I just bought this '86 Slant Six Ram. It's all original, in pristine condition, and needs a little pep under the hood. You guys are the experts on the Slant6, where do I start. I want a little more power, but want to keep the truck fairly true to its origins. I haven't had an old truck since I was a kid, and I'm excited about my new rig!

Welcome! VERY nice truck!

Probably the first upgrade you should do would be to remove the computer controlled ignition and/or carburetor and replace them with a standard electronic ignition and noncomputerized carburetor.

Converting from the lean-burn computerized system to a standard Chrysler electronic ignition system is discussed here. It is also very simple, in my experience simpler, actually, to convert to an HEI system as discussed here.

By this time, the catalytic converter on your truck is most likely clogged, if it is original. If you don't have to pass a visual smog inspection, then you may consider removing the converter from your system. This will help the exhaust system flow better and will improve fuel economy and power.

Getting rid of the lean-burn computerized system will be a significant step forward. After that, the usual tricks of changing carburetors, exhaust pipe diameter, camshafts, etc... apply. Frankly, for a truck, I would recommend staying on the conservative side of carburation and camshaft selection. I wouldn't go bigger than a stock two barrel manifold and a 350 CFM carb. You might be perfectly happy staying with a one barrel carb as well. Do lots of research before you start making modifications willy-nilly. The search button is your friend, as the topic of engine buildups has been covered many times before.

Remember, you want low end torque, not high-rpm horsepower. Don't go nuts with high flow carbs and big lift cams.

_________________
Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.

Move the curser over the word "here" at the end of the secpnd paragraph to find out what Reed was trying to show you. That will underline the word, then left click.

_________________
Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

that truck is gorgeous

_________________
Nothing beats a slant six
1987 D150

Thanks, guys. Guess it's time to start reading, learning, and finding parts. I'll let you know how things progress.

Welcome and nice truck! I just picked up an 87 short bed from my step grandson which was sort of converted to electronic ignition. After the 3 ft of snow melts, I'll be able to get in to it and finish the job.

_________________
65 Dart station wagon slant 6 - now under construction
47 Dodge Custom 4 Door sedan
87 D100 Short Bed slant 6

Retired USAF 1966-1986
Retired US Postal Service 2004-2014

That rig is gorgeous! One more suggestion for the HEI conversion- replace the usual tune up stuff while you're at it. Plugs and wires, cap and rotor, and that HEI conversion will maximize its potential.

I have an 84 Miser and I can tell you removing the cats and the Lean Burn gave me an amazing boost in power and gas mileage, a win-win situation. I doubt the removal of the cats made any environmental impact, since it ran like crap before and runs like a new one now.

_________________
If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.

Welcome! Does she have a sister?

_________________
66 Lil' Red Piggie Valiant (Mater Crusher) - Thanks Zilla!!!!! 72 Demon (Number 1 Son's)

Nice looking truck

_________________
Nick
86 d150 turbo /6.
64 valiant 4 door

That's one beautiful truck!

I hope to find something similar when I get back to the states.

Welcome to the Forum! Tons and tons of great information here.

_________________
Rob

I’m Mater
The Kentucky Poser

I sent you a PM (Private Message) with my contact info if you need help with your truck.
Frank

_________________
Scrapple: Because a mind is a terrible thing to waste.
73 Duster - Race Car
66 Dart Wagon - DD
178" FED
82 D150
All Slant powered

any pics of the interior or engine

_________________
Nothing beats a slant six
1987 D150