As I posted in my intro note I am now the proud owner of a 99 SLT 4x4 club cab.
The truck is emerald green with the silver lower body. It has the magnum v6,
off-road package (fender flares, 31-10.5x15 tires on 15x8 rims, etc), it has
pwr windows, doors, mirrors, key less entry, a/c, etc. I would certainly have
perfered the v8 but the deal my son got me does not come along very often and I
had to jump on it.
Where my other Dakota was a spare vehicle and I was not much concerned with
milage and power this one is going to be my daily driver. So as the old saying
goes, more power is good and to much is just enough, I will be looing to make
some mods that will either increase economy, power or both.
In an effort to prioritize my mods here are some questions I hope the DML brain
trust can answer;
1. Are the cold air intakes such as a K&N FIPK system make a noticable
difference? Also, will a system listed for a v8 work on a v6 too? I will at
least switch to a K&N drop in for long term maintenance savings.
2. I see a lot of different cat back exhuasts. Seems to be inconsistant as to
whether there are actually any differnces between one's for 2wdr and 4wdr, most
seem to state they fit both v6 and v8. Are these systems a worth while
investment? I have used the Dynomax cat back systems on other vehicles and have
been happy and would be leaning that way.
3. Are there any ECM upgrades available for the v6? Also, are these worth the
investment?
4. Any other performance mods worth considering for the v6? Seems the larger
ratio v8 rockers should work on the v6 as well.
5. I have been a proponent of synthetic motor oil for over 20 years and it has
proven it self to me by giving me 200,000+ miles on a number of vehicles with
no engine failures. I saw an article in one of the mopar magazines where they
put a Dakota R/T on a chassis dyno and ran a base line then switched the motor
oil, tranny fluid and rear end lube to synthetic materials and picked several
hp on the next dyno run. Anyone have experince that making these changes also
improves economy?
6. Not a power or economy question but; The headlights are not appreciable
better than my 89 Dakota. Because of the odd small sealed beam design my only
alternative were the "extra vision" versions of the sealed beam for the 89,
thought better nothing like the night into day of my Avenger and wifes PT
Cruiser headlights. Are the "xenon" or other super white bulbs that are
available appreciable better? I have also seen "off-road" versions of these
bulbs that are rated 80-100 watts on the high beam side. Can the stock wiring
handle the extra current?
I appreciate a recomendations and comments!
Dave
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