Dauntless 392 - Project

[Systems_Engineer]

Fellas,
I had a few years away from the forum; career, law school, son, struggling with PTSD and hearing suicide has taken more people from me than explosive (I was an EOD Tech “bomb tech”).
[Edit 2/4/26]
The build name: “Dauntless 392”
“Dauntless” was the name of an A10 warthog flight in Afghanistan, and a story for another day “392”…. Well, as wagon owners you should all know its significance.

The theme is a naturally aspirated muscle truck, “a quiet professional” with a low mild rumble at idle, but acceleration emits the iconic deep throaty V8 muscle inside. Quick, fast, but focused on even torque distribution and embarrassing same year deleted diesels (for about x4 the cost).

Installed Modifications
*I logged hours of data on engine related mods, feel free to ask about anything.
Bold Text = Highly recommend

• KC PW Light Bar w/ (x4) 8” KC SlimLite
• Durastep M2 Lumstep “power step ups”
• BW flip ball gooseneck hitch
• Timbren Suspension Helpers
• Borla S-Type cat-back exhaust
• S&B Cold Air Intake
• Pulsar edge

Pending Install

• Brian Tooley Stage 2 Camshaft Master Kit
  • Includes: Johnson Performance Axle Oiled Lifters (MDS Delete), VVT locker, news gaskets, bolts, rods,

Waiting on Delivery

• American Racing headers, long pipe, cat
• HP Tuners unlocked PCM (dyno available)

Undecided or Actively Looking

• 90mm throttle body
• Need better power distribution “center”
• Need better aux switch solution.

This build, minus the undecided/actively looking section, simulates at 605hp/552tq using 91 at the pump .

Surprisingly (to me), 637hp/582tq were the numbers produced by my e85 simulation. It has lower combustibility than 91-octane, which helps hit closer to MBT over KR limitations.
But at a ~30% less efficiency in mpg, but a lot cheaper around here. I’d want new injectors and a pump if necessary; but I’m entertaining this.

 

[Crusty old shellback]

Sounds like a fun build.
My only question is the need for the S&B CAI. Is it better than the OEM CAI on the truck now?

Now that I'm past 100K miles and out of warranty on my '21, I've toyed with the thought of building the motor.

Thanks for your service Brother

 

[dieselscout80]

Sounds like an interesting build.

I wonder if Johnson Performance makes a Axle Oiled Lifters that are MDS compatible?

 

[poorman_pw]

Subscribed.

Not sure what you’re using for aux switches, I put in an Auxbeam 8 gang switch panel and fuse box, but the one with Bulletpoint Solution’s branding on it. I keep it on the rubigrid and right now only have my compressor paired up to it. It’s okay, but there are much nicer switch / fuse box solutions out there.

Looking forward to your engine build. I drive my 25 year old XJ almost daily, switching into the wagon makes it feel like a rocket ship. So if this doesn’t give you the results you want, I recommend getting an old XJ to drive 5 days a week.

 

[Systems_Engineer]

Sounds like an interesting build.

I wonder if Johnson Performance makes a Axle Oiled Lifters that are MDS compatible?

That actually is an interesting question, I don’t believe so because their targeted audience typically wouldn’t aim to maintain such a feature.

But you did just remind me that I need to research how those function.

 

[Systems_Engineer]

Subscribed.

Not sure what you’re using for aux switches, I put in an Auxbeam 8 gang switch panel and fuse box, but the one with Bulletpoint Solution’s branding on it. I keep it on the rubigrid and right now only have my compressor paired up to it. It’s okay, but there are much nicer switch / fuse box solutions out there.

Looking forward to your engine build. I drive my 25 year old XJ almost daily, switching into the wagon makes it feel like a rocket ship. So if this doesn’t give you the results you want, I recommend getting an old XJ to drive 5 days a week.

I have a mess of **** right now because I can’t find an aux switch box I like.

So I need to identify one quick because what k have is embarrassing & I REALLY need a power distribution solution. I think I am going to add another battery as well, so I want to solve this soon. I’ll check out your switches here shortly.

 

[poorman_pw]

I have a mess of **** right now because I can’t find an aux switch box I like.

So I need to identify one quick because what k have is embarrassing & I REALLY need a power distribution solution. I think I am going to add another battery as well, so I want to solve this soon. I’ll check out your switches here shortly.

