2000 Dodge Dakota R/T Build Thread

[ramthis9501]

Figured I'd go ahead and start one since there are going to be some major modifications that I have planned for this beast!

2000 Dodge Dakota R/T
5.9 V8
Regular Cab
Automatic
3.92 Gear Ratio
Spectre Cold Air Intake
Debadged 3-14-13
LED Dash Conversion 4-24-13
MPI 2bbl Intake Manifold 6-2-13
1.7 Roller Rockers 6-2-13
52mm Ported Throttle Body 6-2-13
180* T-Stat 6-2-13
Mid-Length Headers 6-2-13
Aero Turbine Muffler w/ dumped exhaust 6-4-13
Blue/Black Racing Seats 6-11-13
Smoked Taillights 6-24-13
Clutch Fan Delete 7-30-13
Blue Brake Calipers and Drums 8-6-13
Performance E-Fan 8-22-13
Mopar Performance PCM 9-14-13
Bell Tech Street Performance Shocks 10-17-13

Future Realistic Plans:
17" R/T Rims
HID's
Carpeted Bed
Nitrous

Future Dream Plans:
Built 360
Turbocharged
New Paint

Current Personal Best 1/4 Mile: 14.063 @ 98.13MPH

I will update the list above when I do something new, so it'll grow with time... :)
Here is how it sits as of today..
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/20130311_165113_zps3e044b11.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/20130312_141730_zps30ee7fe3.jpg

[ramthis9501]

Got the truck all cleaned up today and debadged with an eraser wheel this time. Had a buddy help me since he works detail at the dealership here in town. Just took off the V8 Magnum emblems, left the R/T stickers. Now I just need to sell these wheels!

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

You could always take it to Bikes Cars and Coffee in the morning.

[(S.M.R) 101]

Looking good Colton

[myoung84]

Yes, sell those rims ASAP!

[ramthis9501]

You could always take it to Bikes Cars and Coffee in the morning.

Sorry man but I got a game in a hour or I would.

And thanks guys! I got some pretty awesome plans for it!

[ramthis9501]

Updated*

Hoping to get some mods in here pretty soon!

[ramthis9501]

Took the 22's off the other day. It runs so much better now. Put the stock 16's on that the guy gave me along with the deal.

For now, I'll run them since the tires are like new. Once I get the 22's off, I'll be getting a set of stock 17" R/T rims with some performance tires.

Here's how it sits as of today.

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130327_180151_zpsa362d0ca.jpg

[DoubleTakeDodge]

Much better lol.

[(S.M.R) 101]

Yes, a lot better

[ramthis9501]

Now they're black!
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130401_160954_zpsd658aa9a.jpg

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Much better.

[(S.M.R) 101]

Hell yes Colton. Nice job

[ramthis9501]

Thanks guys. This is just temporary until I can get those 17" R/T's. They're gonna be powder coated black. I just plastidipped these 16's.

[myoung84]

Looks pretty good man!

[ramthis9501]

Starting to build my pile :D
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130403_193435_zpsdc87013e.jpg

[ramthis9501]

Well thanks to the ported box, I found the carpet soaked underneath... So I ripped the entire sound system out along with the carpet. Not sure when I'll get new carpet put in but it'll be black! Also probably gonna rip that stupid damn box out and weld some new metal back in place to seal the cab up.

Here's how the interior sits now, I'll get the passenger seat put back in soon.
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130409_190525_zps4b2efbe3.jpg

Also picked up some 15" wheels for cheap. Gonna get some tires later on and use these solely for the track.
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130410_211853_zps0f2755c0.jpg

[(S.M.R) 101]

Nice man... Wet carpet huh?

[myoung84]

Good idea on removing the box and sealing up the cab. I think a single 10 behind the seat would be much better.

[ramthis9501]

Nice man... Wet carpet huh?

Yup.. Water was ringing out of it.

Actually thinking about building a custom console that will house a sub and amp.

