1997 Dodge Dakota V6/5spd
(High Output Edition)

(1997 Dodge Dakota V6 /5spd - 260HP)
 

Some have asked "Why do this to a V6 when you could have opted for a V8?".  Easy - why be normal?  We were able to easily get V8 power out of a V6 without the use of Nitrous and/or Super/Turbocharging.  Yes, I run Nitrous but only when absolutely needed (track, passing at higher speeds, or just playing around).  So, for those with V6 Dakotas or Rams...here's an example of what you can do.  For those with V8's...be careful who you try to mess with.  Just because is says "V6"...doesn't mean it's going to be slow.  Is the truck the quickest out there...by no means.  However, she can handle herself very well when required and have had a few compliments from others (yes...who I've lost to) on how quick she is (most common compliment is: "Damn...that's a V6?!?"  She's no Syclone or Supercharged Toyota...but hey, Mopar never claimed to be easy to get parts for nor easy to tune.

I've played around with different combinations over the years (with this being the 3rd engine) and have used Nitrous, Supercharging, a combination of both, and naturally aspirated with just about every possible "gadget" out there...this combination works and runs well on pump gas (92-93 octane only though).  Mileage is a consistent 18-19mpg on the highway with an average of 14-15 in the city.  The gearing has been changed in the past from the original 3.55:1 to 4.10, 3.90, and then back again to OEM.  The only reason for going back to the 3.55's is for high-speed runs...100+mph with 4.10's doesn't work well.  I used to use the truck for weekend 1/4 mile runs, but that gets old after a while - this is the other reason for going back to the 3.55's...other than that - I'm VERY happy with the results.

The pistons were a compromise as the forged set were not available at the time when we were building the engine.  So, Keith Black Silvolite pistons were used but the compression was a bit high (10.75:1).  The combustion chambers were opened up 5cc's and notched to clear the piston tops and compression is down at about 10.3:1.  Yes, she still runs on pump gas (Super Unleaded - 93 octane out here) and the timing was retarded 4 degrees across the board (DRB-III) but we still have some very slight detonation in the hot summer months...nothing that some octane booster can't cure though.  She's VERY peppy out of the hole and keeping the tires planted does become a problem on rainy days (even in 3rd gear).

Total cost of the project (not including past expenses) was about $5000 but that also included some bartering, parts trading, working as a tech at a Dodge dealership (helps out quite a bit), and looking around for the best pricing which included eBay.  The tuning of the Fuel management took some playing around as there really aren't any cost-effective alternatives (under $300) and there is NO Mopar Performance PCM available for this year/model V6 (only 92-93 model years with a V6).  The APEXi SAFC-II was a long shot but paid off very well and the idea came from the Viper crowd.  Yes, there are Viper's out there running the AFC and AFC-II for fuel management.  Is it the best choice...for the budget and price, definitely yes but there are plenty of other alternatives.  The rods and pistons are from a V8 (5.2L) which only required minor modifications to the crankshaft to accommodate the larger V8 bearings.  There's no alternative for the intake manifold but I've heard rumors of a "M1" version for the V6 - don't know where and haven't found it yet.  The throttle body size is perfect for the V6 (50mm) and have tried the larger 52mm (even a Holley) - they are too big.  The air hat that is being used is the best damn model I've ever tried.  I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for something different than the norm. 

Don't ask about emissions testing or if it passes as (obviously) there's no Catalytic converter on the truck (but can be reinstalled if required).  Will it pass the "sniffer" - yes, I tried that already and it passes on all RPM ranges (took some fuel tuning though).  Visual and CARB/EO#...well, that's a different story.

Some have been asking me what fuel i'm running...well, it's a "blend" that I run:  Chevron 93 Octane (Super Unleaded) and up to 1 Gallon of Xylene (found at most hardware stores).  Why the Xylene?  Easy - you can spend $10 on some good octane booster and raise your octane rating up to 7 points (that's 0.7 not 7.0) - or...run the Xylene (or Toulene) and raise it 15 to 20 points...for the same amount of money.  What is Toulene or Xylene?  Easy - look at the back of just about any octane booster and you'll see it's the main ingredient.  You can find it at Sherwin Williams. Home Depot (if you're lucky), or most mom-and-pop hardware stores...for about $10/gallon.  Trust me, it works VERY well and you will notice an increase in throttle response as well as trying to wipe the smile off of your face.  Yes, it works that well.

