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87dak
Dodge Dakota
12/11/2001
01:07:22
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 Subject: best way to improve MPG on an older Dak?
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Message:
Hi I have a 87 (carbeurated) Dakota, 2wd, 3.9L V6, with 150k on it. Someone mentioned that replacing my cat with a high flow model would improve my power and MPG since the truck is so much older. I was wondering what other things I can do to help improve my MPG? I'm not really going after high power/speed mods at all, this is a daily driver general purpose truck that I want to be around for a long time. Thanks very much
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Boomer
Dodge Dakota
12/11/2001
08:14:51
| RE: best way to improve MPG on an older Dak?
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Message:
I wouldn't remove the cat (or high flow)unless you are going to supercharge it, maybe with headers it would work. I did that to my 87 Cutlass and I lost power. Engines need that back pressure to help them make power. You could add cat-back exhaust, K&N round top filter with the X-treme flo top. Upgraded plugs & wires/Brass cap and rotor, no need for Accel or Jacob's, etc. A good set of Bosch or Borg/Wagner will do since you are not seeking performance. Even though some people disagree, you could switch to a synthetic oil. I slowly milked my cutlass by using Valvoline DuraBlend for a 6 omnths, then went to Mobile 1 full synthetic. I also use DuraLube in my rides. Maybe its mind over matter, but it seemed to help MPG by 2. Clean the Carb very well so it mixed fuel/air properly, the jets in it can cause little mpg/power losses if they gunk up with dirt. Keep and eye on the sensors, I found out that even though the check eng light isn't on, they can still effect performance if they are old. If I can think of something else, I'll post it.
Boomer
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Bill55
Dodge Dakota
12/11/2001
20:13:12
| RE: best way to improve MPG on an older Dak?
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Message:
Keep your tire pressure up to spec plus a little, put on a bed cover, advance timing a little but not so much that it pings under acceleration, and/or recurve distributor by putting in different advance weights so the total centrifugal advance comes in sooner. Not sure about that last one, it works for older vehicles, not applicable for computer controlled ignitions.
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87dak
Dodge Dakota
12/11/2001
20:14:51
| RE: best way to improve MPG on an older Dak?
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Message:
Thanks Boomer. Whats DuraLube? Whats the best way to clean the carb? Any web sites that can show me how to do this? Also what sensors are you talking about and how would I check them? I'm not looking to spend money if I don't have to. I'm really just looking to do essential maintence stuff to keep it in good general shape. Thanks again for the help
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87dak
Dodge Dakota
12/11/2001
21:30:53
| RE: best way to improve MPG on an older Dak?
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Message:
Yeah I already have a cap on it. I'll check the tire pressure tho, I hadnt thought about that. How would advancing the timing help?
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