[swirvin21]

Will you be able to get those 15s to clear the calipers? Thought you had to do a little grinding on the calipers to get them to clear....maybe it's just the Ram. Looking good!

[ramthis9501]

Nah the calipers are fine. The 16's are clearing with no problems or grinding. So the 15's should do good too. Definitely gonna be a project but I'm up for it!

[ramthis9501]

Changed the cluster and display to blue!
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130423_210217_zps4a5135a4.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130424_151219_zps3e378171.jpg

My pile of stuff continues to grow..
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130420_164958_zpsa8e00d58.jpg

Everything will be done by June 13th because I'm going to a big car show in Durant.

[myoung84]

Looking good!

The calipers should be fine with 15's, that's what my Dakota came with stock.

You should put the 20" R/T replicas on there. I always loved the look of those and came close to ordering them for my Dakota. I know Lakeshore Wheel and Tire used to sell them but their site isn't active anymore.

http://i31.tinypic.com/jzfgnn.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g233/magnummaniac/Dakota%20RT/DakotaDropped003.jpg

[ramthis9501]

Thanks man! I think I've put the R/T wheels on the back burner for now. I've got higher priorities for the truck right now but they're definitely in the plans for later on!

[ramthis9501]

Got a box built and sub mounted yesterday! Gonna hook up the amps and run all the wire next weekend with some help. Then the new carpet will go in and interior will be done! http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130503_194644_zps7602a4d6.jpg

Also gonna probably get around to ripping that horrid box out today and welding in a new piece of sheet metal in the cab.

[0212353]

well damn, thats right up there with ya ain't it?

[ramthis9501]

Yup! Wanna make sure it'll rattle some brains :crazy:

We got the box pulled out and sealed up the cab! Now I know some of you all may not totally agree with the route I took on sealing, but honestly I think this is going to work just as well as a thin little piece of sheet metal. The wood was primed on both sides facing the outside, plus some very awesome sealant was used to seal up the sides. All in all, I feel this is going to be much better then that stupid box!

Pictures!
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130504_162833_zps284ae735.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130504_162846_zps3b559934.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130504_172910_zpsdd212ace.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130504_180052_zps7df3e80b.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130504_180101_zps3381533c.jpg

Also, used the rubber boot that came originally with the truck and put it around the outside as an extra seal.
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130504_175555_zps06d161b9.jpg

Now onto getting the system all hooked up and carpet put in. That'll be this coming weekend!

[ramthis9501]

Got the amps mounted and the center console back in today. Running wires this weekend! http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130505_180249_zpsbbe95845.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130505_180225_zpsa84acbb8.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130505_180254_zps6a9f535e.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130505_162341_zps32474e71.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130505_162338_zps72cb29f3.jpg

[ramthis9501]

Just an update... The stereo build was a farce.. I'm just running the door speakers now. But it's all good, because I wanna go fast :D

I had it torn down for about 2 1/2 weeks doing all of my engine modifications. Well I'm happy to say that it's all done now! Only thing left to do is go get the exhaust put on Thursday. Also need to get an SCT tune.

See what you all think!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLUmwKV19VM&feature=player_embedded

And these are the 1.7 Roller Rockers. Pretty shiny! :)
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130601_173754_zps07b1f873.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130601_173802_zps018e2477.jpg

[myoung84]

That sounds pretty awesome with open headers!

[ramthis9501]

Started it up earlier and let it idle up to operating temp. Revved it up a couple times to and it took it like a champ! Everything seemed to be working properly and sealed. Going to do it one more time this evening while it's cooler just to be sure. Can't wait for Thursday :D

[916Timmy]

Nice chop Colton!

[ramthis9501]

Couldn't wait and decided to go have the exhaust done today! It's all done now and sounds awesome :D

I went to performance muffler and they did a fantastic job! Highly recommend going there for any exhaust needs.

[916Timmy]

Shop in Norman? They are pretty bueno!

NEW VIDEO TIME!

[ramthis9501]

As requested!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDx8-uQvM20

[(S.M.R) 101]

Damn... that thing is loud lol

[ramthis9501]

I love it :D
Fast n' Loud!

