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Tom
Dodge Dakota
10/15/2001
03:15:36
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 Subject: v6 power
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Message:
I've just ordered a 2wd dakota, auto, v6. My question is how others that own a similar truck feel about the power and speed of this truck.
As well as how would you rate the fuel efficiency of this truck?
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Zed
Dodge Dakota
10/15/2001
08:19:10
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
My 99 3.9 V-6 is a combination of poor performance AND economy.....the worst of both worlds...
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bernd
*GenIII*
10/15/2001
09:00:00
| RE: v6 power
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Runs 15.2's without problems.
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT - V6
Supercharged @ 10# w/Nitrous
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cbsdakota
GenIII
10/15/2001
11:19:02
|  RE: v6 power
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I have a 3.9 auto. Not too bad. Engine not made to wind up over about 4000 RPMS. With some work they have alot of potential. I get the 16/20 as advertised.
Project QUIKV6
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Zed
Dodge Dakota
10/15/2001
11:53:46
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
Please note, Bernd has alot of improvments put into his 3.9 I say when stock, they're powerless pigs.....If i had the hudereds or thousands of dollars nessacary to bring it up to a reasonable power level, i would do it in a second.....
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bernd
*GenIII*
10/15/2001
12:09:04
| RE: v6 power
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Intake, Throttle Body, Headers, Exhaust, 180 T'Stat, Plugs/Wires...all for under $1000.
This will definitely wake up the V6. it's not impossible...I had to spend much more than $1000 on the initial "trial and error" stages (years ago) to figure out what worked and what didn't. (Yes, I even tested the Helix TB Spacer, Tornado Air, and other "Snake Oil" items.)
All of the current mods come close to $5000 at retail pricing on my truck (including suspension, differential gears, and other "dressup" items).
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT - V6
Supercharged @ 10# w/Nitrous
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Dave_K
Dodge Dakota
10/15/2001
14:45:33
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
Bernd,
What is typically the order (for us poop ppl!) that you might upgrade...
I also want to keep the wife not so mad at me, so things like... "improved" gas mileage would help me out! lol....
been to your site, and just dont know what 1/2 that stuff is!
anyhelp would be great!
Dave
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Dave_K
Dodge Dakota
10/15/2001
14:55:43
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
LOL!! HAHAHA
that was a typo! should have read POOR!! ppl.
Dave
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bernd
*GenIII*
10/15/2001
15:07:07
| RE: v6 power
IP: Logged
Message:
Typical order:
(1) Cold Air Intake and Exhaust (You can replace just the muffler if on a budget)
(2) Modified (or V8) throttle body (again...budget depending)
(3) 180 T'stat, Plugs, wires, and a quality Cap/Rotor (consider it a "High Performance Tune-Up")
Those are the basics and they can, in most cases, increase fuel economy as well. (Unless you use the go-pedal as an ON/OFF switch.) ;)
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT - V6
Supercharged @ 10# w/Nitrous
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Dave_K
Dodge Dakota
10/16/2001
07:11:19
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
Thanks Bernd!
On your site you have a V6 modified, and a V8? Aside from replacing the throttle cable, what would the difference be? and would a guy like me be able to swap them out?
I am not a mechanic. i dont know most things on cars. i just recently learned how to do brakes... if there are good dir, i might be ok. Is it pretty complicated?
-Dave
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MESA
Dodge Dakota
10/16/2001
10:16:43
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
I'M BUYING SOME PLUG WIRES WHAT KIND DO I GET ?
IS IT THE BIGGER THE BETTER? 8MM OR 9MM
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MESA
Dodge Dakota
10/16/2001
10:17:37
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
I'M BUYING SOME PLUG WIRES WHAT KIND DO I GET ?
IS IT THE BIGGER THE BETTER? 8MM OR 9MM
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bernd
*GenIII*
10/16/2001
10:22:37
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
Dave: Swapping out the TB and cable are very easy. I can email you the instructions if required (or you can view them in the Tips & Tricks section on SpeedTweaks).
Mesa: 8mm is more than plenty. I run the 9mm wires because I wanted to (no difference in performance).
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT - V6
Supercharged @ 10# w/Nitrous
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Dave_K
Dodge Dakota
10/16/2001
11:15:59
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
I must have missed those instructions...
Ive been all over your site...
I am hoping that by xmass, i can save up enough for a new TB maybee..
Can i install the gibson Cat back you sell myself without a lift?
Dave
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MESA
Dodge Dakota
10/16/2001
11:19:37
| RE: v6 power
IP: Logged
Message:
what brand do you recomend
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MESA
Dodge Dakota
10/16/2001
11:30:25
| RE: v6 power
IP: Logged
Message:
will i notice a differance with 3923s and good wires on a stock 3.9
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Lesley
GenIII
10/16/2001
13:49:00
| RE: v6 power
IP: Logged
Message:
Bernd, I found and downloaded the instructions (TB swap) awhile back on your site no problem, it's been a great help. I keep a folder on my desktop labelled "truck" and whenever I come across something good I copy it. The TB I bought came from an R/T - it's still just a basic V8 though, right?
