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Drunkace
Dakota Enthusiast
 
3/21/2001
17:29:54
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 Subject: 87 3.9 gas milage and performance
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Message:
Hello..I just joined the truck world with a 87 AT 3.9 V6. I am wondering if 12 mpg on average is normal(plus or minus 2mpg). I am also convinced headers will be needed to replace the kinks in the factory exaust...what do you recomend. Is the K+N drop in air filter the only and best option for inproved milage for air filters? I love my "new/old" truck...fits like a glove but I'm used to 30+ mpg from past sports cars. If I could just get closer to the EPA's stats of 18 city 21 highway that would be great, Thanks...........
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Dean Caprio
Unregistered
3/21/2001
19:29:22
| RE: 87 3.9 gas milage and performance
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I have a 87 3.9 4 wheel drive and I get about 25 mpg average. I get about 16 mpg in 4 wheel drive in the snow. I used to get 18 mpg from my full size Dodge truck with a 318. I would do a complete tune up and if that dosen't help try losing some wieght from your right foot. Headers and a K+N will help but not as much as most people think. My Dakota is 100% stock with 188000 miles on her.
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Drunkace
Dakota Enthusiast
3/21/2001
21:39:10
| RE: 87 3.9 gas milage and performance
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Message:
Thanks for the reply...you're not kidding about the 25mpg are you? did they make a fuel injected 3.9 in 87? Mine is carbed....and automatic, I'm really worried at this point. I do have a small knock only heard at very low idle sometimes...what would that be? Thanks a bunch..
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87Dakota
Mechanic
3/21/2001
23:22:42
| RE: 87 3.9 gas milage and performance
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Message:
Hey, I've got the same truck. I don't get good mileage either. All '87's came with carbs. They switched in '88 I've got an '88 motor, but it was converted to the carb style. I get about the same mileage as you do. I wish there was somethin cheap that I could improve it. Let me know what you come with to get better mileage or perfomance.
Nick
1987 Dakota 3.9L, 3 speed, 220,000 miles
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Dean
Unregistered
3/22/2001
06:43:16
| RE: 87 3.9 gas milage and performance
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Mine has a carb. I've even checked the odometer to make sure it's right. I get 25 mpg going back and forth to work every day. I can drive a steddy 55 mph all the way. All I've done is replace all the wear parts with good replacement parts and run Mobil One oil, Changed every 2500 miles. All adjustments a spot on perfect. I'm a motorcycle mechanic and maybe my attention to detail is a little better than most. I work with motors that are about 70 cubic inches that put out 175 hp and they MUST be set up right or very bad things happen. Do the tune up, change the oil, change the air cleaner, run good gas and watch the right foot. Then clock your gas milage and you might be surprised.
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Drunkace
Dakota Enthusiast
3/23/2001
01:23:34
| RE: 87 3.9 gas milage and performance
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Message:
Hey fixed most of it...see"i have an 87 3.9L"
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Tony
Dodge Dakota
1/05/2002
07:36:21
| RE: 87 3.9 gas milage and performance
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Message:
What did you do to make it better? I also have an 87 Dakota 3.9.
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bret
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/10/2003
11:45:02
| i have a doge ram 1500 v8
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is this a good to drive back and forth to work that is 45 min a way or is there a better doge car truck extra that get good gas milage . we are loking to get a second doge
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Russel
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/10/2003
21:01:28
| RE: 87 3.9 gas milage and performance
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i have an 89 with a 239 cid engine i get about 20 miles per gallon and it has 265,000 miles on the trans and motor.
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Spencer
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/11/2003
00:09:42
| RE: 87 3.9 gas milage and performance
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Message:
um, i have an 88 3.9 and i get about 15 in the city, 21 on the highway, and thats with the 5 speed, i would love to get 25 mpg...the k&n did nothing for economy, the best thing i have done for it is make it more powerful so it doesnt work so hard, i put a new cam in it and ram air, that has given me about 2 mpg, but i heard that you can take the belt off of the smog pump and take off the old cat, and that will give you about 1.5 or 2 mpg
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Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/11/2003
15:04:40
| RE: 87 3.9 gas milage and performance
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Message:
Removing the smog system and cat made a huge difference in my MGP and the power of my engine. Id recomend cutten that belt any time any day if you havent already. Later.
Joe E.
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Spencer
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/11/2003
22:59:45
| RE: 87 3.9 gas milage and performance
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Message:
the smog pump thing works fine at high altitudes, but in florida and places near sea level, the pump actually does something, and it messes with the computer..fyi
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Dave Z
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/01/2004
16:21:41
| RE: 87 3.9 gas milage and performance
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I also have an 96 4x2 3.9 Auto CCab with 84k miles. Just did a trip of about 800 miles round trip and was surprised with 22.5 mpg average with a/c blowing the whole way. But in the city this truck just eats the fuel. Id bet I dont get better than 9mpg and thats just taking it easy.Ive recently had a tuneup and put in a K&N but that helped only a little. Im a little upset at this truck as I bought it thinking Id get better milage than what I have. I meen @ 9 or 10 mpg city I could do just as well with my 82 F250 460 BB 4x4. It averages 12mpg city but sucks on the hwy. I think i shoulda bought a Yota
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daddio
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/01/2004
17:02:32
| RE: 87 3.9 gas milage and performance
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Message:
CHANGE YOUR O2 SENSOR.
OR GO BUY YOUR YOTA
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88Dakota
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/02/2004
01:13:43
| RE: 87 3.9 gas milage and performance
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Message:
hit up www.dakotausa.com more help there..unless you think that a toyota would be better...and you need to check your O2 sensor...since that controls all of your fuel flow
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Dave Z
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/03/2004
20:44:23
| RE: 87 3.9 gas milage and performance
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Message:
Ya I was getting ready to have that checked as I think it was the only thing that hasnt been checked yet. I'm hoping that is what it is as this truck is pretty cool and for a small truck it is pretty torquey. But city milage leaves alot to be desired. Thanks again and I'll let ya know
Dave
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