Re: Crate Engines

From: GS- (GSWillhite@ualr.edu)
Date: Tue Sep 21 1999 - 18:38:01 EDT


You guys sure know how to feed the flames = ) and getting
bitten by that DML horsepower bug is bad enough. All someone
has to do is mention Kammer & Kammer and I start foaming
at the mouth and getting pedal spasims. I don't know if I
can take it. I gotta go..... : P

GS -

>
> On Tue, 21 Sep 1999 Fastdak@aol.com wrote:
>
> >
> > Just got a letter back from Koller Dodge that Crate engines will work in
> > dakota's. For 93' n up, the throttle body and intake don't need to be
> > changed either. I'm considering this cause my 96' that I just bought only
> > has a V6. I haven't seen a V6 run 14's or 13's yet, even thought I was told
> > it was possible for them to run in the 12's (Magnum Performance) if you have
> > the budget. So I decided I might as well save up for the crate 360. Has
> > anyone done this big mod??
>
>
> Is cost a factor? If so, I'd recommend going with a "street" 360.
> That is, buy a 360 that used to be in a Ram or a van, etc. The cam in
> the crate motor is too hairy for the stock computer, so you're looking
> at either a re-program (I'm not sure of the cost, but I've seen quotes
> in the $800 neighborhood) or go with a Rance or Accel fuel injection
> setup, which is going to be at least $1000. (But I like this option
> better than a re-program since you will have full control over your
> fuel/air/ignition. Or, you could put a carb on there if you want, but
> to me that seems like going in the wrong direction. :-) Either way,
> you'll lose most of your idiot lights and guages. However, if you get
> a 360 from a street vehicle, its strictly plug 'n play. Bolt it in and
> go. (You'll probably want a 360 computer for best performance.) Since
> you have a '96 truck, you'll probably want a '96 computer, but I as far
> as the engine itself goes, I think any 360 from '93-up will work. You'll
> probably need to get a V8 fan shroud, as the V6 one is too big; the 8 will
> protrude further forward. Either that or just replace the fan with an
> electric.
>
> A used 360 might have some miles on it, but it'll be half the cost of
> the crate motor. Plus, it'll look just like the stocker 318, so it'll be
> easier to pass a visual inspection. Another option is to buy a new 360
> from a dealer (I have no idea what this costs). Or, for not too much
> more cash than the crate motor, you can have Kammer & Kammer build you a
> 360 that'll send the crate motors running home to momma.
>
> Since you have a V6, you probably have the "wimpy" tranny. You'll
> want to seriously think about upgrading it. (Or leave it in and
> see how long it lasts, if you prefer. Might be an interesting
> experiment.) ;-)
>
>
> I haven't done the swap yet, so I don't have firsthand experience,
> this is all info I've picked up from working up to the install and
> gathering info. Currently, I'm leaning toward the Kammer & Kammer
> route. (After seeing Bill's 318 strewn across his garage, I don't
> think I want to get that involved, (eventually I'd have to tear
> it apart to do the cam and heads); having the pros build the engine
> and use all their little secrets is tempting.) :-) Speaking of which,
> Brad, are you still with us? Hows your Kammer & Kammer 318 install
> going?
>
> I hope this helps, and good luck!
>
> -Jon-
>
> .--- stei0302@cs.fredonia.edu ----------------------------------------.
> | Jon Steiger * AOPA, DoD, EAA, MP Race Team, NMA, SPA, USUA * RP-SEL |
> | '96 Dodge Dakota V8, '96 Suzuki Intruder 1400, '96 Kolb FireFly 447 |
> `--------------------------- http://www.cs.fredonia.edu/~stei0302/ ---'
>



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