Jeez, Dave K, I hope those V8 guys don't read your "poop" post. We get enough "crap" from them as it is.
97 3.9 V6 Sport Club Cab. Black
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Dave_K
Dodge Dakota
10/16/2001
16:05:10
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
Doh Im sorry!
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Bluethunder
Dodge Dakota
10/16/2001
16:08:13
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
hehehe...he said poop!
v8s rule!!!
lol
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causseaux
Dodge Dakota
10/16/2001
16:31:22
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
I have one of the best looking 97 Dakota's on the road (at least I think so) and I couldn't catch Grandma Moses if she gave me a head start. This in one case where beauty is only skin deep. I let a friend of mine drive it the other day and he wondered if I had taken the engine out and put a gerbil in before I loaned it to him. It has four wheel drive (which I have never used) (a city dweller) and I suppose that takes a little of the power just dragging that around. As far as V6 go......this is my last. Should of stuck with the good old V8.
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DavesKota
Dodge Dakota
10/16/2001
16:45:11
| RE: v6 power
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I just got a 2002 RC V6, 5-speed, and the engine does have allot of guts, at least in a manual. I haven't driven the V6 Auto, but with a stick it's actually pretty quick.
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Spyder343
Dodge Dakota
10/16/2001
19:16:45
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
I have an '89 V6 and I love it. It runs great, and with the mods I have done to it, it's really lively, too! Some people are unhappy with them because they seem to expect V8 power from a V6. If you understand that you are buying a V6 Dakota and not a Z28, you will be as happy as the rest of us are, I'm sure.
Just out of curiosity, if you are so unhappy with your V6, Zed, why don't you get rid of it and get something else?
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umStefa
Dodge Dakota
10/16/2001
20:45:54
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
I love my V6.
But of course I don't race
I use my truck in the city, with occasional off-road sessions.
Biggest problem with the stock truck off road are the tires... horrible
2001 CC 4x4 3.9L
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justin
Dodge Dakota
10/16/2001
20:45:55
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
dave about the gibson install it would be kinda hard to do it with out a lift(not much room to work with) but just bring it to a shop, i brought mine to Monroe Muffler and got it done in like 20-30 min for 60 bucks which was not a problem, if you dont know how to do it dont f with it.
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Zed
Dodge Dakota
10/16/2001
22:51:41
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
I don't expect V-8 performance out of mine, i expext at least V-6 performance out of mine, not the 4 banger performance it now gives me.....and i can't just get rid of it.....i can barely afford the truck as it is and if i traded it in, i'd lose way too much money and i don't have the time or patience to sell it myself or look for something else at this time......
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Zed
Dodge Dakota
10/16/2001
22:53:01
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
And i'm mainly unhappy with it beacuse it doesn't run right and never has, not because of its lack of power.....
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Spyder343
Dodge Dakota
10/17/2001
00:38:45
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
Zed, do you think it might be a lemon? My mother had a 1996 Chrysler Town & Country LXi that gave her nothing but problems...was in the shop most of the time she owned it for warranty repairs. Most automobile reviewers like Consumer Reports (at least for that year) recommended it. Have you had to do any warranty work on your Dakota or anything? You might be able to lemon it.
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Dave_K
Dodge Dakota
10/17/2001
06:55:49
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
Thx justin, thats just what i wanted to hear! i will do just that.
you must be in new england? i havent seent them out of this area before...
- Dave
Manchester, NH.
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justin
Dodge Dakota
10/17/2001
08:17:07
| RE: v6 power
IP: Logged
Message:
im in pennsylvania
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Zed
Dodge Dakota
10/17/2001
08:29:45
| RE: v6 power
IP: Logged
Message:
Been there , done that.........i went through hell with this truck......i got a stack of invoices a few inches thick......most of them say the usual dodge "could not duplicate customer complaint" or "this is normal".....the arbitration route was a waste of time as well......i wanted to just get a laywer and go to small claims court but i have niether the time nor money (i'm a full time student and work as well)....by the way, the dakota was recomended for 99 as well by CU.....what a joke......the next year in 2000, they decided to retract the recomendation due to worsening reliability problems.....Still, i like the truck's ride and looks and i wish i could just straighten out the problems it has.......its a love-hate relationship...lol......also, the warranty has expired.......lesson #1: always by the extended warranty when buying a chrysler product....even though they don't like to fix things when they're still under warranty anyways...
