I hadn't pulled the intake tube but quickly testing in neutral at different RPM levels the engine seems fairly smooth. I didn't notice any RPM fluctuations while trying to hold any engine speed in neutral.

The problem really only seems to be low RPM loads. Light acceleration, cruise, etc.. At WOT when the RPM's get past 3500 or so it settles down and starts to pull well.

I swear this engine feels like a Japanese V8. It just doesn't have the same off the line grunt I was used to in the 2000 and 2003 4.7 Dakotas I had. You have to rev it. When this motor gets a little past 3500 RPMS's it just wakes up and pulls like a raped ape.

I'm hoping the Superchips tuner will be released for the 2011 model soon and see if it'll fix it. Maybe try an SCT unit.

 

Sounds like we are both on the same page here. I have noticed that it does it more when it's driven cold and warms up. Probably will replace the O2 sensors to see if that is part of the problem, in the past I have had one go out and it really stumbles from the cold-hot transition.

As far as no grunt off the line, that is the computer holding us back. I have the superchips and it helped a little but it's still holds back a ton of power. I can't even spin the tires off the line (unless I power brake first, then they spin threw 1st gear). My friends 03 4.7L Dakota would throw you back in the seats and burn rubber off the line.

I guess Dodge didn't think that was needed

 

You need to remember the 2000 had a 4 speed trans, and 4.10 gears. I know because I owned one. Even with all my miss I am not sure I would race one with my new truck.

 

I just think if the computer wasn't butting in, these trucks could achieve so much more at lower rpms. Don't get me wrong it has power, you just don't see it until later in the rpm band. My 01 R/T was the same way, it wouldn't allow you to do a burn out in stock trim. I got a B&G flashed computer and wow nelly, it was a night and day difference. Maybe superchips will crack the code sooner or later.

 

Was that 4wd or special order?

My 2000 was a club cab w/ auto. It had 3.55 w/ LSD as stock in the 8.25 axle.
My 2003 was a regular cab w/ 5-speed manual. It too had the 3.55 but in a 9.25 axle.
I used to have a 2005 QC also (lemoned it) and it had the 3.55 w/ LSD in a 8.25 axle.

The 2011 QC I have now has the 3.92 but that was optional. It looked like it has the 9.25 under there. Need to take a second look.

I seem to recall that 05 model even having a little more grunt off the line than this one even with less HP on paper and the lower gear ratio. All three were 2wd.

 

when my EGR whent bad it did that. I noticed it most when it was in higher load like going up a steep hill at lower RPMS

 

2000 Dakota club cab 4x4 sport plus

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Ahhh.... It was a 4wd thing. I never saw an option for 4.10 gears on any of the 2wd models I had. As a side note I was able to use the Jeep TCM in my 2000 Dak and enabled the fifth gear. Threw a bunch of codes and the odometer went to hell but drove fine and picked up about 2 highway MPG.

 

I think I may have cured it or at least helped the situation.

After reading on several Dodge forums there appears to be a common theme with idle issues on the new models. 300, some Jeeps, Challenger, even the Diesel trucks.

I recalibrated the throttle by turning the key on and pressing the gas pedal slowly to the floor and back up (about 10 seconds).

Then I increased my idle by 50 rpms using superchips.

Drove it to work today and it was much smoother, no real issues. I will keep you updated if anything changes.

Going to replace the PCV as well.

 

I think the superchips idle adjustment only works when its pluged in.