The early Generation I Dakota's have only 125 HP. I will, however, attempt to list what performance modifications I have found so you can take advantage of my hours and hours of searching. Each upgrade will be listed and should contain a telephone number or internet address. Many of these modifications are horsepower and mileage gains. They increase the efficiency of the engine, thus extending the life of your engine and the overall performance. You should almost be able to get V8 horsepower out of your V6.
Air Filters
www.knfilters.com
I use a K & N filter, model #1570, sitting on top of an MR Gasket aluminum piece. This filter is 13.25"x2.87" and fits nicely. Your best investment here will be an open air element that draws in air from 360 degrees, rather than a simple replacement air filter that sits inside the stock air box. Yes, this means throw away your stock air box!
Ignition System
www.jacobselectronics.com
Ignition systems are typically universal, so any aftermarket system: Jacobs, MSD, Accel, will work here. I have installed a Jacobs Omni Torquer ignition, including the their spark plug wires, and I love it. It's good for up to 6,000 rpm's, which is perfect for a 4- or 6-cylinder. The computer is easily mounted to the firewall, directily in the middle and close to the top. My local dealer told me there is about a 2" space between the firewall and any wiring or hoses inside there, so you have plenty of space for mounting. Don't forget to use cheap Autolite $.99 spark plugs with a Jacob's ignition, and increase that plug gap from .035 to .055!!!
Headers
www.edelbrock.com
1-800-416-8628 -- #6851
www.performanceparts.mopar.com
Remember what I said about these headers:
- they are not made to fit easily
- they are thin and I expect them to wear out quickly
- they do not include emissions connections (requiring further installation modifications)
Mufflers
Any muffler from any high performance company will work. I would recommend a straight-through muffler, stainless steel, with a lifetime Million-Mile Warranty. Make sure your custom exhaust pipes are 2.5" for optimum flow.
Catalytic Converter and Cat-Back Exhaust Kits
There is no cat-back exhaust kit anywhere that I have found. Most people find it cheaper to just buy a muffler and let a speed shop install the exhaust pipes from the Cat into your selected muffler, and on to the exit.
The stock Cat on your Generation I Dakota is horrible! It is extremely restrictive and robs you of your power and mpg's. Take it off and replace it with an aftermarket Cat that is high flow. I cut out my Cat and got an extra 1.5 mpg increase!
Slotted Rotors
www.brakeco.com
1-888-428-7278
So you didn't think you could find slotted rotors anywhere for your Dakota, eh? Guess again. The prices here are inexpensive, and they can put slots in your rotors at their warehouse for an extra fee. You can select USA steel rotors, or a cheaper Asian steel alloy, sometimes considered inferior.
Sorry, but there is no aftermarket suspension lift for '88-'90 Dodge Dakota's. However you can tighten the torsion bars in the front, raising the vehicle maybe 2" maximum. In the rear, you can install an add-a-leaf, either 1" or 2". I would hire a 4x4 shop for this lift idea.
1" Add-a-Leaf
Summit Racing
2" Add-a-Leaf
TrailMaster -- #1536
Body Lift -- 2"
www.performanceaccessories.com
Performance Accessories, Inc.
Body Lift -- 3"
www.warn.com
Warn Industries -- #707239
Either of these should be available through Summit Racing or www.carparts.com.
Lowering Kits
www.sporttruckdirect.com
Sport Truck Direct
You have a choice from a simple 1-2" or the full 5-6" drop kits!
SUSPENSION
Sway Bars
Belltech
Front sway bars -- #5436 (2wd) 4wd must see dealer for info
Rear sway bars -- #5536 (2wd & 4wd)
Available through www.carparts.com.
Steering Stabilizer
TrailMaster -- #6118
For use with larger than OEM tires, such as 31x10.5".
DayStar Corporation.
(No longer available, other than some rear spring bushings.)
www.jetchip.com
JET Performance -- #98901S
1-800-535-1161
They have a Stage I chip and a Stage II chip. Stage II chips are for vehicles with headers installed, low restrictive exhausts, and a 180-degree thermostat.
Your Generation I Dakota has the following bolt pattern for wheels, regardless if its a 4-cylinder or V6 model:
5 x 4.5"
If you seek bigger tires, the largest you can get is 31x10.5" tires without doing potential damage to your gears, drive shaft assembly, etc. Any larger and you are just asking for expense. You will need a 2" body lift if adding these tires.
Oil Filter
K & N Performance -- #1002
www.knfilters.com
Consider using this filter for filtration down to 10 to 20 microns, versus a typical cheap filter which filters down to 30 to 40 microns. Fits all '87-'90 Generation I Dakota's.
Shelby Dakota's must use #2004.
