An automatic is actually better for towing. I recommend reading all you can on this subject.

There is a known issue with the magnum engines where they develop a vacuuum leak at the bottom on the intake manifold. A better part is available, this requires a plenum plate replacement and gasket. Any competent mechanic should be able to correctly diagnose this and do the repair. Search for "plenum magnum engine" for more information.

 

No such thing as a perfomance chip for this motor, its just snake oil. Adding a resistor to your IAT can be done for less than $1.

 

hey blackvan /// got my van back, and everything checked out in the engine, they said its in the tranny [99 percent sure]------ so off we go to the transmission shop

 

Before taking it to the transmission shop, I would recommend taking a look to see if the Plenum gasket is still intact. When it blows out, the engine has a large vacuum leak at the bottom of the intake that draws air from the crankcase. It is undetectable from outside the engine. Most people (and mechanics) aren't aware that it is even a problem.

A crude way to check your plenum is with a flash light, and dentist mirror. If you can, remove the throttle body, and peer down into the intake bores. You are looking for an excess amount of oil pooled in the bottom of the intake.

Either way, Good Luck!

 

Well towing is 50/50 on Auto vs Manual each to their own. Hope you find out what it is and a solution to fix it.

 

hello again ! -- got my van back,and it was the torque converter///tranny pan ,full of metal -complete rebuild $2600 ---------------HOWEVER , WHEN I WENT ON VACATION OUT OF STATE I GOT 19.2 MPG , so all that crap we did to engine was $ well spent --------------goodby for now [but i have a dodge] we will meet again!