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Dakota Performance
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Chad
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3/26/2001
16:23:16

Subject: 1987 3.9L
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I have seen alot of questions and responses on the '87 3.9L V6. Almost everyone has been mentioning a ticking noise from their motor. This is a lifter that has gone bad. This is a very popular poblem in these motors. I have one with 104,000 mi on it and the ticking started at about 100,000. The lifter change was not that big of a task and solved the problem. I too have also looked into performance parts for this motor. I am a true beliver in not putting in a different motor and just working with what came from the factory. I have also never been a huge fan of fuel injection. I am looking for people to point me in the direction for the following upgrades.

1. Cams (ohv)
2. Larger Carb or conv. to a 4bbl
3. Lift kit ( not a body kit )

I already have plans to do the headers. That seems to be the first up-grade owners have done. I know the motor has more potential than the stock 125hp.



JB
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3/29/2001
21:50:41

RE: 1987 3.9L
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Chad, look into the Mopar Performance Catalog for '01. It contains 2 camshafts, holley 4bbl carbs for $375, Facory headers, chrome valve covers, chrome water neck, and mopar performance ignition and K&N air filters. The catalog costs about $5 at any Dodge dealer and is worth it if you want the parts. I have the headers and the higher lift cam, it cost me about $500. I also put 31 inch tires on. I would recomend the lower lift cam and I have not installed the headers yet because I am trying to find someone to install a dual exaust. I would also recomend not puting larger tires on because it greatly affects all-around performance and wears on your drivetrain although they look really cool(did I mention that you have to cut out the fenders and pound in the inner fender for tire clearance). I hope this helps.



Chad
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3/30/2001
16:50:04

RE: 1987 3.9L
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I picked up a Mopar Perfomance catalog and even called the tech support number. According to them there are no aftermarket carborator options for the 3.9L.



JB
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3/31/2001
01:58:36

RE: 1987 3.9L
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You are right that there is no carberator in the mopar book, but all you have to do is buy about a 400 cfm 2 bbl carb. Consult your local performance shop and they should be able to direct you in the right direction.



jeffster
GenIII
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3/31/2001
02:06:45

RE: 1987 3.9L
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You want to upgrade to an OHV Cam?? That defies the laws of physics. If you have a push rod V8 it is impossible to upgrade to OHV. That is an entirely different technology and block.

Waiting for my black 2001 4.7 R.C 2x4 5 speed 3:92 LS

Drunkace
Dakota Enthusiast
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4/02/2001
19:23:48

RE: 1987 3.9L
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Hey Chad, was that more of a tick or a knock....got an 87 that shows a noticable knocking like sound at low idle in gear(AT trany), say for example being stoped at a light.



Chad
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4/02/2001
19:46:21

RE: 1987 3.9L
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It was a ticking, and it could be heard at all engine speeds, reving with the motor.



JB
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4/02/2001
22:45:29

RE: 1987 3.9L
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Hey chad, about the carb; Dodge uses a 2bbl holley carb and most of the shops I talked to said to rebuild the carb and that it's an easy job. Considering that you already changed a lifter it should be a breeze for yourself. I also have been looking for a suspension lift kit and have come to the coclusion that they don't exist or I just haven't found one.



Chad
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4/03/2001
15:34:53

RE: 1987 3.9L
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The carb that is on it is just fine. It does not need rebuilding. After talking with a performance shop we realized that with the motor built up with the cam and headers that the motor would work best with a carb of about 500-550cfm max. I am not sure what the stock cfm is but the motor does need to be able to breathe better. I have also found a place to get a 4bbl to 2bbl conversion plate that fits on the stock manifold. I am still trying to get more info on that though.



Chris
Dodge Dakota
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9/07/2003
17:37:29

About OHV
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About This Message Message That Was Posted Above:

You want to upgrade to an OHV Cam?? That defies the laws of physics. If you have a push rod V8 it is impossible to upgrade to OHV. That is an entirely different technology and block.

Waiting for my black 2001 4.7 R.C 2x4 5 speed 3:92 LS

-------------------------------------------------
My Response Is As Follows:

OHC & DOHC Stand For Overhead Cam & Dual Overhead Cam. The Standard Camshaft, Lifter, Pushrod, & Rocker Arms configured engines such as V6's & V8's are refered to as OHV. If it is not OHV that would mean that at least one or all of the engines valves are inside the engine block like a flathead V8 for example, or it is OHC or DOHC.




DakPilot
Dodge Dakota
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9/07/2003
23:42:35

RE: 1987 3.9L
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Chad, I really want to put a 4 bbl on my 3.9 (1987) but I don't want to spend the money buying a new intake manifold or the time looking for one in junk yards. If you figure anything out about that conversion plate, let us know!
Thanks



Spencer
Dodge Dakota
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9/09/2003
13:13:21

RE: 1987 3.9L
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jeffster...pushrod is OHV, and mopar has some overstock left over, if oyu want the page with the upgraded cams and performance tips, email me and i will send them to you, i have the largest cam they had left over, i have a carb on my truck now, a 500 cfm 2 bbl, on my TBI intake...it is a costly mod but completely worth it, now i have about 175 HP and 250 lb-ft of torque from my 88 Dak



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