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Spyder343
Dodge Dakota
10/17/2001
08:56:38
| RE: v6 power
IP: Logged
Message:
Jeez, that sucks Zed. Sounds familiar though. When Chrysler products lemon out, they do so spectacularly. My mom's T&C threw a timing belt after 15 thousand miles...at least they didn't have to attempt a duplication of that! I am sorry that you have had such bad experiences with a Dakota. It's really a shame that you seem to be an exception to the purported quality of the Dakota. Maybe you should start another thread listing some specific problems you've had to see if anyone else has had similar problems or found solutions. I'm sure everyone will be more than willing to help you out. Hopefully you'll be able to remedy some of the problems you've been having and start enjoying your Dakota!
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Zed
Dodge Dakota
10/17/2001
12:41:22
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
From what i've read, quality dakotas seem to be the exception.....i guess it depends on what some people's standard of quality is.......
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Steve L
Dodge Dakota
10/17/2001
15:32:47
| RE: v6 power
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey Bernd, which gives more bang for the buck, headers or changing from a 3.55 to a 3.92 rear end.
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causseaux
Dodge Dakota
10/17/2001
16:35:35
| RE: v6 power
IP: Logged
Message:
Spyder343, I understand that a V6 is not a V8, however, my V6 is not living up to what is expected of a V6. I also have a V6 Dodge Caravan and it drives and run like a dream. I have always put up with my Dakota because I like the ride and the way it looks, but it is getting worse and is basically a hazard to drive on the Beltway around the Wash DC area. It is either time for a change or some major modifications. Just wish I could get by those white dash dials in the later models.....
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causseaux
Dodge Dakota
10/17/2001
16:44:28
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
umStefa, I don't race under any circumstances, I just would like to be able to pull into traffic on the Interstate without getting run over from behind. Never have taken my Dakota off road so can't say anything about the tires. Thanks for the response.
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Lesley
GenIII
10/17/2001
16:47:50
| RE: v6 power
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Message:
There's got to be something wrong with your truck, I've never had any problem with mine getting up and out of the way in highway traffic, even on those scary merges with rocket-speed semis. Mine is bone-stock right now, with mopar tires. I have a few mods on order or awaiting install, I can't wait to see the difference... but until then, I'm still pretty darn happy with my dak.
97 3.9 V6 Sport Club Cab. Black
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causseaux
Dodge Dakota
10/17/2001
17:17:07
| RE: v6 power
IP: Logged
Message:
Lesley, That sounds great about your Dakota. I agree that there is something grossly wrong with the way mine is running. Is yours a 4x4? I know it takes a little extra power to drag that accessory around. My next one is not going to be a 4x4. My Dakota is going in the shop on Monday with a hope for the best. I still like everything about it except the power and I'm not talking racing power, just plain ole power. Thanks for the comeback......
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Lesley
GenIII
10/17/2001
17:58:51
| RE: v6 power
IP: Logged
Message:
No, it's a 4X2. The only time that mine has ever been gutless, is when it either needed a new cat, or when the timing chain was gone
Good luck
97 3.9 V6 Sport Club Cab. Black
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Dave_K
Dodge Dakota
10/18/2001
06:59:27
| RE: v6 power
IP: Logged
Message:
causseaux,
I have a 2001 v6. I have NO problems at all. I drive to work during major traffic (and home)...
This involves taking a hair pin turn, and then merging with a new highway, that is also exiting. (2 major highways interect). you have about 200 feet to do all of this. and there is usally a back up of cars waiting to get on to the highway...
so i nail it every day there, and i get going damn fast... sounds like there is something wrong...
maybee the problem is i treat my gas pedal as an On/Off switch.. haha...
Do you lose your vents when you stomp on it on the highway? My wifes father has an 90's something dakota. early 90's. and he said they do their vacume's funny. he did something to his (replaced some part of the vac system with a jeep part instead) and it helped alot.
He still loses vents when he stomps it to get on the highway, but it doesnt struggle as much.
anyone out there with an older dakota that might know what im talking about?
Dave.
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MESA
Dodge Dakota
10/18/2001
16:02:15
| RE: v6 power
IP: Logged
Message:
I JUST INSTALLED THE 3923S AND THE 180 STAT
THE REST OF THE TRUCK IS STOCK.THE TEMP IS RUNNING
AT A QUARTER AND IT STAYS THERE.IF I POWER BRAKE
IT IT WILL BURN EM 1ST AND SECOND BUT FROM A DEAD STOP IT WONT SPIN AT ALL.
2001 V6 AUTO 3:55 S
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Causseaux
Dodge Dakota
10/18/2001
16:59:29
| RE: v6 power
IP: Logged
Message:
Dave, thanks for the info. I am going in and drive one of the new ones and see if there is a major difference. My 97 Dakota has a bucking fit when I stomp on the gas. Feels like some one put a rope around it's neck. Thanks again, Allen
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