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87Dakota
Mechanic
 
3/12/2001
22:41:54
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 Subject: better performance for 3.9
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Message:
Hey all. I have a 3.9L, 2bbl carbed engine. It doesn't have the umph that I would think it would, because it's a realativly small pickup with a good size motor for its size. It doesn't have very good get up and go either. Any suggestions on how to boost the engine perf? Not including power chips, intake swaps, or exaughst mods. thanks!
1987 Dakota 3.9L, 3 speed, 220,000 miles
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JB
Unregistered
4/19/2001
22:53:00
| RE: better performance for 3.9
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Message:
There are not many options available for the 3.9 2bbl engine, and the only ones that are available is mopar performance headers, 2 different cam choices and high power coils that are all available in the 2001 mopar performance catalog available at any dealership. Except for these three things there is nothing that you can do except buy a new truck. I know I have an 87 also and am very disappointed in the performance. I have installed the high lift cam and purchased the headers but have not installed them yet. The cam helped some but is a big job and not worth the effort.
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MPJunkie
Unregistered
4/20/2001
03:37:56
| RE: better performance for 3.9
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Message:
Slap your for head and repeat after me "Wow, I could have had a V8".
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Bernd
GenIII
4/20/2001
08:17:40
| RE: better performance for 3.9
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Message:
You'd be surprised on what's available for the '89 3.9L. Check the latest Mopar Performance catalog. They have head porting plates, cams, headers, valvetrain components, etc., (and a "recipe" for a 14 second or quicker 3.9L).
Bernd D. Ratsch
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT
Supercharged w/Nitrous
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JLK
Unregistered
4/20/2001
11:45:18
| RE: better performance for 3.9
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Message:
I was looking at the Mopar Performance catalog and the cams they have to offer for the 3.9. It says
Note: Mopar Performance Parts Camshafts should be used on the carbureted or supercharged engines only. When replacing an OE Roller Cam, the P4286808 pushrods will be required. Will not fit 1992 or newer Magnum MPI 3.9L engines.
Why dont the camshafts work in the newer (1994) 3.9?
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89DAKOTASPORT
GenI
4/23/2001
19:52:18
| RE: better performance for 3.9
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Message:
Is the mopar performance catalog online or where can i get one. I have an 89 3.9L and would like to do some upgrades to it.
1989 DAKOTA SPORT4X4 W/ 5 SPEED
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Richard Smith
Dodge Dakota
5/25/2001
15:35:11
| RE: better performance for 3.9
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Message:
My 1990 Dakota V-6 3.9 L Automatic loses power on the slightest hill. Plugs,Ignition wires,Vacuum all check OK. Seems to be getting fuel OK. I have noticed that the timing advances good from idle speed in Neutral. In Drive, against the foot brake, the timing retards 20 + degrees at about 1200 rpm - put the pedal to the floor and I get no more RPM, acts the same way on the road. Any ideas?? MAP sensor ??
Thanks, Richard
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Bernd
Gen III
5/25/2001
16:04:14
| RE: better performance for 3.9
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Message:
The cams won't work on the '92 models as they use Hydraulic Roller Cams...not standard Hydraulic. You can find custom ground cams for the 3.9L (1992+ models).
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT - V6
Supercharged @ 10#
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Ryan Kane
Dodge Dakota
5/25/2001
22:06:21
| RE: better performance for 3.9
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Message:
Don't let anyone fool you. There are plenty of mods and upgrades for the early Generation I Dakota's. I would know. I own a 1989 Dakota 4x4 3.9L EFI. Check out this website for lotsa info:
http://www.geocities.com/Baja/Desert/1727/GenIModifications.html
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Bernd
Gen III
5/25/2001
22:38:04
| RE: better performance for 3.9
IP: Logged
Message:
Yup...the Mopar Performance catalog (as stated previously) has a snot-load of parts for the Pre-Magnum engines ('88-'91).
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT - V6
Supercharged @ 10#
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Ryan Kane
Dodge Dakota
5/28/2001
23:54:04
| RE: better performance for 3.9
IP: Logged
Message:
Here's another tip for ya: Buy an older copy of the Mopar Performance catalog, like 1991 or 1992, etc. It will have part numbers of parts for upgrading your Gen I Dakota.
Even if these are outdated and no longer in production, you can still approach a dealer with that part number, and they can look it up in the computer system, and let you know somebody in the USA will or will not have it in their inventory, probably in the back of their warehouse collecting dust.
