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Dakota Performance
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The Dude
Dodge Dakota
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1/16/2003
19:56:48

Subject: H.O. Cam woes (kind of)
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Well, I took the plunge and am joining that elite group of Dak owners who are using the Jeep H.O. camshafts. However, if you're considering this mod, be warned that it is no longer the value/horsepower bargain it used to be, as the cams are up to over $100 each (mine were $130 each ARRRRRRG!) When I checked the dealer a few months ago I was quoted ~$150 for both. My how a few months can make a difference. I'm getting them installed at the local Dodge dealer for several reasons (they are not cheap, though). First, I feel comfortable having a Dodge (Chrysler) Tech working on my truck and know they will be done right. Second, I live in a townhouse in Massachusetts while going to school here, I am from California. So, I am really in no position to install them myself (no garage and no tools), not to mention I've never done anything this technical before. Plus it's colddddddd out. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the new low end. Can't wait to haul-ass around town once they're in.



Hoss318
Dodge Dakota
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1/16/2003
20:08:29

RE: H.O. Cam woes (kind of)
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Dealer cost is still 80 each. Please don't tell me you already paid.
Just remember, whatever dealership installs it, don't take it back there for warrenty :-)
R/Trottmann



The Dude
Dodge Dakota
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1/16/2003
21:18:53

RE: H.O. Cam woes (kind of)
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Actually, I already have the cams. So blah.

And surprisingly, the dealer didn't seem too concerned with the warranty issues. I mean, I told them these were factory Chrysler parts that we just couldn't get on any Dodge and that I just went through a Jeep dealership and the guy was pretty much just like, "Oh."

Who makes these things anyway, anyone know?

Mopar?



Brad
Dodge Dakota
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1/17/2003
02:20:46

RE: H.O. Cam woes (kind of)
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hey whats the part # on those HO cams,I have a 01 4x4 4.7, are they all the same?
Thanks



The Dude
Dodge Dakota
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1/17/2003
02:26:02

RE: H.O. Cam woes (kind of)
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Just take these numbers to the parts manager at your local Jeep dealer (these numbers are Jeep part #s only).

53021411AB
53021412AB

Left and right. They will work as long as you have a 4.7 V8.



Hurl
Dodge Dakota
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1/17/2003
03:02:28

RE: H.O. Cam woes (kind of)
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Its got to be pricey to have the dealer install them...



smittyt2
Dodge Dakota
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1/17/2003
08:38:38

RE: H.O. Cam woes (kind of)
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I am curious as to how much the dealer charged, if you don't mind.?




Texas Todd
Dodge Dakota
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1/17/2003
08:54:40

RE: H.O. Cam woes (kind of)
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Months ago, I got mine form the dodge dealer in Wakefield R.I. from a tip off this board, for
$58 each.

I do understand they may have went up, but the local dodge dealer here in Houston, was going to charge me $190, each, AND, I have to pay tax on it also!

As I said, they may have went up there also, but PRICES DO VARY!

just my $1.02

I would think they'd charge at least $200 to do it, Well?



The Dude
Dodge Dakota
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1/17/2003
12:12:00

RE: H.O. Cam woes (kind of)
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They want about $350 the guy said, give or take $50 depending on how long it actually takes or if they (somehow) need a part or two.



2THEXTRM
GenIII
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1/17/2003
12:54:01

RE: H.O. Cam woes (kind of)
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Must be chargin for about 5 hours of labor or so, in a well-equipped warm, dry place like the Dodge Dealer, should be a cake walk but it may take them that long. I just made friends with one of the DC tech's awhile back that has experience and knowledge, side jobs are alot cheaper off the books:) Just need to get him to find time before spring to install my HO cams/intake, he is chargin me $150 if give him a hand at his garage, of course I'll spring for beer and pizza too lol. Not sure which Dak I want to install them in, thinkin my 01 since it may give me back a little more low-end that I lost when I went to 33's. Then maybe I'll go for KRC heads/cams or EHO heads/cams for my 02' and get the 18's to light up in 4WD:)

Flowmaster cat back w/15 inch chrome tip, Volant Intake, Poweraid TB Spacer, Splitfire Plugs, full synthetic fluids
3 inch body/1.5 inch Block Lift, 305 70-16 X-Terrains on AR Terons, Pro Comp ES9000's
Grizzly double/single rollbar with (6) Hella's, Manik Nerfs, Line-X, Hard Work & $$$$$$$$$$

