Dodge Dakota ForumDodge Dakota PhotosDodgeDakota.net Membership
  Forums   Forum Tools
22:21:20 - 03/28/2024

Dakota Performance
FromMessage
Pool Shark
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

7/03/2003
01:05:37

Subject: Lots of new mods, no power...
IP: Logged

Message:
(it's a 1992 4x4 CC Auto)
I installed the MP "R/T" cam, MP Springs, MP 1.6 RRs, M-1 Intake, MP PCM, F&B 50x2 TB, mustang injectors, open element filter, MSD 6A Ignition, MSD Blaster Coil, MP cap & rotor, MP wires, 180 Thermostat, all installed on/in a brand new Mopar 5.2L Long Block. I'm not really too impressed. I was hoping for a lot more. When I first started driving it, it was during the end of winter. Then I could smash the gas at 30mph and the tires would barely break loose at the downshift into first. I'm thinking the cold temps were allowing me to do it. Now I can't even spin the tires from a stop. When I first bought the truck about 5 years ago I was able to let 'em eat at any stop and do some mean brake stands. Now I'd be embarrassed to run it at the track, cuz I wouldn't be able to do a burnout.

I think I might have the RRs not adjusted right. They were nice enough to NOT include ANY directions what-so-ever...thanks Mopar... I searched the net and the only thing I could find was someone's advise for adjusting the Crower RRs. I went down till they made contact (snug with finger), then went 1/2-3/4 turn farther. Is this how you're are supposed to do it?

Any other ideas for what to check for?

Please Help ME!!

See my site for a full story of my truck with lots of pictures... http://www.poolshark9.com/dakota/dakota.htm



Ginther
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

7/03/2003
01:24:17

RE: Lots of new mods, no power...
IP: Logged

Message:
You didn't mention any exhaust mods?? Stock exhaust is not known to be the flowing setup in the world, not to mention and 11yr old cat might not be in too good of shape either.

On another note, The mods you listed move the powerband up in the rpm range. You will loose some low end torque with the M1, 52MM Tb, and cam.

Does it pull good in the higher rpm? Like when it hits 2800-3000 rpm does it come alive?

Your could get a stall convertor to get it in the rpm faster, but that's kinda iffy in a 4x4, especially if you off-road.




Pool Shark
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

7/03/2003
01:32:10

RE: Lots of new mods, no power...
IP: Logged

Message:
Oh yeah, I do have dual exhaust with a glasspack. The converter has been replaced about 4 years back. Once I get the trans "fixed" (rebuilt with a shift kit, possible converter) then I'll the exhaust. I don't want to do anything more with the exhaust until I pull the trans and get it back in.

Yes it does come alive in the mid RPM range and really goes at higher RPM. I raced a couple other trucks on the street with good results. I was hoping to be at a stop watching the light and kick the back end out on green.



NOS
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE


7/03/2003
01:53:16

RE: Lots of new mods, no power...
IP: Logged

Message:
nitrous...mmmm torque.



big_torque
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE


7/03/2003
10:00:09

RE: Lots of new mods, no power...
IP: Logged

Message:
You put all the mods you want on but if its not "tuned" it will run crappy. Put it on a dyno and see what your Air/Fuel ratio is. You could be running too rich or too lean.



Turkeyhead
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

7/03/2003
10:45:05

RE: Lots of new mods, no power...
IP: Logged

Message:
Mustang injectors...*sigh*

If it's pulling good at higher RPMs, but not down low, it's probably because the powerband has moved up in the RPM range (some of the previous posts mentioned that). Also, and I don't mean to imply that you're not capable, but you might want to take it to a dealership or Dodge-specific shop and have them run some tests...it may save you time and $ in the long run.



Merlin
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE


7/04/2003
07:36:16

RE: Lots of new mods, no power...
IP: Logged

Message:
Sounds like you need a lower (numerically higher) rear gear. As some of the replys mentioned, your power band is now in the higher RPM range. You need more gear to take advantage of that.



islanderpc
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

7/04/2003
10:54:56

RE: Lots of new mods, no power...
IP: Logged

Message:
what size injectors?
definitely dyno it.
if you are too rich it will run like a stuck pig.
also the others are right you moved your torq peak higher up the curve so expect better mid-high end power and a little less low end.



FastD
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

7/04/2003
15:58:15

RE: Lots of new mods, no power...
IP: Logged

Message:
Thats strange even my dad's old ford pinto could power brake. Maybe the trans is in so bad of shape it's eating all of your power. I would fix it first, but make sure you get a new converter with about a 3,000rpm stall. If it still runs bad I'd go back and look at the engine.



01Motorsport
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE


7/05/2003
02:29:08

RE: Lots of new mods, no power...
IP: Logged

Message:
What is the exhaust pipe diameter? With all those mods, glass packs may be restrictive. Low restriction catalytic converter? oxygen sensor? spark plugs (and heat range)?



Pool Shark
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

7/06/2003
13:13:50

RE: Lots of new mods, no power...
IP: Logged

Message:
To answer some of your questions:
Ford Motorsport 19# injectors.
The exhaust comes out of the manifolds and Y's into 3" in and out of the Cat and then goes to one big glasspack, then Y's into 2 1/4" pipes the rest of the way back. Right now though the pipes are rusted off right at the Y after the glasspack. Waiting to fix until I get the trans fixed.
3.55 is my stock rear gear right now. I'd like to change it, but I do drive it a lot on the highway. And with it being a 4x4, I'd have to change the front too right?

I realize that my power is going to be at a little higher RPMs but I still figured I'd be able to spin the tires from a stop. :) Anyways, I'm not really sure what is available for dyno testing at all in my area. The Tech School that I went to has a dyno and two of my technicians are still going there so I may be able to get them to test it out for me. I'm trying to remember what the Snap-On scanner shows as far as rich/lean mixture. I think it only shows either rich or lean with no actual numbers, maybe I'll take it right to the local Dodge Dealer and have them check it out for me. Otherwise maybe I can pickup a mixture guage or something too.

I'm really not sure what to do with the trans right now. It intermittently slips while shifting into second (60% of the time is my guess), and even when it does shift good, it still takes a while like it's delayed. Either way, my plan is to pull it apart and do a full rebuild and probably put a TransGo shift kit in it at the same time. I'd like to go with a new converter too if I can find one that I'm confident will help me out.



MG42PILLBOX
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE


7/06/2003
13:31:10

RE: Lots of new mods, no power...
IP: Logged

Message:
Hey man you bought the wrong short block. 5.9 is the way to go. Try a 408 Stroker and see if you notice anything HEHEHE. yo should be happy your able to chirp going 30,



MikeD
*R/T*
 User Profile


7/07/2003
09:32:01

RE: Lots of new mods, no power...
IP: Logged

Message:
Get a Transgo and a Mopar 2400 stall and you'll get your lowend back.

Oh...hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the R/T cam sux majorly...also what do you have your cam degreed in at? You could redegree your cam...if the centerline is at say 113 or 114, you could retard the cam 4 or 5 degrees to get some torque back. You may have it way too advanced that its a slug off the line. A good convertor would help out more than you think though.

Do the convertor and Transgo first, if its still a pig off the line redegree your cam or swap it out all together cuz that cam is crap. Goto KRCPerformance.com they sell Comp Cams...a way better cam IMO.

~Mike~

Get In...Sit Down...Shutup...& Hangon

   P 1


Post a reply to this message:

Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages


Name:
Email:
Notify me when I get a reply to my message:Yes  No

Icons:            

          

Subject:
Message:
 



Home | Forums | Members | Pictures | Contact Us

This site is in no way affiliated with Chrysler or any of its subsidiaries.