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Dakota Performance
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ALPO
Dodge Dakota
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7/26/2001
19:11:37

Subject: 5.9ltr Performance
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I have been researching ways to improve the performance AND gas mileage of my 2001 Quad Cab 5.9 Ltr Dakota. I have installed a Cat back Dual exhaust system already, and am currently awaiting the arrival of a K&N generation II filter assembly. Unfortunately due to the pre-cats, headers and a Y-pipe are not feasible at this time. In a previous E-Mail to speedtweaks I was recommended to also install an upgrade throttle body. In some of the strings of this site I have noticed that this will increase the power of my engine, but does it improve or hinder gas mileage? Are there any other suggestions in the area of increased power and economy out there? It does not need to improve both power and economy, but not hurt the other in the process. I want the most out of the engine in power but as others already know, these trucks do not give the best in MPG. There seems to be a lot of knowledge out there on this site. I would appreciate any input, Thank You.



Bill in Katy
Dodge Dakota
 Email

7/26/2001
20:27:50

RE: 5.9ltr Performance
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I also have a 5.9 2001 Quad. Mine is a 2 WD, SLT, fully loaded (most all options) with a 3.55 LSD.

I have added a Gibson single side 3" exhaust, Jet Chip, and a K&N filter (factory replacement, only). I got my Dak in December, 2000. I was getting about 12-13 MPG for the first 5000 miles. That's when I started adding my mods. About that time, I began running my AC (hot weather in the Houston area). Also, with each new mod, I had to "test" them out and kept my foot in it most of the time. Now, I'm getting about 12 MPH running the AC and ZOOMING all the time.

My most recent "mod" has been an Escort Radar detector. The dang thang is so much fun to drive, I felt I was going to get a ticket!!!

I have looked for a K&N FIPK and have not found one. I read a thread on this site from someone who said K&N had started making them. Where did you get yours and what is the cost (if you don't mind)?.

I have read many posts and web sites that claim that a TB upgrade improves performance AND MPG. I plan to have my TB modified and had intended to use Magnum Performance (in Houston) until I read the recent adverse posts (on this web site) about them. I have spoken with ASP Performance (noted for their under drive pulleys) and may have them modify my TB.

I have ordered and returned the under drive pulleys from JET. They do not fit the 2001 5.9. The 2001 5.9 features an integrated crankshaft pulley and harmonic balancer. This is only available from ASP.

I like the advertisment of the Jacobs ignition systems. They guarantee an increase in HP and MPG. The only problem is the price (over $400).

I'll bet you have seen a lot of "5.9 bashing" on this site. I have. When I bought my Quad, I test drove the 4.7 as well and there was no doubt that the 5.9 had much more power. I consulted with my Dodge service service advisor (I also have a 1999 Dodge Caravan) whom has a 2001 4.7 Quad. He told me the 5.9 has more HP and Torque but would get less MPG. He was right on all issues.





Alshadow
Dodge Dakota


7/26/2001
22:06:22

RE: 5.9ltr Performance
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ALPO

Recommend that you visit the MoparChat.com web site Dakota and Durango chat rooms. There are a lot of people who have done a lot w/ the 5.9 ltr. in both of these vehicles. As the owner of a new 01 Durango R/T, I plan to install several of the bolt on items. My impression that most of the add on's don't hurt mileage very much.



bernd
Gen III
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7/27/2001
00:46:08

RE: 5.9ltr Performance
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Mopar switched over to the intergrated pulley/balancer combination for 1998+ engines now. If you happen to break/wear-out/ruin/etc your existing balancer, be prepared to receive the superceded part.

HOWEVER, the Mopar Performance thin-dampener will work on the 2000+ 5.9L but requires the older style pulley.

Best combination: K&N Gen-II, Flometrics 50mm or Fastman 50mm throttle body and a set of Mopar Performance (or JBA) headers with a reputable 3" cat-back exhaust system.

If you're looking for computer help (aka: putting a chip in it), nothing beats the Mopar Performance PCM.


1997 Dodge Dakota SLT - V6
Supercharged @ 10#

ALPO
Dodge Dakota
 Email

7/27/2001
06:05:15

RE: 5.9ltr Performance
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Bill and Katy, I believe I was the person on the site that reported the K&N FIPK release at $400 retail after K&N returned that info to me. After some reserch though "Martelbrothers.com" had the kit for $270, only through phone orders at this time. My truck is a fully loaded (leather, towing, radio controls, etc.., (everything available except the larger outside mirrors.)) 2001 Black on Black Quad Sport with the 5.9. I did add a "ARE" sport cap to the back that matches perfectly to the body. I love it, but like you the MPG was below bragging levels. I believe with just the Cat back Exhaust added so far, my highway MPG has increased to the area of 16. I took ownership of the truck in Oct 2000 and already have 15000 miles on her - problem free. I should recieve the filter pack any day now and will reply to the difficulty of its installation and possible MPG and power gains. At this time the TB might have to wait, at $400 it is quite expensive. AGAIN someone mentioned headers - are they available for the 2001 models with the pre-cats? If so, are they beyond the levels of a back yard mech to install? Thank you all for the replies, this site is great.....