Current Modifications

Updates to the Dakota - February 3, 2004

We've decided to change the entire concept of the truck and removed the Supercharger and Nitrous system.  Instead of trying to build the power for the 1/4 mile (which we've proven already)...it's time to get this truck moving at higher speeds.  The suspension is in the process of being gone through as well as upgraded, along with a few new items.  We're shooting for a 150mph V6 Dodge Dakota now. 

We're calling it the "HS/E" (High Speed Edition).  Custom PCM programming will be required as well as different gearing and tires to match.  Brakes have already been upgraded with the rear disc conversion in the near future (no...not aftermarket either - we've got a few tricks up our sleeves).  Most of the work will be done at the dealership in Austin, TX...so there are quite a few internal resources that we can use.  We'll keep you posted of the progress.

April 3, 2004

We've acquired a set of 3.21:1 gears but will be holding off on the installation until the frame and suspension modifications have been completed.  Suspension modifications include updated/slightly lower springs, shocks, and bushings...and frame modifications include reinforcements for body twist and  updated (custom made) urethane cab/body mounts.

April 14, 2004

Installed the cab reinforcement bar as well as new ball joints (front lower).  Suspension components ordered as well - urethane cab mounts, rear leaf bushings, and new leaf shackles.  Next week...the truck gets another "drop" - 1" in front and 1" in rear.  Once this is complete, it's on to the driveline.

October 10, 2004

Update on the V6 buildup: During the Houston Mopar show (October 2-3), the engine developed a slight miss at idle and a loss of power under nitrous use (the 100HP wet system was installed 1-week before).  On that Saturday night, we noticed puffs of blow-by (at idle) coming from the left-bank valve cover...turns out cylinder #1 had some broken rings.  We limped it home and tore down the engine to find out what happened.  Here's were it gets fun...Cylinder #1, 3, 2, and 6 all had broken rings with #1 having some slight cylinder wall scratches.  80% leakage on cylinder #1 gave us the sign that it's time to refresh and "upgrade".  New 10:1 pistons will be install along with gapless rings (was running chrome-moly rings).  Now the kicker:  ran a 15.0 @ 91mph on only 4.5 cylinders!!  Not shabby for a V6 with some damage.  :)

The new motor will be reinstalled sometime at the end of the month (or later - machine shop and funding dependant) and break-in will take about 2-3 months.  Once this is done, it's back to the dyno and track for some real timeslips.

November 28, 2004

The engine is done and installed in the truck (more pictures coming).  On the initial start...as luck would have it...the factory/original starter decided to break.  So, one more day to wait until the new Mopar starter is installed.  Otherwise, looks like we're ready to start running truck again. 

December 2, 2004

Finally!!  The engine is running (after one minor setback with a slipped intake gasket) and she's definitely MUCH stronger than before.  1st gear will light up the tires without any effort and 2nd gear does the same.  The only issue left now is changing the fuel pump.  The motor needs a bit more volume and the original (94,000 miles on it) is starting to fail at upper RPM's.  The oil has already been changed twice and the cooling system has been flushed.  I can honestly say that the time and effort put into this configuration is the best so far.  We may change the camshaft to a more aggressive grind later on, but for now...she runs like a bat-outta-hell!

December 08, 2004

One last setback...damn "Made in Taiwan" ignition coil.  The engine was misfiring like crazy under a load and (after disconnecting the MSD) found the Taiwanese ignition coil (OEM replacement from a while ago) to be crapped out.  The MSD 6AL was firing the coil but only worked under a very light load.  Gotta hand it to MSD...they can fire just about anything...even if it's dead.  Replaced the coil with a Mopar (Made in the USA) coil as a temporary fix and she's back alive again.  We ordered a MSD replacement but that'll take about 3-5 working days via UPS.  The Accel ignition system that was initially on the truck was sent out to Accel for a check-up as it died several months ago.  I'm also awaiting the delivery of the Accel 375 Timing computer (add-on) so once that has arrived...the entire system will be put back to the Accel units.

