6. ;)
However, a modified throttle body, would help out with the modifications you already have. The K&N, Headers, and Exhaust are airflow "enhancers". Unfortunately, you're still restricted by the throttle body.
(Engine basics: Air IN...Air OUT. The more efficient you get it in and out, the more power you make.)
Bruce still has a few Billet 48mm Throttle Bodies available for the V6's. Give him a buzz: bbridges@flometrics.com.
As for anything else, maybe a Jet-II Chip and a 180 degree T'Stat...other than that you've done all the basics already. :)
Bernd D. Ratsch
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT
Supercharged w/Nitrous
|
Bob
DakotaEnthusiast
3/07/2001
19:46:57
| RE: Question for Bernd
IP: Logged
Message:
Shawn..I would never differ with Bernds opinion.HeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHe HaHaHaHaHaHa HeHeHe
00 Dak.CC SLT Plus 4.7L 235hp 355 L-Slip Auto.
|
Bernd
GenIII
3/07/2001
21:01:02
| RE: Question for Bernd
IP: Logged
Message:
Cute Bob.....Reeeeeeeeeeeeeal Cute. ;) (heheheh)
Bernd D. Ratsch
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT
Supercharged w/Nitrous
|
Bob
DakotaEnthusiast
3/08/2001
04:01:44
| RE: Question for Bernd
IP: Logged
Message:
Well Bernd-thank you,but I'm not cute,I'm handsome.
Hey what up with the ToyCrusher?
Zoom Zoom
00 Dak.CC SLT Plus 4.7L 235hp 355 L-Slip Auto.
|
Shawn Lattimer
Unregistered
3/08/2001
07:20:16
| RE: Question for Bernd
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks for the reply Bernd. Yes, I realize that my truck is heavy and underpowered. However, when I purchased the truck, I was too late to get a 318, and I'm not overly impressed by the 4.7L. I actually worked on part of the developement of the 4.7 when I was an engineer for Borg-Warner autmotive. They designed the timing system. Based on being a completely new design, I am not willing to purchase an engine without a proven track record. Maybe in 4 or 5 years when some 200,000 mile markers are set, but not now. Anyways, I purchased the V-6 based on its reliability record. Now I just need more power so Honda Civics can't out accelerate my poor truck!! By the way, I sent off an email about that throttle body. Maybe I'l have one soon.
Thanks again,
Shawn
|
Bernd
GenIII
3/08/2001
08:14:09
| RE: Question for Bernd
IP: Logged
Message:
"I love you man!" (Comment on the 4.7L) ;)
Bruce really knows his stuff on the throttle bodies. You won't be disappointed with the performance of it.
On the Honda vs. Truck thing, even I still have problems with the lightweight, high-tech imports and domestic cars. It's a power to weight thing. (Not too many problems though...heheheh)
Bernd D. Ratsch
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT
Supercharged w/Nitrous
|
Bob
DakotaEnthusiast
3/08/2001
17:28:14
| RE: Question for Bernd
IP: Logged
Message:
I'm sure some clown said that about the Ford 4.6L engine,look at it know,one little kick ass engine today in the 2001 Mustang GT. Coop's for got the new 5.4 Lighting.Shawn if you would have gotten the 4.7 you would not have to be looking for more power today,and you wouldn't get beat by wimpy cars and trucks.Come on Bernd...are you going to have a orgasm over that statement or what.
Bob
00 Dak.CC SLT Plus 4.7L 235hp 355 L-Slip Auto.
|
Shawn Lattimer
Unregistered
3/08/2001
19:27:44
| RE: Question for Bernd
IP: Logged
Message:
You are correct....in some respects. However, the 4.6 Mustang has proven itself over the past several years. I am certain the 5.4 will gain the same reputation. The 4.7 may do so for itself in the future. But, I have seen many first run ideas return to the drawing board before the second or third year of production. I actually handled some of the first dyno tests during developement of the 4.7. I respect the power of the engine, but without years of real world data, I am unwilling to buy one. Especially with only the 36000 mile warranty that was available last year.
To tell the truth, I would not have purchased a Mustang in the first 2 or 3 years of the 4.6. (By the way, I worked on the timing system for that engine too.) As an engineer, I have seen new designs rushed into public without what I would consider "proper" testing. It is almost common practice these days. Hence the invention of the recall. So, in my infinite (HA!!) wisdom, I bought the decade plus old 3.9. I did this simply because the engine has a long record of reliability, and I personally know of several that have passed the 200,000 mark w/o overhaul, and actually without proper maintenance. So what if its a gutless wonder in factory trim. I am willing to work with what I have.
