Look out, this '96 Dodge Dakota packs some serious power. It belongs
to Brad Gigliotti of Pacifica, CA. Brad may only be 26, but he knows his stuff, he works
as an auto technician at a local car dealership.
The truck has a 5.2L V8, 5 speed transmission, and a 3.55 open diff
rear end. Mods on this truck include a K&N FIPK aircleaner, Gibson cat-back exhaust,
and a Mopar Performance high performance engine controller. Best 1/4 mile time on
the truck is 14.59 seconds at 94.21 mph, with a 2.09 second 60-foot time. Future
modifications include headers, cam, ported throttle body, roller rockers, and intake
manifold. And Brad tells us he has his eyes on a Paxton Supercharger. He admits, "I'm
hunting for the 12's!!!"
Appearance-wise the truck has been lowered 3-inches in front
4-inches at the rear. It wears Centerline Scorpion wheels, measuring 17x7-inches front and
17x8-inches rear, with Firestone Firehawk SZ50 tires (235/45ZR17 and 255/45ZR17
respecitively).
His frineds like to call it The 5.0 Eater, and we can see how it
could easily surprise a lot of 5.0 Mustangs! Truck came with tilt, cruise, and A/C,
but Brad says, "I can do without 'em." He is even thinking of removing the A/C
for less weight. He is serious about making this thing haul more then a load of
wood.