Blizzard
Gen III
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7/27/2001
07:28:54

RE: 5.9ltr Performance
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There are headers available for the 2001 5.9L, yes. JBA makes 'em. I'm sure others do also. But ... so far I've not been able to find out (from JBA or anyone else) if we'd actually see any performance gains from the headers. Those pre-cats and dinky y-pipe make me wonder.
If anyone has any hard facts that the headers will increase performance, let me know. I'll order 'em today.

'01 QC 4x4
5.9L, 3.92 LSD, loaded
www.geocities.com/blizzzzard69

bernd
Gen III
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7/27/2001
08:38:53

RE: 5.9ltr Performance
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The JBA Headers do fit the 2001 models (installed some already) and the performance is a little bit better. They were install on a 2001 R/T with just a Spintech muffler and Airaid Intake with on the IAT Adjuster to help things out.

We're going to be Dyno testing it either this weekend (or next) to find out how well they do perform.

On the PreCats, the 2001 models have the same HP as the older models and the performance is identical as well. No restrictions from the PreCats and the Y-Pipe design is actually better than on the older models.



1997 Dodge Dakota SLT - V6
Supercharged @ 10#

Blizzard
Gen III
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7/27/2001
09:49:42

RE: 5.9ltr Performance
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Yeah, I'd appreciate hearing how that dyno turns out, Bernd. If the gains are decent I won't put off ordering.

You are gonna do dyno tests of the headers independent from the IAT adjuster too, right?

Thanks

'01 QC 4x4
5.9L, 3.92 LSD, loaded
www.geocities.com/blizzzzard69

Mar
Dodge Dakota


7/27/2001
13:15:21

RE: 5.9ltr Performance
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5.9 bashing is just stupid. I know if my 5.9 came with 5 speed no 4.7 stock could touch it in the 1/4. My 5.9 durango can beat a 4.7 auto quad cab easily. And this is the 2000 4.7 with the 5 extra hp.



koz
Dodge Dakota
 Email

7/27/2001
17:05:07

RE: 5.9ltr Performance
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I have to highly recommend the Intense Performance Stage-III cold air kit. At first, I "only" noticed that my slight knock disappeared (I'm running 87 oct), which I was thrilled with. But, I went through my first full tank today and I noticed a 2 mpg improvement (14.2 -> 16.3)! This will require more investigation as one tank isn't enough data. But, I also notice that the low rpm "lag" is also gone (especially on these hot days). -Al

'00 QC 5.9L SLT+ 4x4 3.92LSD STG-III



Bill in Katy
Dodge Dakota


7/27/2001
20:13:35

RE: 5.9ltr Performance
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Header Info for the 2001 5.9L:
According to the manufacturers the following headers will fit the 2001 5.9. Apparently the 2001 5.9 is different from prior year models.

JBA Part # 1945s-1

Edelbrock Part # 6564

Gibson GP 301S (Stainless)
GP 301 (Chrome)

The best I can tell from their advertisements, you can expect 8 - 10 HP.





Swampdak
Gen III
 User Profile


7/27/2001
20:29:23

RE: 5.9ltr Performance
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Just remember guys most 4.7 guys have nothing but respect for the 360 it is just a few making the noise.

Y2K CC 4.7 AUTO 4X4 3.55 TRAC-LOK SLT K&N 16.35/82.41

Bill in Katy
Dodge Dakota


7/27/2001
20:59:41

RE: 5.9ltr Performance
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KOZ

You need to try the Jet Chip Sage 1. (I have both the Stage 1 and 2 chips). The Stage 1 will increase your performance and make your engine run better on 87 Octane than it will on 93 Octane.



Manuel
Dodge Dakota
 Email

7/27/2001
23:17:48

RE: 5.9ltr Performance
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I agree with Swampdak. I have a 5.2, I test drove a 4.7 but the price of a brand new truck was a little high for me. If I had the option of a 360, I would have bought it. I think part of the appeal of the dakota is little truck + big engine=fun.



Fluid
Dodge Dakota


7/28/2001
01:46:47

Mileage Differences with Mods
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I've kept complete gas mileage records since my 2000 Dak R/T was new. I drove it for 6 months before modding it with the following:
F&B TB Stg II
K&N GenII
MP PCM
1.7 MP rockers
Speedtweeks IAT Adjuster
Autolite 3923s
While performance and driveability have improved dramatically, gas mileage certainly hasn't changed more than 0.5 mpg - it's so small I can't pick it out of the background clutter. Most of my driving is in town, and including driving in the 6-month-long Alaskan winters my mileage averages just under 12. I do not drive passively, but not "too aggressively" either....no tickets yet! I'm pleased that my mileage hasn't degraded from the mods, and I'm pleased with the improved performance.



koz
Dodge Dakota
 Email

7/30/2001
15:11:19

RE: 5.9ltr Performance
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Thanks (Bill and Katy) for the JET Chip Stg-1 info. I am really set on sticking with 87 oct, so I will consider this mod. Do you have any info on who has the best deals on these? Thanks, Al.



Bill in Katy
Dodge Dakota


7/30/2001
16:13:26

RE: 5.9ltr Performance
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Message:
KOZ -

I got mine (and most all my other stuff) from Truckperformance.com. They have good prices, cheap shipping, good service and friendly sales guys, if you call (800.719.8100).

I just ordered Gibson stainless headers (to go with my 3" cat back) and an ASP under drive pulley. Yeee Haaaa

Bye Bye



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