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brianj
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2008
01:51:29

Subject: cam on 318
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has anybody done a camswap on a 318? i got a 99 and im going to do one. any tips i should know? how long? removing the distributor and resetting the computer with the drb scan tool? is there a way toget around that? etc... etc...

oh and what is the spec on a stock 318 cam on a 99?

thanks



Mikey
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2008
11:25:19

RE: cam on 318
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Well, there is quite a bit more than removing the distributor and resetting the computer.
Your front bumper,rad,waterpump w/clutchfan(it's easier to just remove both without detatching them.
Your a/c compressor, alternator, the bracket that holds them in place, coolant hoses buy-pass hose,all your vacuum lines, electrical connections. Then your intake manifold has to come off(be sure to do your plenum pan gasket), then your valve covers and your push rods.
Also lot's of other smaller stuff that I probably forgot to mention.

Get a Haynes manual and be familiar with it before you start.

.432 valve lift, don't go any higher than .495.

Good luck





brianj
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2008
11:34:36

RE: cam on 318
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thanks, i already did the plenum pan twice..uhg.. so i know what goes on there. and all that.

yea i know that you got to remove the dist. so i guess ill have to get that reset.

how long did it take you?

was it worth the work?



gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2008
20:34:52

RE: cam on 318
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Use matching valve springs. Yes, it's worth it. Stick with a cam that is intended for computerized systems. This usually means 112-114 lobe separation. There are some examples that have 110 degrees that are computer-friendly, but they have compensated in some other spec to generate the required vacuum level for the computer. Mopar Performance sells the Magnum RT cam, .465" lift, no computer mods, and emissions-legal. Naturally, there are others. I like the CompCams units.
You can reset the PCM by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes. When you pop the distributor cap, mark the rotor tip location on the distributor. Mark the distributor base to determine placement, so you know where to put everything. Also note the rotor tip at the point it stops moving as you pull the distributor out. That'll help you get within a tooth or two when re-installing, makes it easier to get it back in proper position with minimum attempts. A white or yellow marker works well. When replacing the distributor, if you're off a little, you partially remove distributor (lift up about an inch and a half), the rotor will spin freely. Just turn the rotor gently then drop it back into the block. As it drops, the rotor will spin around to the new location. It's easy enough, and will have you lined up quickly if you marked everything as removed.



brianj
Dodge Dakota
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2/17/2008
12:20:12

RE: cam on 318
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yea i didnt think of removing the battery when i removed the dist last time. but thanks for the tip.

$125 later i got it back running from a shop that had the scan tool. ugh...

ill have to look for the magnum rt cam. i did not catch it.

thanks



gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/17/2008
14:05:42

RE: cam on 318
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http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/camshaft.html
The lower lift and duration would be better for overall street use, especially with the stock intake.



gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/17/2008
14:10:53

RE: cam on 318
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It's also the legal one. Guess I was thinking about the slightly larger one on my lift quotes. It's referred to as the Magnum RT+...about 10 mopre HP, more on top at the cost of some low rpm power.



brianj
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2008
03:24:20

RE: cam on 318
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yea i like to do some occasional off roading. nothin to extreme so i deffinately do not want to loose any low end.
wich cam did yousay you had?

i plan on doin this project in the spring so ill let ya know how it goes.
thanks



gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2008
19:22:03

RE: cam on 318
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Mine is definitely not a low-end cam (custom grind from CompCams). In your case, I'd say, get the XR258HR-12 from Competition Cams. It's listed as a super strong torque cam for 318 for idle to 4500rpm. Valve lift of 480". Looking at the stock lift of .432", this means it'll definitely come one a lot stronger where the stock cam is hitting a wall. This cam requires no computer mods. Hotter models "may" require computer mods.



BlackDak94
Dodge Dakota
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4/03/2008
19:51:03

RE: cam on 318
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What is the idle quality like on your truck with the 258? I have a 1994 Dakota with a 5.2L



gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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4/03/2008
23:25:45

RE: cam on 318
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I don't have the 258. Mine is decidedly hotter (closer to the XE274HR), but the 258 would be smooth. Not buttery smooth, but regular, even, with each cylinder firing with just a bit sharper pop to it. Sorta like where the stock caam sounds half asleep now, the 258 would sound awake, alert, and ready to go, but not lumpy, or rumpity.



BlackDak94
Dodge Dakota
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4/07/2008
23:27:06

RE: cam on 318
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How does this cam look for a Dak with a 2000 stall converter and headers and a flowmaster catback.. anda K&N Air Filter..
Since my old 550hp 69 stroked and poked 431 Charger I've been a huge fan of mopar parts!



http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=DCC%2D5007551&view=1&N=700+



intensedak39
*GenIII*
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4/08/2008
09:45:23

RE: cam on 318
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I have the comp cams 262HR in my little 318. specs are as
follows .480/.512 lift 206/210 @ .050 112LS

from the comp website:

HYDRAULIC ROLLER-Performance street cam for 318. Excellent
torque in 360. May require computer modifications.



i'm running it in a 95 4x4. i lost a little low end but i'm also
running 31" tires and 3.55 gearing.

midrange and top end are excellent for my truck. it says
computer mods needed, but you wont on your 94. i ran a stock
computer for awhile and then switched to the MP computer and
it really woke up. i'm soon going to put 28" tires back on and
switch to 3.90 gearing

this cam isnt smooth, but it isnt like that of a wild BB cam.
people do ask why my truck shakes while sitting at stop lights
and i just grin



gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2008
14:50:29

RE: cam on 318
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Looks like the Magnum RT+ cam you have in the Summit listing. The regular Magnum RT cam would be better with stock intake and other specs you listed, though either would benefit from an M1 transplant. The stock PCM will shut you down on the top-end while that (RT+) cam is still pulling, so I'd definitely plan on some computer mods (raise the rpm limit) to make best use of it.



gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2008
14:57:07

RE: cam on 318
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On the '94, I'd just use a stock 360 PCM from a full size truck. Much cheaper, has a fatter fuel curve for a cammed 318, and more ignition advance at low rpms for more low-end power.



BlackDak94
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2008
18:46:05

RE: cam on 318
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how would the idle quality be do you think with the RT+ camshaft? I want something with a fair lope to let people know its got a little somethin packin.. I plan on upgrading to an M1 intake manifold!



gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2008
22:04:14

RE: cam on 318
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It might be a little rough on idle in the 5.2, but with a rough idle, you'll definitely need computer mods. A lopey/rough idle means lower vacuum signal at lower rpm's. The MP pcm is definitely a candidate with that cam.



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