Looky what I bought!

[Lesley]

A new present for the mighty dak!

I WILL have traction!!!

[Lesley]

The "transformation of the Mighty Dakota " saga continues!

Next week, I pick up a custom mandrel-bent stainless steel Noyz Boyz exhaust. 3" from the headers to a custom y-pipe, single into a Borla muffler, dual out. Those twin pipes will look pretty nice peeping out under the roll pan I just installed in the fall.

C'mon Spring!!

[The General]

Lesley,

We need more picks of the Mighty Dak!!

[Lesley]

Sure thing!

It started out as a 97 V6 Sport but then I got the speed bug. Eventually, I thought that an engine swap would be a great idea, and a fabulous learning experience. Little did I know what I was up against. The big V8 wasn't available in the dakota until 1998, so the biggest challenge was getting a computer that would not only talk to the engine and transmission, but also the gauges. I ended up with a custom flashed computer after trying various configurations.

Here's a pic of the engine. It's a Mopar 360 - 5.9 litre. I tore it down and had it on an engine stand in the mudroom off my kitchen for two years while I searched for hop-up goodies (KRC 210x cam, 1.6 roller rockers, ported and polished throttle body, ceramic JBA headers, Mopar performance intake manifold, double roller timing chain,windage tray)

Eventually, I conceded that it was better off being finished by pros - thinking about bent valves and pushrods after spending that much money was keeping me awake at night. Engine was built by Thomson Automotive of Peterborough, long-time custom car builders.
It's hooked up to a custom transmission with kevlar bands and clutches and Transgo shift kit - via a Mopar 2800 stall converter. The rear end received 3:92 gears and a sure-grip.



I only made it to the track twice last year. The first time, I had fuel sync issues and the second, no traction. The slicks should help with that!



I've also taken it to some autocross, where it's admittedly too big to be really good on the small courses, and a track school at Mosport, where it was surprisingly good! It just needs to be lower and tighter, but that's coming.



Waiting to go on the truck is a 2/3" drop kit, a Stillen front bumper, thicker sway bars and custom exhaust.
Future plans include a Kenny Brown x-brace on it to stiffen the frame. And maybe a shaker.



Stillen bumper:

[Pritch]

you are now officially my hero

[Lesley]

LOL. It's running just terrible right now (fuel sync has to be adjusted and I suspect the throttle position sensor is kaput).

But I promise you can take it for a drive sometime.
There's no ABS, no traction control, the suspension is harder than cement... but man, does it have lope .

[Crash]

You'd better get back working on it right now Lesley. Justin tells me that he has either a Charger SRT or a 300 SRT for the 29th... and someone's got to remove that dirty great smile from his face !!!

It won't be me, that's for sure! I forgot all about booking a car and I'm in a sporty Hyundai Tuscon that week ops:

First thing in the morning, I'm phoning around to find some more suitable wheels, but If you bring that truck of yours...the only way I'm going to top that is if they lend me BigFoot or the ZZ Top Eliminator :lol:

[The General]

Dudes!

What's going on the 29th?

[Crash]

The Ian Law school. Lesley is going, Justin's booked, and... he's sweet-talked Bart into giving him an SRT to use, is that guy sharp as a pin or what!!!

Me! as usual... I forgot all about it, but I am going down to see Ian next Sat anyway, to check out his car control school for a possible story. Only as an observer, but I'm hoping that I can book the course for the 29th while I'm there.

So with any luck, there will be 3 Auto123 journo's in attendance. That should be something eh! Poor old Ian, He doesn't know what he's letting himself in for :lol:

[Lesley]

The truck will be staying at home - it needs the fuel sync adjusted and I need to spring for some rubber before taking it to a track day.
Mazda was kind enough to bestow an MX-5 upon me for the 29th.

Crash, your Mini would be perfect. The thing about those track schools, is that it's not about horsepower, it's handling... driving the correct race line and braking in the proper places.
Honestly - I'd rather have a Miata or a Mini for a track school than a huge powerful beast.

This will be the sixth Ian Law school I've attended - I think you guys will find that he's a really good teacher.
It's a great learning experience, since the student/teacher ratio is low, and you've got an instructor riding along with you for most of the time.
One of the instructors is a good friend and fellow Peterborough Motor Sports Club member (who recently took part in the CKN Karting Cup Race along with me, and Auto123's Mark Hacking - story to come soon )