Hello Everyone,

I would like to do some work to the original 225 in my 1984 Dodge D150. I am new to the Slant Six world so I am having a bit of trouble figuring out where to start. The goals are: (1) learning as much as I can, (2) a reliable engine that I can continue to build onto, (3) cold-start issues being resolved. The engine has been running fairly well for the past two years since I bought the truck. I am not too worried about gaining more power but better mileage is what I am shooting for.

This vehicle is my daily driver so disassembling and having a local machine shop to complete the head work is not something I can do at the moment. What work can be done to the engine that will help me achieve an overall better daily driver? I know this is a broad question and I apologize if it is too broad. I can try and answer more specific questions you guys have regarding my truck.

Thank you guys so much! You're the best.

Changing out the lean burn for a HEI ignition will help reliability and economy.
To get the best economy make sure the engine is tuned well, carburetor is properly adjusted.
Keep the tires properly inflated helps and when highway driving limit the top speed to 60. Those trucks are bricks aerodynamically.

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Doo Ron Ron and the Duke of Earl are friends of mine.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX8Nj8ABEI8

Welcome to the site!

Sounds like a good plan. DadTruck has some good advice there. Can you tell us more about your cold start issue?

Best wishes,

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

I'm also learning here and am not an expert, but most of the cold start issues I've had have been choke-related. The choke butterfly valve should be fully closed to start the engine, but then it should be pulled open maybe 3/32" inch (depending on which carb you have) by vacuum once the engine is running (the vacuum system that does this is called the "choke pull-off" or "vacuum kick"). Then it should continue to open as the engine warms up over the next few minutes. You can watch this happen if you start up with the air cleaner removed.

With the engine cold and not running, you can check the vacuum kick with a hand vacuum pump and a drill bit of the correct diameter.

If your choke stays on too long, you're running richer than needed, which will worsen your gas mileage.

What fuel economy are you getting? If you're getting 12 mpg, you can do better, but the economy of this truck is its paid for! I believe 15 mpg is pretty reasonable for this truck.

Sorry for the late reply!
It's more of a pain than it is an issue! It just seems like it could be starting in the cold more efficiently. Idling in general seems to be a bit off.

Thanks for reply! I have tried looking into an HEI ignition but I get confused as to what I need to get.

I noticed it says that you're from Indianapolis! Hello fellow Hoosier! I am from Bloomington!

lots of info here on HEI conversions in "Electrical" section, not very "buried" within the posts.... not far from top of page. Other links to past discussions on the subject in the most recent posts......