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Newbie here - Intro + Please help

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1.9K views 24 replies 15 participants last post by  espop125  
#1 ·
Hey guys I've been looking at this site for a while - just haven't posted until now. I own a Silver 2006 300 Touring with a few minor mods done:

20" Liquid Metal Magma wheels
Yokohama Parada Spec-X 255/55/R20
Bentley style Gunmetal Mesh Grill
Black halo projector headlights
NiteShade'd tails
Pioneer Head unit
Kicker 750w amp and L7 12" sub

I loooooove my 300 but I, like a lot of people I've seen on here, wish I had the 6.1. So, rather than lose a buttload of money on trading in mine in for a C or an SRT8, I want to mod mine. Besides, I like the idea of starting with a blank canvas and customizing it my way.

I am a major gearhead with a limited amount of "fun" money (aka I'm married so I don't get to buy cool stuff anymore). I've seen quite a few free or "cheap" mods I can do with the 3.5L and I plan on doing as many as possible without the wife noticing...

I have one little tech question/problem while I'm posting - any answers would be welcome. My steering column has been making this squeaking sound when I turn more than a quarter-turn. It sounds like rubber on rubber or plastic on rubber. Its hard to describe, but its very annoying and embarrassing. Any suggestions??
 
#3 ·
Welcome to the forum. There's some performance upgrades you can do to the 3.5 to good results. An intake, exhaust and programmer would be a good start. We did a 3.5L powered Charger up here in the PNW this past summer and after the DiabloSport CMR tune was done, it is a great runner.

As far as the squeak in the steering column, get your self some silicon spray lube, pull the lower dash panel on the driver's side and you should see a collar support that wraps around the steering column.

Start the car, crawl back under the dash and rotate your steering wheel to full lock to one side (you might two sets of hands...good opportunity to involve the Mrs. and spark some interest in cars and modding ;) ) spray the lube into the collar, rotate the steering wheel to opposite lock and spray again.

This should take care of the squeak.

I don't think there is a lube zirk on this assemble for greasing but the spray will penetrate the area and lube it.
 
#5 ·
Yes, the data cable for downloading tunes and working with the tool on your computer is a must. So you need the data cable and a 12V adaptor. There's a How To in the Knowledge Base on how to use the tool + some write ups.

For your car, initially go with one of the canned tunes. If and when you get a CMR tune on the car at an authorized CMR tuner you'll have a custom tune just for your car.
 
#7 ·
Seems to me that CMR is a very obscure acronym for the tune methodology. Someone told me a long time ago but I've forgotten.

Basically, a CMR tune is done by an authorized shop where they spend 2 - 3 hours with your car on a dyno and they tweak engine operating parameters (spark, timing, fuel delivery, fan settings, etc...) to optimize performance.

You might check the For Sale threads here for the bumpers. Some of the folks here that have done that mod found them on eBay.
 
#14 ·
Welcome to the 'Z', from Virginia. Glad you joined us. JBA makes a header for the 3.5, which I imagine will help in your quest.
 
#20 ·
MADDOG said:
Welcome to the forum. There's some performance upgrades you can do to the 3.5 to good results. An intake, exhaust and programmer would be a good start. We did a 3.5L powered Charger up here in the PNW this past summer and after the DiabloSport CMR tune was done, it is a great runner.

As far as the squeak in the steering column, get your self some silicon spray lube, pull the lower dash panel on the driver's side and you should see a collar support that wraps around the steering column.

Start the car, crawl back under the dash and rotate your steering wheel to full lock to one side (you might two sets of hands...good opportunity to involve the Mrs. and spark some interest in cars and modding ;) ) spray the lube into the collar, rotate the steering wheel to opposite lock and spray again.

This should take care of the squeak.

I don't think there is a lube zirk on this assemble for greasing but the spray will penetrate the area and lube it.
Click to expand...
Maddog- your idea for fixing the squeak worked like a charm! I used a 'dry' lube to avoid mess. I got it in the collar and the boot around it and no squeak! Thank you!
 
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