I recall talking with some racer types on the "benefits" of racing
without an alternator. The consensus was that the miniscule hp gained
by this was outweighted by the hp lost due to ignition system
inefficiencies. This kinda applies to underdriving the alternator.
It was mentioned it took 7hp to create 20A out of the older, and less
efficient, Chrysler alternator. Now 20A is a lot of juice and I doubt
that 7 hp is all that noticable, all due respects to the MBD. I
suspect that a majority of the improvements noticed is more due to
underdriving the waterpump and fan assembly. In regards to the lack
of power above 4500 rpm. Most of this is due to the heavy valvetrain
the Dakota has. Hydraulic roller lifters are not light and they take
there toll on the springs ability to control the valvetrain. I have
converted more than one roller cammed engine back to flat tappets and
the improvement in upper rpm performance was well worth the effort and
expense. The only problem I see is that the Magnum engines were
roller from the get go and all the aftermarket cams are rollers as
well. You can't run the older LA style cams without some fairly major
modifications. Might be easier to convert to a solid roller lifter
and adjustable valvetrain. Just some thoughts.
Thunderstruck...
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