I did this with a whole Mopar Walker Evans offroad package. I found a guy in Vermont that had that package I was looking for. It was sitting in the back of his dealer's shop "collecting dust" and was "dying to get rid of it". I bought it all for $200, when in 1989 it went for $1200. And the condition was NEW.
So its ok if part numbered products are discontinued. That doesnt mean they are not available. Somewhere. From somebody!
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chip
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/21/2002
20:37:05
| RE: better performance for 3.9
IP: Logged
Message:
I own , since new an 89 dakota conv 3.9L all the 3.9 L's with efi have roller cams ! The MP cams will work , but u will loose roller and a lot of money to gain nothing !!! were are these custom grinds?
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JOSEY
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/24/2005
22:08:46
| RE: better performance for 3.9
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Message:
IM LOOKING FOR PUSHRODS FOR MY 91 DAKOTA 3.9L. I HAVE A MOPAR CAM FOR LIGHT COMPETITION AND I NEED TO FIND PUSH RODS FOR IT. PUSH ROD #P4286808 SPECICS ON THE CAM: HYD. LIFT .450/.455 , OVERLAP 50 , DUR.268/272 , CENTERLINE 110. PART # FOR CAM P4452814. MY PROBLEM IS YOU CAN NOT ORDER ANY MORE PUSH RODS FOR THIS CAM THEY HAVE BEEN CANCLED AN THERE IS ONLY ONE LEFT AND ITS IN MONTANA. PLEASE HELP.
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dak287
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/24/2005
22:21:10
| RE: better performance for 3.9
IP: Logged
Message:
u 3.9 guys better start complaining at your dealerships!!chant after me "we want parts"
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vern
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/25/2005
17:29:13
| RE: better performance for 3.9
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Message:
josey-is this the MP flat tappet cam? if it is then the push rods from the earily 273/318/340/360
NON-ROLLER CAM/LIFTERS are the same
summit part#sum-G6408 $31.95
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vern
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/25/2005
17:45:37
| RE: better performance for 3.9
IP: Logged
Message:
josey i forgot, i have a ported and polished throttle body for your truck i,d sell $85 shipped,i did several awhile back and this is the only one i did,nt sell,
it helps some across the board,
i,ll have a set of crane 1.6 roller rockers/shafts and pushrods in a couple months for sell for the premag v6 3.9s,
i,m rebuilding another motor now for my truck
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josey
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/30/2005
00:18:55
| RE: better performance for 3.9
IP: Logged
Message:
VERN THANKS FOR THE HELP. aLSO I WILL GET BACK TO YOU ABOUT THE THOTTLE BODY. I WOULD LIKE TO IT OR A PICTURE OFF IT OR SOMETHING. ALSO DO YOU KNOW WERE TO GO TO REPROGRAM THE COMPUTER FOR MY TRUCK SO IT WILL WORK WITH THAT CAM PLUS I HAVE A SUPERCHARGER THAT I HAVE NOT YET DECIDED IF I WILL PUT IT ON OR NOT BUT IF I DID I HAVE TO KNOW WERE TO PROGRAM THE COMPUTER FOR THAT ALSO. SO WOULD YOU KNOW WERE TO GET THIS TASK DONE OR HOW MUCH IT WILL COST.
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vern
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/30/2005
09:48:23
| RE: better performance for 3.9
IP: Logged
Message:
JOSEY-i don,t have a digital camera for pics.
B&G Chrysler use to rechip them[pcm]but i called them and the guy told me they was,nt at the time
maybe now they are
you will have to check around
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ugh
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/31/2005
00:15:13
| RE: better performance for 3.9
IP: Logged
Message:
thanks for digging up the 4 year old thread
you couldn't just start a new topic ?
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Stafford
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/01/2005
00:45:42
| RE: better performance for 3.9
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Message:
For Richard Smith
I too have a 1990 3.9 with the same problem. If you find out what retards the timing for these motors, let me know.
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Ken Rusakovich
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/01/2005
10:16:48
| RE: better performance for 3.9
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Message:
For Richard Smith
I have 1988 3.9 with the same problem.So I do for know is move the timing so when retards it adjusts its self for know,because I tow my antiuqe tractor to tractor pulls.I am looking to put a V8 in it. The only thing after a time the computer adjust its self to the original setting and start adusting all over again.
P.S It almost at point taking the tractor off the trailer and pulling the truck up the hill with the tractor.
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