The Dude
Dodge Dakota
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1/17/2003
15:44:07

RE: H.O. Cam woes (kind of)
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Well I wanted to get them installed at the Jeep dealer where I got the cams. I figured Dodge/Jeep, shoot they're both Chrysler. So, I asked the service manager if any of his boys would want to make a little extra money and install my cams. After convincing him that the cams wouldn't end my Dakota he went and asked a couple of his techs. Both turned the offer down. The manager basically told me, "Those guys in there...they make good money. And they work on cars all day long. They have families. They don't want to work on cars all day, only to have to start working on yours in the evening when they could be going home to their wife and kids. It's just not worth it to make an extra $250-$300 (what I offered). Shoot, most don't even want to see another car until they have to come back in to work the next day." So, shot down. The guy was actually a lot nicer than I made it sound right there, but that's the gist of it.



BigDs02Dak
Dodge Dakota
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1/17/2003
19:00:29

RE: H.O. Cam woes (kind of)
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I paid about $58 for each cam when I got them a few months ago now and Installed them myself, it was an all day project just cause of a few problems I ran into but I think that it was worth it.

2002 4.7 SLT+



teamfast
Dodge Dakota
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1/17/2003
19:16:48

RE: H.O. Cam woes (kind of)
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the dealer will have a history of vehichle repairs and service. Why bother going to a dealer in the first place, find a reputable shop. If you travel across the country, DC will still see a record of your vehichle. Your screwed now, youve broken the case!



The Dude
Dodge Dakota
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1/17/2003
19:52:11

RE: H.O. Cam woes (kind of)
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Nah, it aint that bad. These are Mopar parts. It's not like I'm putting in some go-for-broke, motor-destroying aftermarket cams. These are factory DC parts and will not void the warranty. I mean, how much more safe can I get? Factory cams being installed by a Dodge Tech.



kevster
Dodge Dakota
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1/17/2003
21:27:14

RE: H.O. Cam woes (kind of)
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I agree with Dude, Mopar parts installed by the Mopar Dealer, I am considering the same thing for my 02 quad cab 4x4. cams would be awsome... I need to make some calls. Thanx. Dude keep us posted after the install, I need to know how well they improved your performance.. and run 89 octane fuel also.



teamfast
Dodge Dakota
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1/18/2003
14:30:06

RE: H.O. Cam woes (kind of)
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yes, i suppose. Its the dealers call though as to wether the warranty will cover stock parts or not. Anyways, did you shop around as far as rates? Arent the dealer rates going to blow the budget?



The Dude
Dodge Dakota
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1/18/2003
16:16:35

RE: H.O. Cam woes (kind of)
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Teamfast, I understand your concern. Unfortunately, where I am in Massachusetts, there is like a black hole of auto places that, to me, seem up to the challenge of a cam swap. My only real choices were the Dodge dealer, the Jeep dealer, and believe it or not, a VW dealer I've done some business with that seems to have a good auto/body and repair center. There are a few mom and pop shops around town, but I'm not sure I trust them with something like this. I figured out of those choices, I'd rather have the Chrysler techs work on it.
Now, if I were back home in So. California, this would not be a problem, since there's like a bajillion places out there that do this kind of thing. I mean, shoot, down the street from my house in Cali, I have a "Truck Performance Center." Back here in Mass, where I attend college, such a thing is unheard of. As far as the budget goes, I knew it was going to be pricey, and I've been saving up since about a couple weeks after I got the truck.



BlakDak5
Dodge Dakota
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1/18/2003
16:21:23

RE: H.O. Cam woes (kind of)
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Dude, what dealer are you going to in mass??
I know quite a few techs at different mass dealerships. I spent four years working at a dealership in mass



The Dude
Dodge Dakota
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1/18/2003
17:00:29

RE: H.O. Cam woes (kind of)
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It's in Northampton, Mass (Western Massachusetts). Man, it's like hippieville over here.



coldcan
Dodge Dakota
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3/13/2003
23:09:18

RE: H.O. Cam woes (kind of)
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In ref:to changing cams will you have to bump up you fuel from reg to ?? are can you stay the same



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