February 20, 2005

We are one of the testers for the MotivePC Onboard Computer System.  Yes, you heard it right...onboard PC (and none of this VIA processor crap either)!  I removed the Pioneer Head Unit and replaced it with an 8" VGA Touch-Screen and plugged my speakers (via the amps) into the PC (has 5.1 surround to boot).  The system is running an Athlon64 3Ghz CPU, 1GB RAM, 120GB SATA H/D, CD/DVD-RW, 801.11g, Microsoft Media Center 2005, and a plethora of other software utilities including my old OBD-II monitoring software.  I can now drive the truck and data-log just about everything that's happening (Engine Management wise) and watch it on the screen as it happens.  The system came with wireless attachments including Keyboard, Mouse, and Rumble-Pad (Gamepad).  The kids love it as Need for Speed Underground now plays through the entire stereo system in the truck (bass is awesome too), and I can check my emails from just about anywhere in the Austin area (yes...I stop and pull over to do this but you can get it while driving).  I've looked at other systems that came somewhat close, but nothing on the market can beat this system at the moment as it's also fully upgradeable.  The company is based out of Nevada but has a local dealer right outside of Austin, TX.  They're a new company and are working on their website so it's not up yet.  I'll post their details a soon as the system is ready (they're apparently building custom consoles to fit the PC's into and then just mount them into just about any vehicle).

April 4, 2005

One minor "oopsie" - one of the Crower Lifters in the truck decided to break for no apparent reason.  Luckily, no damage to the lifter bore and no shrapnel in the engine or oiling system (whew).  Installed a new set of Mopar Performance Lifters and an updated set of pushrods.  She's back on the road and definitely has some better acceleration.  It's amazing what one bad lifter can do to your performance...hehehe.

December 10, 2005

Finally had some time to install the new 3.55:1 Ring and Pinion...WOW!  The acceleration with the smaller diameter tires (255/50-17) - as compared to the original 245/70-15 tires and 3.55's - is definitely a strong combination.  While the 3.90's were an excellent choice for 1/4 mile racing...I'm not interested in that anymore as the higher speed runs are MUCH more fun.  Gear selection on the highway is also much more comfortable now as I don't have to worry about jumping it into 3rd gear at 70mph in order to "bark" the tires (yes, she can easily break the tires free at highway speeds).

March 23, 2006

Well, it's been a while since anything has been done on the truck...so, we changed one more thing.  Purchased a set of 18" rims and tires: Enkei "RT6" rims with Toyo Proxis ST 255/45-18 tires.  Definitely a better ride, didn't change anything in the speedo, and handles MUCH better to boot.

April 5, 2006

Had a little mishap with the Cylinder Heads - they cracked...again (thanks Mopar!).  No harm/no foul though - got them stiched up and cleaned up some more.  Everything is back up and running strong.  Installed one neat range cooler plug to help control detonation that I wasn't hearing and they're indexed as well. 

December 20, 2006

All is well and the fuel tuning has finally been taken care of.  She's now getting a consistent 20mpg on the highway and 14 in the city.  I'm not running 1/4 mile tests anymore since the 3.55's really don't help in this aspect.  However, passing from 65mph to 90mph takes just a quick stab at the accelerator pedal (5th gear at that) and she's topped out at 132mph - no problems at all.  Hope everyone has a Happy New year.

March 14, 2007

Well, just couldn't leave good enough alone.  We had a warranty 2006 Dodge Viper steering wheel at the dealership and DC didn't want it back.  So, time for installation and guess what - the upper steering column shaft uses the same diameter and alignment keyway on the Dakota as the Viper.  No need to modify the clockspring, steering collar cover, or shaft.  The only thing left is modifying the 2-stage airbag wiring from the Viper to the single stage on the Dakota.  Other than that...very nice feel, the wheel is about 1" smaller in diameter, and the genuine leather wrap feels bitchin!  I'm detaining the truck this weekend so i'll finally put some updated pics on the website.

July 6, 2007

Well...after trying to keep the engine alive, it's finally had it's last leg.  After years of abuse, rebuilding, and many hard runs...it's time to retire the V6.  Not all is lost though as SpareParts Racing has donated a 5.2L to replace the 3.9L.  Yup...time to use what I can from the V6 and build up a 350-400HP 5.2L.  Backed up by a reliable AX15 (yes, they can handle the power without problems) and a built up 8.25" Dana LSD...i'm sure it's going to be one hell-uv-a ride.  I'll keep everyone posted during the conversion process and build.

** Automotive Calculations Spreadsheet **
(The formulas used in this Excel Spreadsheet are various manufacturers and automotive reference books.)

** Latest "MoparSpeed" Catalogs **
Muscle-Car Final Edition - PDF (3MB)
Street-Car/Truck - PDF (2.3MB)

Online Videos
14.98 @ 92mph Run - Windows Media - 4.1MB (Really old Engine configuration)
This run was before the blower and in 100 degree weather in Seguine, TX.   Just 60HP shot nitrous was used.

A Friends 2000 Camaro Z28 - Engine swap to a 383 Stroker

Copyright (C) 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007- Bernd D. Ratsch