How do you get more power from a dodge Dakota?

Answer 1

It depends on how much you want/want to spend and what year/engine you have. Performance is all about power to weight. Lightening the truck can improve performance at a less cost to your wallet.

For example on a V8..

Dodge offered a 5 step MAGNUM R/T Package for the 5.2/5.9, not named for the R/T model dakota (the package came out before it). It include a cam, cold air intake, headers, computer, exhaust and was worth +46hp/+51 lb-ft on the 5.9L. Their are better camshafts available that can give +10-25hp more.

*for race only* and 100-125hp shot of NOS is the best bang 4 the buck on a 5.2/5.9L.

1. A cold air intake is the first upgrade to do, K&N is the only one I'd get, is worth 7-10hp .

2. Computer/tuner can give you 10-15hp, but you will have to run premium fuel (92octane). It will also allow you to change the speedo on newer model to account for tire size changes, remove speed limiters and raise the rev limiter.

3. One of the best bang for the buck is an under-drive pulley set. March brand offers a power&amp set. That is designed for street/daily driver and is good for 10hp at the wheels.

4. Headers and cross over pipe is the next step, 1994 and after exhaust manifolds are smaller than 92/93 and where down 10hp. Mopar performance/doug thorley tri-Y offer more mid range power than shorty headers and are easier to install than full lengths. Mopar say the headers are worth 10hp/15ft-lbs. A benefit that people don't think of is the weight saving you get, probably save 15-20lbs which is worth about 2hp performance wise. If you have a 92/93 5.2 headers are worth <5hp, but a manderal bent cross over pipe will give you 5hp and is alot cheaper than a $500 set of headers. Factory V8 exhaust is good and the price of a Cat-back exhaust is better spent elsewhere, but the sound might be worth the price.

5. Roller rockers will free up/add hp. Depending on if you plan on getting a camshaft, get the 1.6RR if you are they are worth 5-6hp and 1.7RR are good for 10-15hp if you don't plan on getting a camshaft.

6. An electric fan will free up 5-10hp on a dakota equipped with a mechanical fan. It will also improve your MPG.

7. Steeper rear gears have a big effect on performance if you have 3.21 or 3.55 stock. Depending on the model(4x4, club cab,etc.) 3.92/4.10 can cut .2-.4ths of the quarter mile time and make your truck "feel like" +20hp. You can also install a limited slip/locker to improve off the line traction. The gears will cause your cruising/60mph rpm to rise to around 2000+/-rpms, but it's not too bad, 4.56s on the other hand will definitely affect your MPG.

8. The factory camshaft is small and a larger 206(4x4/club cab)-210( reg cab/2wd) duration will wake your truck up with 20-35hp. THe 4.7 has (H.O.)Highoutput cams available also. How large to go is more of a preference and if you're willing to give up some low end torque for top end power. A guy I know has a 214 @0.050 cam and runs 12.9@105 WITH ALOT of mods. He says with steep gear( he runs 4.30) and a higher stall torque converter it is still street driveable.

9.Factory 5.2/5.9 heads flow enough for 400hp with a BIG cam, but are prone to cracking between the valve seats. If you want more out of them and they are good a valve job/light porting is that would really be needed. If they are cracked and/or you plan on going for high HP, aftermarket Iron heads (EQ heads are the best bang for the buck). Aluminum heads are available from $$$Edelbrock $$$ that will also bump up the compression and remove about 50lbs from the front of the truck.

10. An alternative to the high RPM/all motor route would be a supercharger or turbo kit. They can give you the same/more horsepower but with more low-end torque.They are good for 65+hp on a stock motor but cost $3,000-$5,000. A few guys have made their own turbo kits for around $2,500 and one of them is making 350-375hp/425tq on a stock 5.2L.

11. Stroker kits are available, if you what to spend the money or need a rebuild anyway. The kits will turn a 318 into a 390, and a 360 into a 408 they cost $1,800-$2,500. A widely excepted "rule of thumb" is that every cubic inch is worth 1hp and 1 ft-lb of torque. With a 390 kit you can expect +70hp/+70lb-ft.

12. M1 2 barrel single plane, RPM air-gap or Modified stock intakes are available depending on where you want to boost you power. Ported/larger throttle bodies should be added after the intake/camshaft is changed.