[DoubleTakeDodge]

Sounds pretty good! I can't believe that small and light of a truck has the same motor my 3/4 ton does.. Should be quick when you're done!

[Matt]

what muffler do that have

[ramthis9501]

It is done! Drove it around today and it ran awesome! This thing pulls hard, a crap ton of torque! Can't wait to get it to the track :happy107:

[ramthis9501]

what muffler do that have

Aero Turbine 2525

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

What all did you do to it?

[ramthis9501]

It's in the very first post, got it all listed at the top.

[ramthis9501]

Got some seats off Craigslist the other day and finally got them installed today! They're not in pristine condition but not bad for what I got them for. I'm going for a blue and black theme on my truck so I figured these would be perfect for the setup :D We had to custom fab the seat brackets to make them work with the stock bolt holes and it worked!
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130611_114310_zps5d6fdb7a.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130611_114301_zps242c7ead.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130611_114320_zpsa5a10e31.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130611_114327_zpsa7bd4b2f.jpg

Also got the other seats sold so it all worked out pretty well in my favor!

[DoubleTakeDodge]

Pretty cool addition! I almost put a set similar to that in my white truck but decided I liked having a middle seat lol

[ramthis9501]

No room for an extra seat in this little thing lol

[DoubleTakeDodge]

Yeah haha. I like em. They go well with the truck

[ramthis9501]

Few new pics

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130611_155217_zpsfa2d9727.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130611_155135_zps47d873e0.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130611_155151_zps70f0d3f0.jpg

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Paint the front bumper...

[Matt]

Have someone Paint the front bumper...

i concur

[ramthis9501]

It's in the plans.

[405.7RAM]

Nice rt man!! i wanted one in high school so bad!!!

[ramthis9501]

I absolutely love this truck, its definitely a must have as far as badass trucks go!

[ramthis9501]

Got some new taillights and replaced those ugly bubbled looking lights. They're clear but smoked and black on the back.
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130624_182606_zps8640acf0.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130624_182613_zps7f585c5d.jpg

[ramthis9501]

Also forgot to post these results... I already have taken it to the track and ran the 1/4 mile. This run was with street tires and no tune, which is how it still currently sits.
(In right lane)
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Crap/20130607_220902_zpsa0441233.jpg

I have since gotten some drag radial tires that should help tremendously in launching and getting grip. A tune will hopefully help me break into the 13's. Won't know til fall since I'm going to wait to run again until after it cools off.

[916Timmy]

You should at least run for the Midwest Meet Drags in July!

[405.7RAM]

Man that's a quick truck

[ramthis9501]

Painted the drums and calipers today. Me and my buddy Jared pulled the wheels and painted them all blue. It's a lighter looking blue but definitely pops behind the black wheels!
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/20130806_175629_zps0ca4007f.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/20130806_175635_zps301cbd80.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/20130806_175643_zpsa0153512.jpg

[ramthis9501]

And my truck and his 93 LT1 Trans Am
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/20130804_201623_LLS_zpscf007063.jpg

[DoubleTakeDodge]

Nice! I like the blue behind the black

[ramthis9501]

Me too. I'm finally getting to the point where I'm happy with how it looks. Now time for new shocks, bigger efan and a tune.

Forgot to mention that I removed the clutch fan and am just running the stock efan for now.

[ramthis9501]

Swapped grilles with a buddy last night for the stock Dakota grille. I like the look a whole lot better.
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/20130814_200431_zps0392a80d.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/20130814_200438_zpsd309ecaf.jpg

Also swapped air intakes. Went back to a cold air intake and I noticed a significant difference in the way in ran just on the drive home.

Got a chance to run against a 4th gen single cab Hemi Ram and pulled it by over a length :D

I got a performance e-fan on the way so that's next on the list!

[myoung84]

Much better! Now get some paint on that front bumper!

[ramthis9501]

Got something else in mind for that...

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

So much better.

