Re: 5.9L octane rating

From: Terry Herrin (therrin@isaac.net)
Date: Thu Sep 14 2000 - 21:24:21 EDT


Patrick and Kelly Engram <patrickandkelly@erols.com> wrote:
> Well, the tech asked me what octane I used. I told him 87, which is
>what it is spec'd for. He said, No, Dodge says you have to used 92 on
>the R/T, prowler, and something else. You can see where this is going.

BS! I distinctly remember a paragraph in the owner's manual stating
that you should run 87 octane, and that running higher octane could
actually damage the engine.

> So, I came home and tried to search the archives for R/T, octane
>rating, 5.9L, etc. and the only stuff I came up with this year relates
>to octane after installing the m.p. computer, which of course calls for
>super unleaded.

That's true.

> So, I need help. Where can I find in print by Dodge that they built
>this truck to run on 87? Oh, by the way, I bought
>it used and dont have an owners manual.

It's in the owners manual. You should be able to get the dealer to
pull one for you in order to look at. I'm sure even the 00 or 01
manuals say the same thing.

Now, dealership morons aside, there are things you can do yourself to
help reduce detonation on 87. First, install a 180 thermostat. The
engine runs better at the cooler temperature anyway. Second, install
one step colder plugs, I recommend Autolite 3923's. Don't have a TSB
done that retards timing, that will hurt performance.

Terry Herrin
99 FR CC RT
14.769 @ 91.43
Wilmington, NC
Dakota R/T Club,Executive Board,SE Region
http://users.isaac.net/therrin/dakota.html



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