Tech Q and A
I just purchased a 1979 Dodge Li’l Red Express that has a 360 cid Mopar® crate engine in it (380 hp). It appears that the previous owner(s) put the distributor and coil from the original 360 onto the crate engine. I’m looking for tune-up specs unique to this crate engine, such as, ignition timing, spark plug type and gap, idle rpm, and point gap and dwell angle.
MM: Basic specs for a 360 Mopar crate engine (above) are fairly straight forward. Timing (12°-15° initial, 35° total), spark plugs (P4876926 x 2 or a Champion RC9YC x 8 gapped at .060), idle (800 rpm). Mopar crate engines are supplied with an electronic ignition set-up (P3690426 – below). We recommend that you upgrade your ignition to the electronic version to get the best performance out of your Mopar crate engine.
I purchased a ‘67 Charger that has 9,700 documented miles on it. There is a number “3” handwritten on the firewall. Is it true that factory workers on the line would write numbers on the first 50 cars? If the “3” means 3rd off line, perhaps I’ll cover it up and paint around it—if the number adds value to the car.
MM: Good question, your best bet for a correct answer is to contact the Chrysler Museum by visiting www.wpchryslermuseum.org. You can also contact Galen Govier via gvgovier.com. Govier has tons of Chrysler build information.
Is a performance chip available for my SRT8® (6.1L HEMI®)? If not, do you know when? I’m looking for more performance from 0-70. I have cold air intake and exhaust upgrade.
MM: Unfortunately, Mopar Performance does not currently and does not have any plans to make a performance computer for any of the SRT8® vehicles. There are aftermarket companies out there that produce performance tuners, such as DiabloSport and Superchips that can assist in tuning in the 0-70 performance of your vehicle.
I have a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Package with chrome fender flares and my cousin recently damaged the left rear fender. Where can I find a replacement?
MM: If it’s a factory equipped part, you should pay a visit to your local Dodge dealer. Otherwise, try searching the Internet on sites like craigslist, and eBay.® You can also do a salvage yard search using car-part.com.
I’m looking to purchase a bra for my Caliber SRT4.® My dealer does not know if a regular bra for a non-SRT® Caliber will fit the hood lines and fog lamp area on the SRT4. If Mopar has one that will fit, please provide a part number.
MM: The Caliber SRT4 and the standard Caliber have different hood lengths and fascia profiles, so a standard bra will not fit an SRT4 trim vehicle. Unfortunately, Mopar does not offer a bra kit for a Caliber SRT4 at this time.
I have 108,000 miles on my 1999 Jeep Cherokee with 2.5L and manual transmission. I plan to change the gear oil in the front/rear axle and gear box. What are the recommended lubricants?
MM: According to the 1999 Jeep® Cherokee Owner’s Manual, the front differential requires Mopar® SAE 75W-90 GL-5, part no. 05010320AA or equivalent. The rear differential requires the same lubricant unless the vehicle is used for trailer towing or has a class III or IV hitch. For those applications use Mopar Synthetic SAE 75W-140 GL-5, part no. 04874469 or equivalent. All rear limited-slip differentials require 6.5 percent Mopar Limited Slip Additive, part no. 04318060AB. The manual transmission requires SAE 75W-90 GL-3. Transfer case requires Mopar ATF+4,® part no. 05013457AB (replaces ATF+3®). Refer to the Owner’s Manual for lubricant change intervals.
I just bought a 1997 Jeep® Wrangler Sahara that I want to restore as much as possible. I’m looking for the seats (green and beige). Does Mopar stock them? Do you know where I can get them?
MM: Pay a visit to your local Jeep dealership, they will be able to look up part numbers and availability of replacement seat covers for your ’97 Wrangler.