You raced a 4th Gen Hemi RC and won?

[ramthis9501]

As far as I know it was a Hemi. Definitely sounded like one when he hit the throttle.

[Okiespaniels]

As far as I know it was a Hemi. Definitely sounded like one when he hit the throttle.

Seems possible... power to weight ratio is better on the Dakota...although I sense growing animosity. :driver:

[Matt]

Seems possible... power to weight ratio is better on the Dakota...although I sense growing animosity. :driver:

i don't know about that they aren't "too" much heavier than the dakotas around 700 lbs give or take curb weight but those 360s weren't known for high hp stock for stock they are down 145 hp in stock trim you're about 12lbs per hp for the ram and 16 for the dakota i understand coltons isn't "stock" but no way to know hp ratings bc it hasn't dyno'd to equal a ram power/weight he would need to have around 335 hp i am VERY impressed with a RCSB 4th gen hemi truck btw lol

[ramthis9501]

I've honestly watched a RCSB Hemi run around a 15.2 before.

[Okiespaniels]

I've watched a RCSB Hemi run around a 15.2 before.

I've seen that listed here as well. What's your best time/mph Colton?

Edit: on street tires...and vehicle weight. I can probably find that but dragstips usually have a scale.

EDIT #2 Never mind...I found what I wanted.

[Matt]

i've seen them run 14.6 in noble

[Okiespaniels]

Colton, Based on your vehicle curb weight which I've figured is around 4200 lbs...

and using my handy/dandy hp calculator I come up with 268 rear wheel hp...based on trap speed and weight. Remember this is rear wheel hp, which is about 15% less than flywheel hp

Re figuring vehicle weight with rear wheel hp...your actual et should be about 14.57.

Now this is based on your last slip I found on page 6. I can see your 60 ft time is like 2.12 seconds...If you could hook that Dak up and get your 60 ft into the 1.6 range you'll be pretty quick. Getting rid of that open rear will go a long way to doing that.

Lest we cast further dispersions on how quick or slow something is...I'll take another truck where the info is easily researched.

Young Timmy has all his specs right on his sig...and using the same calculator with curb weight at 5120 lbs and tap speed of 97.82 mph rear wheel hp is 374 hp. Very impressive, but (and Tim knows this) he's not getting it to the ground. Using the other equation of curb weight and hp his et Should be 13.93...

The Dakota simply gets it done by weight. Coltons truck weighs a good 700 lbs less than a RCSB and probably has better weight distibution.

This is not pagan magik voodoo, just some simple applied engineering.

You can use this page... http://www.race-cars.net/calculators/et_calculator.html

Or for a bit more fun...http://www.ajdesigner.com/phphorsepower/horsepower_equation_trap_speed_method_horsepower.p hp

[Matt]

i bet colton is closer to 4k

[Okiespaniels]

Weight on various Dakota sites suggests weights around 4130- 4170 ish depending on the post and without driver. So 4200 is pretty legit.

[ramthis9501]

With me in it and with the street wheels and tires, it weighs 4030 lbs. That's also with the tonneau cover, which easily weighs 150ish. But I've decided to leave that on because it helps the tires bite. Once I get my suspension worked out, my 60' times will improve, especially with the et streets. New shocks all the way around will be coming next after the fan. It's all about the launch. If I can get it to hook, I'll be seeing mid 14's easy.

Weighs about 3900 lbs empty.

[Okiespaniels]

With me in it and with the street wheels and tires, it weighs 4030 lbs. That's also with the tonneau cover, which easily weighs 150ish. But I've decided to leave that on because it helps the tires bite. Once I get my suspension worked out, my 60' times will improve, especially with the et streets. New shocks all the way around will be coming next after the fan. It's all about the launch. If I can get it to hook, I'll be seeing mid 14's easy.

Weighs about 3900 lbs empty.

Ok...makes your RWHP about 258 and your actual et about 14.56. :gr_grin: Running with a Hemi truck is viable becaue of your hp/wt ratio, and that it's harder to tame all that extra torque.