Even if I am still pissed when a bone stock Civic runs away from me at a stop light!!!!!!!!!!
Shawn
|
Bob
DakotaEnthusiast
3/08/2001
20:19:58
| RE: Question for Bernd
IP: Logged
Message:
Shawn well put.But I'm going to let my Mustang set in the garage and have fun with my go to work truck,you do not know what your missing.I love this little 4.7 engine,if It brakes I'll take it back and tell them to fix it,I got a bumper to bumper Chrysler warranty for 75,000 miles.Life is to dam short to wait for a 4.7 to get 200,000 miles on it, to see if it is any good our not[boys wanta have fun]
Zoom Zoom
PS-how do you like them apples Bernd!
00 Dak.CC SLT Plus 4.7L 235hp 355 L-Slip Auto.
|
Bernd
GenIII
3/08/2001
20:55:25
| RE: Question for Bernd
IP: Logged
Message:
yes....Yes....YEEEESSSSS! Oh...ahem...sorry Bob. ;)
Bernd D. Ratsch
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT
Supercharged w/Nitrous
|
Bob
DakotaEnthusiast
3/09/2001
04:18:59
| RE: Question for Bernd
IP: Logged
Message:
HeHeHeHeHeHe you get 4 stares on that one!
Hey Shawn,good luck on your quest for more speed.
Zoom Zoom
00 Dak.CC SLT Plus 4.7L 235hp 355 L-Slip Auto.
|
Bob
DakotaEnthusiast
3/09/2001
14:19:37
| RE: Question for Bernd
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey 50..you didn't ck my spelling,I did it again.HeHe
00 Dak.CC SLT Plus 4.7L 235hp 355 L-Slip Auto.
|
Russ
GenIII
3/09/2001
17:43:56
| RE: Question for Bernd
IP: Logged
Message:
Shawn congrats the on new Dak, I am sure your logic will pay off.Could you share any insights or info you picked up while working on the 4.7?Us 4.7 guys seem to be a little fanatical about the motor and any info you have good and bad would be great.If its bad let us down easy.
2000 CC SLT 4X4 4.7 L-SLIP AUTO 3.55
|
Shawn Lattimer
Unregistered
3/09/2001
23:25:02
| RE: Question for Bernd
IP: Logged
Message:
The only thing I don't like about the engine is that it uses 3 timing chains. The problem with this is that the cam timing can be negatively affected when chain wear occurs (80,000 miles to 300,000 miles, depending on care). Cam timing on this engine can also affect spark timing. We had a host of early engine failures due to chain wear during the initial runs. The problem was fixed, but I simply don't trust new technology until its proven. As an example, the early Taurus SHO used a special timing chain. A couple years later the engine was redesigned for a timing belt. Ford got tired of replacing engines because of timing chain failures.
All in all, I really feel that the first two or three model years of a new design are test cases. If a good track record is quickly established, great. If not, companies usually redesign the following model years. These things are really common.
Overall, I feel that the 4.7 is going to become an engine like the 360. It will probably be known as a brute strength, long lasting engine for the next 10 years. I'm just not a gambler, and I have to have the most reliability I can get. After all, I am a reliability (mechanical)engineer. (By the way, I work on refinery and power plant pumps, compressors, and turbines, for reliability centered maintenance programs).
Shawn
|
james rumage
Dodge Dakota
7/03/2001
10:38:16
| RE: Question for Bernd
IP: Logged
Message:
May I suggest that you get some hard data.
As an Example: I bought a 94 5.2 dakota new. It was SLOW. Dodge didn't think it was slow, their computer said everything was okay. After a year or more of going around and around with Dodge I made a trip to the dragstrip-my wife loved that! There was a v6 Dakota there and there wasn't enough difference in time slips between us to matter. Cut to the chase-found a dealer who was willing to swap a computer out of another Dakota to see if it would make me happy-took a full second off 1/4 mile time (16.1 to 15.1). I now have no faith in Dodge electronics. By the way, gas mileage didn't change, truck just goes faster.
So, go to the strip and see IF your truck is slow.
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
