yeah, put a 318 in it. {not that hard really} Other than exhaust mods and maybe ignition, not much you can do with the 3.9 really. Maybe mopar sells some hipo parts, not sure anymore. You could put hedders on it I guess. Might not jibe with computer though.

 

You can install headers, air intake, ignition upgrade, full custom exhaust, maybe an underdrive pulley kit, depending on the tranny either a performance clutch or a rebuilt auto with a shift kit, better gearing or at least a sure grip in the rear axle.

 

The pulley kit that I got was just a belt and crank pulley - I think it was $100 total. Look around on Summit racing, jeggs, mopar performance, etc for parts.

A tbi 318 swap would be easy if you could find a donor truck where you could pull the motor, tranny, t-case, wiring and computer. I was thinking about doing that with my dakota but I'll probably just end up getting a Ram 4x4 1500 as I have the need for a larger truck.

 

What are these pulley kits I keep hearing about? Are they just smaller/larger pulleys? How does a pulley ad in horsepower?

 

my crank pulley is now smaller than the stock one. From what I have read, it puts less strain on the rotating mass of the motor while running allowing it to spinn up faster (not really noticable) and free up some power (again, not that noticable by itself).

 

So is that something you need to know the diameter of or do you just go to any parts store and ask for a pulley kit and they'll know what you are talking about?

 

I got mine from Summitracing.com. I don't know how smart the parts guys are at your local part stores but out here a good number of them are not that bright.

JET performance makes a good amount of underdrive pulley kits for mopars. I'd start by looking on their site and summit racing. If you want to get it locally, I suggest going to a speed/performace shop. Local part stores should be able to get it but I doubt they will stock it.

 

Yah I went to NAPA they didnt have a clue. so i will go to summit.

 

I know this is late but here goes....Jet II chip (but requires 91 octane gas), Edlebrock headers, and I put a high flow cat and custom highflow single 3 inch exhust with flowmaster muffler. If you want to spend a little more money you can have the cam reground to the old Mopar optional RV cam that is no longer aval. form Ma Mopar. You can have it bored over and ported and polished. You can have the Throttle body polished and slightly increased, but basicly smooth things out so the flow is increased. A Kand N filter will increas flow slightly. Some of these things are easy some hard, so cheap and some more pricey. Just my thoughts. My 91 is bored over 30 and the cam has been ground, I have a jet II chip, and edlebrock headers and the high flow cat and 3 inch exhust and Kand N filter. Plugs and wires will help as well. I have more go and it sounds wonderful not too loud till you get above 3000 rpm then you really hear it. Now do not believe all the figuers you may get on horsepower and torque gains. I figuer that I know have about 25 to 30 hp increase with about 15-16 increase in torque. That puts the old 3.9 at about 150-155 horsepower vs 125 stock and torque at 210-211 vs 195 stock.

 

You can through lots of money at it. But in the end the best thing is a 318 swap....