[ramthis9501]

Al, I wanna make a point of that calculator real quick. I highly doubt it takes DA and track conditions into play. I would bet that 14.56 would be in the perfect environment, which is almost never the case here in Oklahoma. Now I'm planning on running again in November, so maybe by then with the cooler temps, I'll be running the better numbers

[Okiespaniels]

Well you must remember that these caculations take hard info into consideration. However I have plugged a couple three of my old cars into the equations and the results are quite accurate. Not only do the times agree with the ets but the corrected ets very close.

Example: One '74 Roadrunner, 3800 lbs runs best of 14.3 at 102+ mph. 60 ft times are in the 1.5/ 1.6 range...with street tires! 102 trap speed applied to et calculator shows times should be in the 13/3s...this agrees with the old Direct Connection bible. BTW...the person who purchased the car from me swapped 4:30 gears in place of the 3:91s and started running slicks...
At the same track I ran under probably the same conditions the car now runs 13.2s. Coinkydink? I doubt it. The suspension was set up front and rear to run in the 13s with the exception of gears and slicks.

You're running a 2.12 60 ft with an open rear and street tires correct>? The caculator merely states you should be 3 tenths quicker which is not an astonomical figure. Between reaction time and lack of traction you are losing at least 3/10ths of a second.

Again, my old 'runner is running 1.6 60 ft times with nasty old fiberglass belted L-60/15s I'll give you 2 tenths because your truck is about 200 lbs heavier with driver. That still leaves 3/10s...which on my car I'll contribute to suspension and a sure grip rear end.

If you run your car again with street tires, try to count how many seconds you hear squeal when you leave and deduct about a tenth for every 2 seconds.

EDIT.... Yes your truck will make more power when it's cooler. But the track surface will be cooler too, and if you can't hook up now, you may be slower.

[ramthis9501]

Got the fan installed today. This thing is claimed to move 4000 cfm of air, which sounds kind of ridiculous but it definitely moves a lot! Already noticed a difference in the way the engine temp runs. Used to get hot idling, now it's staying right at 180-185! http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/20130822_190922_zps1b2ce11a.jpg

[Okiespaniels]

Nice mod, I've been on the fence about doing this as well.

Did it free up any horsepower?

[ramthis9501]

Don't think an efan alone unlocks horsepower, it's the removal of the clutch fan that gives it the extra boost. This fan turns twice as much air as the clutch fan and stock efan combined

[Okiespaniels]

You didn't remove the clutch fan Colton?

[ramthis9501]

Yes I removed the clutch fan about a month ago.

[Okiespaniels]

Yes I removed the clutch fan about a month ago.

Oh...did you notice any gain from the removal? I'm told it adds power and can help improve mileage.

[ramthis9501]

Yeah it definitely helped

[ramthis9501]

I'm freakin stoked! Just ordered a Mopar Performance PCM. These things are like gold because they're pretty rare nowadays. I lucked out today and found one on another forum right after it was posted and swiped it up! Should be on its way tomorrow or Wednesday at the latest! This is going to really give my truck the wakeup it needs

[myoung84]

Sweet! How much power does the new pcm give you?

[ramthis9501]

Sweet! How much power does the new pcm give you?

Still trying to find that one out because there's a few different claims. But I'm pretty sure it's over 20 hp and 25 lbs of torque gained. The main thing that I got it for was that it's going to make all my performance mods work in unison and hopefully help me pick up a few tenths in the 1/4

[ramthis9501]

Well just how my luck seems to always go, the guy backed out of the deal.. So I got my money refunded and I'm pretty bummed about it. Guess I'll just have to keep searching. No pcm for now :(

[myoung84]

That's some BS.

[ramthis9501]

Got a universal coolant catch can and mounted it on a custom bracket bolted onto the radiator. No more big ass annoying shroud:peace:
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/20130911_180512_zpsf1f468ea.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/20130911_171127_zps76070ef7.jpg

[myoung84]

Looks a lot cleaner!