Here is how I mounted mine, combination of these products:

https://www.bulletpointmountingsolu..._nDFjTKfJvI9miYNXhZo4fVYb0BxaacN5pQg-B8mWJ6el

Carbon Fiber/Kevlar Hybrid Mount Arm - Matte Finish

Our Matte finish Carbon Fiber/Kevlar Hybrid mounting arms provide industry-leading stability and durability. For use with any of our standard device holders with integrated 20mm balls. Includes aluminum attachment couplers on each end with thumbscrews designed for use with 20mm ball attachment...

www.bulletpointmountingsolutions.com

Auxbeam + Bulletpoint 8 Gang Switch Panel Mount with 20mm Ball

Looking to secure your Bulletpoint or Auxbeam 8 Circuit Switch Panel to your Bulletpoint Mounting Solutions dash mount? This is the device holder for you! This all-aluminum device holder is designed specifically to secure your 8-Gang Switch Panel (including the Bulletpoint 8 Circuit Switch...

www.bulletpointmountingsolutions.com

2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler JL + 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator A-Pillar Grab Bar Mount with 8-Circuit Switch Panel Bundle

Introducing a complete switch panel solution for 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler JL and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator owners. This discounted bundle includes everything you need to unlock total control over 8 electronic devices in your Jeep. QUICK & EASY MOUNT INSTALLATION The A-Pillar mount installs on...

www.bulletpointmountingsolutions.com

19+ Ram HD Battery Tray AuxBeam AR-800 Mount

19+ Ram 2500 & 3500 Battery mount for AuxBeam AR-800 makes running and/or changing accessory positions a breeze. No more cutting and splicing every time you need to change something, just simply pop the cover off unscrew and move. Mounts behind existing hardware on the driver side where the...

www.nhoverland.com

 

[Vdrsnk]

Excited to see this happen. It’s a build I have only dreamt of!

 

[Crusty old shellback]

Check this place out
I think they have a switch panel that replaced the cover in the lower left of the dash, next to the door.

Switch Panels

Command Your Rig: Switch Panels for Ultimate Control

sdhqoffroad.com

 

[Shocktrooper392]

Definitely watching this thread. I want American Racing Headers badly... when my warranty runs out.
However... there's no chance in hell they'll fit with Dethloff trans skid installed.

 

[Systems_Engineer]

Excited to see this happen. It’s a build I have only dreamt of!

I should have all the parts in by early next week. Then I want another week or so to ensure I have my tuning plan down tight so I don’t go without my truck for too long (or blow up my engine)
Then, it’s time for the big day(s)…

 

[Systems_Engineer]

Definitely watching this thread. I want American Racing Headers badly... when my warranty runs out.
However... there's no chance in hell they'll fit with Dethloff trans skid installed.

My only fear is that they will cause droning or push the exhaust noise into the lower realm of obnoxious. I think, with it being catted, and complimented with a borla s-type…… it should come out sounding exactly as I wished.


By the way fellas, my wagon is in the mid 30k for mileage, and my exhaust clamps/connections were HORRIBLY degraded. I don’t beat on my truck too much at all off roading, but I do live in ND.
The manifolds? I am going to have a 30’ Cheater to get those f&$$&ing bolts out…. I got new “special” locking bolts and a gasket from the guy I purchase from for free with the ARH & cam, so hopefully I’ll get some better life from those.

Also, I have to give a notice to everyone about a rare occurrence purchasing all of these parts:
www.fasthemis.com
Joe, the owner, connected when my exhaust order was messed up and personally took care of it with overnight shipping, hooked me up with a deal on the cam/headers, and threw in the gasket/bolts. I have yet to find a performance place that has his level of customer service - without a doubt I recommend dealing with him.
He’s the kind of guy that resembles the lost breed of men who say something over and over handshake and follows through, and his website/company mirrors such.

 

[Systems_Engineer]

Definitely watching this thread. I want American Racing Headers badly... when my warranty runs out.
However... there's no chance in hell they'll fit with Dethloff trans skid installed.

I just re-read your post - do you think they won’t fit or know they won’t?

I was thinking they would largely route the same and take only a little more space; but not to the point where a skid plate would be obstructive.