Im 16 and I just got my first dakota which is a 2002 slt 3.9L which isnt the best. I need some help on what I can do to it for performance.

 

if your 16 i cant imagine you have a whole lot of money. i would put on an intake and call it good. cost you about $200 retail possibly less. if you want to go faster still i think a new differential gear would be the best bang for your buck. you got an awesome first vehicle though and i bet the insurance for a 16 year old with a v8 is pretty expensive..

 

simple cheap mods i've done to my v6:

180 degree thermostat: $6 with a gasket + extra coolant $7
v8 throttlebody: $50 for a used one
upgraded air intake: $75 for powdercoated pipe and filter + couplers and clamps
$300 for superchips programmer, well not cheap but works best on near-stock engines