[ramthis9501]

Thanks! Alot more room too

[916Timmy]

That is a big e-fan!

[ramthis9501]

That's why there's no need for a clutch fan!

[ramthis9501]

Well I finally lucked out! I was scouring the net for a Mopar Performance PCM the other night and came across one on eBay. The part# matched and everything so I had to have it! It throws a code for "radiator fan control short" but I'm not worried about it because I'm running my fan off a switch anyways.

Got it in the mail this morning, immediately went out to the garage and installed it; which only took about 5 minutes. Took a drive... I couldn't believe the difference. It used to fall on its face shifting from 2nd to 3rd but now it's strong and doesn't miss a beat! It screams!

I did some research and depending on mods, I can expect anywhere from 20-30 hp and 20-30 lbs of torque added. And I truly believe it! One more checked off the list :D

[916Timmy]

Very nice! Have to get it out to the Valley again!

[ramthis9501]

Waiting til November ;)

[ramthis9501]

New pictures...
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/20130915_193156_zps17241a1f.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/20130915_193309_zpsf83dc0aa.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/20130915_192936_zps7929f779.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/20130915_193428_zpsa7afa083.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/20130915_193509_zps83480a3a.jpg

[ramthis9501]

Well I decided to take advantage of the nice weather and low DA tonight. Ran it with full street setup. Street tires and tonneau cover were left on.

The PCM was exactly what it needed!

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/20130920_232732_zpsf31ce6f3.jpg

14.565 @ 95.73

Gonna run it again in November and see what slicks and new shocks will do for me

[ramthis9501]

Picked up a stock hood today. Figure it'll be a good backup or an opportunity to go a different route with the appearance if I decide to.
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/20130928_164626_zps64b833f1.jpg

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

I like your hood, just not the bumper.

[0212353]

I like your hood, just not the bumper.

ditto.

[ramthis9501]

I'm going to get it painted pretty soon. Found a guy that can get it done and they do exceptional work.

[ramthis9501]

Been awhile since I've updated you all. I went ahead and got some Belltech Street Performance Shocks installed and it helped a ton on ride quality and hooking at the strip!

Also went to Tulsa today for the annual Mopars at the Park race event and got some good runs in.

Best time was 14.063 @ 98.13 :D
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/20131102_230531_zps4c418dfc.jpg

Got high hopes of breaking into the 13's soon, but by next season for sure!

And first post has been updated

[myoung84]

Nice! You're so close to 13's and 100 mph!

[ramthis9501]

I also cut a .005 reaction time! I red lighted on another run and it was a -.001! I was so close to a perfect light!

[ramthis9501]

Videos of two of my runs. This was a go-pro in another guys Dakota R/T that I ran against. The first one, he ran 14.12 and I ran a 14.24. Second run, he jumped the light big time but we still ran pretty similar times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nypHykbzOF0&list=FLahFzREfHj7Yh_Ucr8DR6zQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSZAQbMdkjQ&list=FLahFzREfHj7Yh_Ucr8DR6zQ

[ramthis9501]

It's a little choppy, but this is my 14.06 run.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdKEhHqgiT0

[DoubleTakeDodge]

Hell yeah! Looks like you were beginning to pull him at the end of the quarter on the first video

[ramthis9501]

Yeah I was. This truck has a ton of top end power. I started reeling him in after the 1/8th mile

[ramthis9501]

Update :D

Alright so I have narrowed down a ticking noise in the engine that's been going on for awhile to a bad lifter. New lifters have been ordered and also the starting pieces to something a little more sinister :devilfinger:

I have big plans for it down the road, but in the meantime, I wanna make it go even faster the way it stands now. So what's better to use to get that extra boost other than nitrous :D Yup I'm going to start saving my pennies and parts to get a nitrous setup installed in the near future. Not going for anything to crazy, just gonna spray a 75, maybe 100 shot. These trucks can handle it with stock bottom end, stock trans and stock internals. All I'm gonna do is replace the valve springs with some shorter ones for more lift and put some new lifters in. Other than that, all I gotta do is install the nitrous kit and we're looking at potential 12's in the 1/4 mile :jawdrop: I'll keep you all updated on this new project!

