The Dodge Dakota is designed for the average driver, thus it is calibrated to accommodate various operating conditions and driving styles. For drivers who desire a higher level of performance, certain modifications can increase engine horsepower. Some are easy enough to understand that they can be added by the drivers themselves, while others may necessitate full removal of the engine and should be done by professionals.
Using a fuel with an octane of 89 or higher is one of the simplest ways to improve performance. Installing a bed cover is also common as it decreases wind resistance with an added benefit of protecting against the elements. Performance chips offer various tuning points to increase performance in areas such as air, fuel, ignition advance and transmission. Most performance chips are emissions legal throughout the United States. If you aren't tech-savvy, you may find adding this component to be a minor challenge, in which case take the car to a professional for a quick installation. Benefits of using performance chips include higher engine speeds, greater spark advance and better fuel economy.
Larger pistons augment the displacement of the engine, thus allowing greater horsepower. This involves a process called "machining the block" where the piston cavities are bored out to make room for larger pistons. Turbochargers force more air into the intake valves by utilizing the engine's exhaust power, resulting in an increase of at least 50 horsepower, depending on the engine configuration. This is ideal for the Dodge Dakota, given the engine's overhead-valve design. There are turbochargers on the market designed specifically for certain models and engines of the Dodge Dakota. Supercharger systems force more air into the intake to provide more fuel, thus increasing the power output of the engine by at least 40 horsepower--again, depending on the engine configuration. A performance exhaust system offers potential for an increase of at least 20 horsepower, depending on the brand and style. This doesn't require any modification since some aftermarket manufacturers produce exhaust systems specifically for the Dodge Dakota. All of these modifications and installations are complex and sometimes dangerous procedures that should only be done by professionals. Aftermarket speed equipment is not a violation of federal law, so the vehicle warranty will remain valid unless the additional components cause damage to--or have an adverse effect on--emissions or the emissions system.
