Killer Bee

The Dodge Dakota “mid-sized” pickup first came on to the market for the 1987 model year, and it was a brand-new segment for the industry, with a size that was midway between the then-popular mini-trucks and the standard full-size rigs. The marketplace at the time indicated that many pickup truck owners didn’t really require the load capacity of a “big” pickup, and that was a big selling point. With body-on-frame construction, leaf spring rear drive and optional V8 power, it was an appealing package for truck buyers. First-generation Dakotas were produced from the 1987-1996 model years.

The second-generation Dakota came in time for the 1997 model year, incorporating all-new looks which included a slightly toned-down “big rig” front end styling as from the full-sized Dodge trucks. The special version “Killer Bee” Club Cab Dakota R/T featured here is a 1999 model, factory equipped with the 5.9L Magnum V8 that produced 250 horsepower at 4,400 rpm, with 345 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm. 46RE 4-speed automatic and limited-slip differential. R/T models also came standard with fast-ratio rack and pinion steering and lowered 19mm specialized shocks and springs. 4,110 pound curb weight as equipped.

KILLER BEE BY PERFORMANCE WEST

At the time of release, these trucks could be outfitted with a special package from Performance West (Vista, CA) with the primary goal of creating, at the time, a new vehicle that offered improved overall performance, coupled with a unique visual personality and all at an affordable price. The pictured Killer Bee was part of a Goodguys Car Show give-a-way program and was highly publicized in the truck publications at the time.   

AGGRESSIVE FRONT STYLING

Front appearance upgrades include new lower fascia, IPF Penetrator Beam auxiliary lighting, mesh lower grille, twin intake fiberglass hood and Ferrari Testarossa-style mirrors. All are direct bolt-on items.

SUPERCHARGED ENGINE

Kenne-Bell Auto Rotor supercharger (twin screw design), engineered for maximum 13 pounds of boost (which kicks in at 2,000 rpm) for increased power rated at 360 horsepower. “Pulse Divider” KB headers and Optimizer Engine Management Control Box help make the power increase possible, along with large cone-type fresh air intake designed for the application, located below the battery area. According to the builder, Larry Weiner, “It drives like a naturally-aspirated vehicle until you hit the loud pedal, fuel economy is unaffected as long as you drive normally.” However, the engine mods allow for rear wheel tire smoke at ease! 

REAR VIEW

Mopar_® Performance supplied the bed tonneau cover, as well as the Mopar Performance bedliner beneath, plus “Dodge” and “5.9 R/T” markings along with body color rear bumper.

INTERIOR UPGRADES

Interior enhancements included the addition of Cerullo custom leather seats, Spun-Metal look treatment for the dash adds some subtle flash!

VINTAGE MUSCLE CAR INSPIRED BODY MARKINGS

Plum Crazy-hued side C-stripes (done in vinyl) are reminiscent of the 1970 Dodge Coronet Super Bee. Performance West felt it important to maintain a certain authentic theme that reached back to the glory years of Dodge performance.

SIX-SPOKE “MAG” WHEEL UPGRADE

Rolling stock upgrades include Centerline “Starfire” six-spoke aluminum wheels, wrapped with Goodyear Eagle RSA 255/60/17 rubber.

The Dakota Club Cab made for the perfect “Performance West” upgrade choice as it already had great styling, and with a few special touches (front fascia, new scooped hood, “mag” wheels and custom retro-theme side stripes), it didn’t look like a standard everyday truck, now more of a true “sport truck”, which was the rage!

PPG SOLAR YELLOW PAINT

The whole idea of this project was to provide a sport truck for the Goodguys Car Show organization that would be an eye-grabbing vehicle and Performance West hit a home run! The PPG Solar Yellow paint upgrade definitely provided the visuals that made this truck jump out from the crowd.

A BIG HIT WITH THE YOUTH MARKET

The day of the photo shoot, we had the chance to showcase “Killer Bee” at a local Southern California burger joint and with that there was immediate positive recognition from the younger crowd! While they may not have quickly saw the tie-in to the vintage 1970 Dodge Coronet Super Bee (that inspired Performance West to name the truck), they very much thought the rig was cool. Sport trucks appealed to all ages!

BURN BABY BURN!

With the crisp throttle response of the supercharged 360-cid Mopar small block, breaking loose the rear wheels happens with ease! Part of what made the mid-size Dakota with V8 power an appealing vehicle is that with modifications, the performance capabilities provided power just like the “good ol’ days” of factory muscle cars. That was the basic goal of Performance West in getting involved with this Goodguys promotion. Dodge performance and burnt rubber, some things never change!

Author: James Maxwell