[Matt]

yes but can that truck handle a 18 y/o with a nitrous button :lazer:

[ramthis9501]

Yeah because I'm not some dumbass poser that goes around trying to show off to his buddies, I actually have a brain and use it. Only time I'll be hitting the button is either in a legit race or at the track. So no need to worry about that.

[ramthis9501]

So for the peace of mind knowing that the engine will be able to hold up to the extra power, we're going to do a few internal upgrades. New lifters, pushrods, valve springs, head gaskets and intake manifold gaskets are gonna be installed within the next couple weeks. After that, all I gotta do is hook up the nitrous :D

[916Timmy]

Sounds like a party under the hood! :)

[ramthis9501]

Alright alot has happened in the past week…. Redid the entire top end. New heads, lifters, pushrods, valve springs, head gaskets, intake manifold gaskets, header gaskets, and header bolts. Only "stock" part left are the valves. Well I tore it down Monday and just got it all done and put back together earlier this evening. Before tear down, there was a loud knocking noise. I thought it was just a pushrod considering that it was disconnected from the lifter when I tore it down. The shit news now.. That knock is still there, even after a whole new top end. That only leaves one explanation… Rod knock. Yup the piston rod coming off the crank. But after talking to some well knowledgeable guys, we think the crank, pistons, rods and cam are good. So that means it's time for either a rebuild on my motor which would involve new main bearings, rod bearings, cam bearings, piston rings and oil pump or just get a new short block and put my top end on it. This sucks ass. But it is what it is, so hopefully I can get a game plan down soon and get my truck running again before Christmas.

[myoung84]

Well that sucks. I think I'd rebuild the bottom end rather than swapping in a short block....

[ramthis9501]

Gonna be about the same if not more cash to rebuild my current motor rather than just go with a low mileage short block.

[Matt]

yeah but you know what's in your rebuilt short block .. for the same amount of money why in the world would you gamble on internals you know nothing about

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

I swapped the bottom end on my S10 (first truck) instead of going with what I had and only ended up with more problems. I know you are talking to some guys who know their shit, but I would have to agree with Morgan and Matt on this one.

[Okiespaniels]

I'm always torn about expressing an opinion on matters like this. However a couple of thoughts are in order. I'm making assumptions based on limited info.

Does the the "rebuilt" come with any type of warranty that even covers "performance" use? Any warranty is better than none, and most re builders offer one. You may not have that with your original short block.

Having said that... keeping your engine allows things to be "numbers matching" and you'll know exactly what was done. By controlling the process, you can control the quality. Yes. this costs more.

If you continue to race the truck, the longevity of a "cookie cutter" reman could become obvious, and expensive. Factory remans can be hodgepodge of parts and processes, which would not effect an every day type situation but may have consequences in a racing one.

[ramthis9501]

The thing about it is, the piston rods might be shot in my short block, which would be a shit load more money. The short block I'm looking at going with is a stock 5.9 with 60,000 miles that ran strong when pulled. The bottom end is good on it for sure and should be for a long time to come. That's why I'm leaning towards that route. Only reason mine gave out is because it has 133,000 miles on it and theres no telling what the guy before me did to it. This other engine is coming from a trusted friend of mine and I know he wouldn't sell me junk. I just need to make this work and last me another 2-3 years until I can save up the money to do my big build on it. Still gonna race this one though :D

[ramthis9501]

Picking up the 60,000 mile motor tonight and putting the top end on tomorrow. Motor goes in Thursday, Friday at the latest

[916Timmy]

That should be good Colton. Just give it a good look with the pan off and look at the bearings and crank in the bottom end

[ramthis9501]

New engine is officially installed! Truck ran good tonight and gonna run it again tomorrow

[myoung84]

Sweet! Glad you're up and running again.

[(S.M.R) 101]

Nice man.

Let us know how it holds up.