[GoRamYourself]

Aright I'm a Dodge Guy down to the very end but my 89' 318 is really startin to piss me off i love off roadin but when climing hills and stuff, towards the end it doesn't wanna go much farther. I've done a full tune up fuel filter, 02 senser, plugs wires cap rotor. I'd like to find a Throttle body spacer for some more throttle response but i honestly have looked high and low and cannot find anything for that truck besides exhaust. Please any idea's, websites, or anything else you can suggest would be greatly appreciated.

 

[CLRracer]

not really much u can do. a k&n and exhaust will help out for sure, but ur lookin at some serious coin for serious gains. the computer is what really holds us back, but u can get a new board for it from jet and then u can get cams and heads and what not to really up performance.

Duane

 

[89on35s]

I have an 89 pickup with a 318. I installed headders and dual exhaust, and a K+N filter, and noticed a real difference. I am not saying I made a 440 out of it, but it definitely helped off road.

 

[Major Ramifications]

It sound like some lower gearing would help you out. What gears and tires do you current have?
I went from the factory single exhaust with converter to true 2-1/2" duals (still using the exhaust manifolds) with a crossover pipe and Dynomax Super Turbo mufflers on my 2WD '89 RC. If I remember correctly, (it's been a while) this only chopped two tenths off of my quarter mile time. (roughly equivilant to taking 200 pounds of weight out of the truck)

 

[KThaxton]

It sound like some lower gearing would help you out. What gears and tires do you current have?

I was thinking along the same lines, but more specifically....Are you saying that when off-roading, you just plain lose power while climbing? If so, are you in 4 low? If you aren't, obviously you should be.
But, if you are in 4 low, and still run out of power, you've got some serious issues with your engine. I don't know what specifically, but something ain't right.

 

[Slanted_Mind]

Done a compression test lately?

-SM

 

[BrianT]

I agree with KT a total test and tune up i mean total tune have all your electronic equipment checked and tested for proper operation . u probably got some little things making a big headache

 

[StandardByker88]

i also got an 2wd 89 rc with the 318. when im cruising down the street about 25-30 in second and i floor it, it doesnt wanna go right away. it does right after that but it kinda stumbles. is there any easy ways to increase the power that i havent done yet? so far ive got the stock setup til the muffle then out into duals out the back. also got two new injectors, new plugs, fluids, i keep the a/c off, and i got a fresh coil.
what else should i try? im thinking a new air intake tube setup, cap and rotor and maybe change the pipes to dump before the rears. thanks in advance people.

 

[Guest]

See Competition Cams. They have what they consider to be an OEM replacement cam, meaning it's stock-computer-friendly, but the .450 lift really helps midrange and upper rpm power. You will need the suggested springs (good old 901's) to handle the extra lift. It's the 254HR-12. For a bit more cam, the 262HR-12 is listed as a performance cam for your 318, but computer mods may be necessary....a jet module would handle that. If you want even more cam, they have the 264HR-12, and there are always 1.6:1 roller rockers to bump up whatever cam you have just a bit more. Otherwise, you're not gonna be doing much more unless you go with a 360 top-end and heads with 360 computer and TBI, or go with a Magnum top-end swap. Don't get me started.

As for low-speed stumble, try bumping up the initial ignition timing. YES, it can be done, by simply turning the distributor as done with any older type. In these models, the computer handles the advance, but initial is set by distributor positioning just like the old days.

 

[GoRamYourself]

Aright well just wanna thank you all for your advice. To answer some?'s I"m rollin on 33x12.5.15 BFG MT/R's just had them put on. I had a full tune up done The entire truck only has 63,000 miles on it... To answer another? When in 4 Low it does do much better i was just talkin about in 2WD I plan on doin headers and cat back dual exhuast. I've got the K&N and my compression is fine. i would like to change the cam over any suggestions? My gearing i believe is 3.14 in the front and 3.83 in the rear.. if those sound wrong there some where close to that i cant remember off the top of my head, yea and i have the same problem with accelerating too i love my truck but i really gotta be pushin some more power. Me and my friends were talking about installing a new torque converter with low stall which would put more power to the wheels. Has any one done this if so how did it it go? And another ? is since my A/C is broken if i were to disable that could i get more power?

 

[santak]

My gearing i believe is 3.14 in the front and 3.83 in the rear.. if those sound wrong there some where close to that i cant remember off the top of my head

yes that sounds wrong for a couple of reasons:
first you should have the same or very close to the same ratio in both axles and secondly, there is no 3.80s ratio for a 9.25" rear, assuming you still have the stock rear axle. Also, stock ratio was either 3.20 or 3.55.

But aside from that with 33s I'd still go to 3.90 or 4.10 gears which will help getting the rpm up a little and sooner, but I don't know what else to tell you. I am also a little unclear what you really want from your engine: 500+HP and insane amount of torque at low-mid rpm or an overall good performance with compromise between fuel economy and driveability?

 

[Evildriver-3]

Get lighter wheels, alum will help with your accel problems and mileage

 

[shepherd]

The Jet Performance Products website says they do not have a chip for 318 or 360. A I looking in the wrong place?

 

[santak]

No, you're looking at the right site (http://www.jetchip.com/) but they only offer chips for 89 and up, so if I saw that correctly in your profile, you have an 88 TBI engine, which they do not offer a part for. Though I think dodge88 in KS did put this chip in his 88 at one time. Don't know if he still has it in there nor can I really remember the results. Might want to try and send him an IM about that

 

[moorekyl]

Put a 50 or 75 shot NOS kit on it and call it a day.

 

[GoRamYourself]

I checked and you were rite i do have a 3.90 in the rear and i couldn't find out what i had in the front it wasn't much smaller than that. I found the chip for my truck and am considering putting it on my truck. I've hurd adding a chip to an older truck could possibly dammage the computer or engine... is this true? If now what are the risks thati may take by adding this. I was thinking that my cat may be clogged.

 

[GoRamYourself]

To answer some one elses reply I have really light alloy rims on there, not to speak for the tires those things weigh like a hundred a piece or close to.