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Dakota Performance
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crm
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2002
02:05:47

Subject: $500 - what to get first?
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Hey guys,

I am new here, so plz forgive me if this is a tired topic. Just bought a 2001 Quad Cab SLT with the 4.7L (automatic). What are the best things I can do for this truck that will #1 - Increase fuel efficiency? and #2 - Improve performance? Please keep in mind I have a small beginners budget (up to $500) to match my limited knowledge :)

After reading a bunch of previous posts, it seems that a new air intake system (K&N, etc), Autolite 3923's, and a 180 deg t-stat are among the top choices. If possible, could I get some additional input on those choices or some alternatives?

Thanks in advance, this forum has already been plenty helpful.





kota on 20s
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5/22/2002
03:32:01

RE: $500 - what to get first?
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you can get the high output cams. they are like $125 or so, and also the HO intake manifold. i think its like $150.

then a intake, and maby a muffler

Eric, 98 5.2 5speed, K&N gen II, 50mm TB, 2bbl M-1, 1.7RR's, JBA ciramic headers, carsound cat, dumped gibson, and a lot more

Jeff W
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2002
06:49:42

RE: $500 - what to get first?
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What to get first...get an envelope. Put my address on it. Put the $500 in the envelope...

Kidding aside, I would start with a good cat back exhaust system (around $250-$300 I have Gibson & love it)
then get some kind of bed cover to keep the tailgate out of the wind, especially if you do alot of hi-way driving.
You could buy an aftermarket cold air kit or make your own for around $60. Mine has the home made kit on it & works great. Do a search for "cold air intake" & you'll find a link to instructions on how to do this easy mod.




kevster
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2002
18:28:30

RE: $500 - what to get first?
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Flowmaster Delta Flow series 50 muffler, 180 T-stat, and Autolite 5224 plugs, DO NOT USE PLATINUM PLUGS on a 4.7. And use a drop in K&N Air filter.. see and feel the gains, I did..



ole
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5/22/2002
19:04:05

RE: $500 - what to get first?
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Kevster,

Just curious, why not use platinum plugs ?
Personal experience ?
(or the same rumor propogated by a "mechanic")

I have 20K Miles on my Bosch +4s, Truck Runs
Perfect, Hauls A$$ . . .



ha ha
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2002
19:06:42

RE: $500 - what to get first?
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three $100 per hour hookers
a $200 hotel room




Rob
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5/22/2002
19:17:12

RE: $500 - what to get first?
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I would get an intake first then do your themostat and plugs. With your limited budget I would just get the muffler replaced, dont buy a catback system. A muffler shop will replace it for like $100 or less.Then take the rest of your money and save it for future mods.

180 thermostat,Z-Tube,Magnaflow exhaust,jet mod,,Auto lite 3923's,SS bumper cover,Stull full billet grill and shell,SS rollpan,Apc clear corners&euro tails,DJM 2inch control arms & 3 inch block

Chris250
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5/22/2002
20:19:53

RE: $500 - what to get first?
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The HO intake manifold for the 4.7, is this our version of the m1 2bbl? What kind of gains can be expected from this? Whats installation like?



kevster
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2002
20:40:36

RE: $500 - what to get first?
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The stock intake on the 4.7 is fine, i wouldnt waste my money on a aftermarket one, the Platinum plugs are a No No, Dodge even says No. Because of the coil on plug design, Heat is the factor, copper dissipates heat much better than Platinum. I like the comment from ha ha, hookers and a hotel room, Oh yeah Lets PARTY!!



DR. D
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2002
21:36:31

RE: $500 - what to get first?
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Where does Dodge make that statement ?

I just think they want you to use "crappy" plugs
so that they can change them everytime you go to
have it serviced.





D
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2002
21:59:03

RE: $500 - what to get first?
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best mods for the 4.7 are to let it breath easier
(intake + catback) and make it run cooler (180
stat)

cams, etc would come later. free mods would
include removing clutch fan (after 180 stat
installed) and porting/polishing your throttle
body (very easy, minimal amount of time and
work)

D
01/4.7/CC/airaid+3"homebrewed/180stat/Jet2
TBspacer/ported-polished68mmTB/Dynomax
RaceWeldedMuffler+3"catback/NoClutchFan
DJMdrop3-6

HO cams, HO intake manifold and Sure Grip
Limited Slip are in the mail ! ! ! !



CW
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5/22/2002
21:59:13

RE: $500 - what to get first?
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I wouldn't get to excited about the HO intake. It is minimal at best by its self but matches the cams pretty well.

2001 4.7HO RC 5sp 3.92 LSD

Click on thumbnail for mods.

Dr. D
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2002
22:02:57

RE: $500 - what to get first?
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$500.00 !!!!!!

For Five Hundred Dollars I can get you a whole lot
of High-Performance parts for your Dakota!

Can you wait until after dark though ?



Just kidding !



crm
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2002
22:08:29

RE: $500 - what to get first?
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wow, you guys are quick!

some follow-up questions:

1. recommendations on best muffler (catback is prolly too much $ for right now)

2. any links for best 4.7l home-made intake? found a bunch for the 5.2/9L engines, but nothing yet on the 4.7l.

3. guy at work (former '00 R/T owner) said a 180 t-stat would be no good cuz the computer would try to compensate for it. any truth to this? would i need to reset the PCM?

thanks to all for your responses!



crm
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5/22/2002
22:10:37

RE: $500 - what to get first?
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p.s - i asked the wife and she said "no" to the hooker idea :(

p.p.s. - Dr. D, she said "yes" to your idea..hehe



kevster
Dodge Dakota
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5/23/2002
08:48:36

RE: $500 - what to get first?
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My 4.7's I have two Daks, run very well with the 180 T-stat. and I like the Flowmaster 50 series, i run the 50 series on both my Daks.. The PCM compensates for the cooler engine, and runs way better performance wise. I have seen no loss in fuel mileage, nor can i tell the engine runs richer. I like the 180 T -stat.



drew
Dodge Dakota
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5/23/2002
15:45:22

RE: $500 - what to get first?
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500 bones is some good cash, but the question is " What do you do with your truck or what would you like to do with your truck". Personally, I have the 4.7L QC and I tow a boat, wave runners, snowmobiles e.c.t., so for me I need torque. This rules out a catback system larger than 2.5in pipes because it will rob you of torque, just ask around. The cams are the best bang for your buck, that will definetly improve performance, and next would be a simple air intake, anything too big and you will lose bottom end, especially with a bigger throttle body 70mm+! The thermostat is a great addition and so is earning interest in the bank!



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