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Mr. Cob
Dodge Dakota
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8/25/2003
16:40:20

Subject: Need "chip" advise
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Howdy All,

I have a 1997 Dakota with the 318ci engine, sorry I don't know how many liters this is, the truck has an auto trans. My question is this, the truck gets 17 mpg, it doesn't seem to make much difference how I drive it or if it is loaded or empty, this leads me to believe that something could be done to better the normal unloaded gas mileage. Does anyone have any suggestions on cost effective ( cheap ) modifications that can be done by a shade tree mechanic that would help boost the fuel economy of this truck? Thanks.

Dave



LTU Dak
Dodge Dakota
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8/25/2003
18:44:28

RE: Need
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well, a cold air intake doesn't cost too much and it will definitely increase your mpg and can be done in roughly 5min, hood open 2 close. A throttle body costs around $250 (stock bored throttle body) and is also a very easy swap which will provide an increase in mpg. Headers and exhaust help slightly but much and the exhaust only helps if it's a single exit system, the duals really don't do anything at all. An aftermarket ignition system and related parts can help, that's free HP by providing a more powerful spark to the air/fuel mixture. If the truck has more than 60K on it, then changing the oxygen sensors in the exhaust can provide a noticeable boost in torque and power as well as provide an mpg increase due to the old one having gave an improper reading back to the pcm causing the air/fuel mixture to be off so that the pcm gave more fuel to the mixture than needed. That's all i know though, someone correct me if i'm wrong about anything. BTW, a pcm change probably won't give you much of any mpg, but the mopar performance pcm can give you an extra 25 or so ft-lbs of torque.
1999 318ci (5.2L) Auto 3.55 Ext Cab



shinnysideup
Dodge Dakota
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8/25/2003
20:12:29

RE: Need
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I have a 99 Dakota bought new. Untill it had about 2500 mi I was getting 13 to 16, I replaced the stock paper filter with a K&N and removed the 90 bend from the airbox to the inside fender and replaced it with replacement snorkle hose from the parts store. I cut a same diameter hole through the rubber filler between the radiator and the headlight. With the hood closed the intake gets a straight shot of air, I also insulated the entire airbox with reflective insulation, the airbox is just a couple of inches from the exhaust. I also changed all fluids to synthetics. I also run my tires at a higher pressure than what is recommended, I have replacement tires that have max load at 50 psi, I found that if I run the fronts at 40 and the rears at 33 I still have all of the tread in contact with the road. I installed low resistance plug wires, brass terminal cap and keep fresh plugs in it. My best mpg has been 21.6 at 70 mph with the air on.



kota318
Dodge Dakota
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8/26/2003
01:13:48

RE: Need
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ok, tell me is 9.5- 10.0 mpg in the city good or bad!?!??! i have a 97 5.2 wih K&N gen2 a dual flows



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