99 Ram Performance Help

[killerkatana75]

I just got rid of my 03 Silverado for a 99 Ram 5.2L 4x4 ext cab.

It has 114,000 miles on it and the only mod is flowmaster muffler.

What is the biggest perfomance gain for around 200-300 bucks? And keep in mind i dont wanna have to do alot of wrenching. I dont know if a hypertech, cold air intake, or what would be best

[BleedDodge]

I'd put on a dual exhaust system. But that's just me.

And I mean dual exhaust, not dual tailpipes.

[imtheoneandonlyD]

Mopar PCM or a Fastman throttle body. www.thefastman.com

Those were the two best mods i did to my 99. If you go with the TB make the next mod a nice exhaust setup.

[killerkatana75]

What will the throttle body for me? Is the install hard?

[imtheoneandonlyD]

install is really easy. Take off your air hat the remove 4(i think 4 is right) bolts and the elec stuff connected to the stock TB(1-2 connectors that just pop off) Then replace it with the fastman tb plug everything back and your good to go. It will take about 25 minutes if you take your time and clean the TPS while your in there.

You'll get about 10-15 hp and increased throttle response off the line. Its a great mod and Dan(the fastman) is a great guy to deal with.

[imtheoneandonlyD]

Dont get me wrong an exhaust system will help. If you plan to do full exhaust IE headers back then i would do either that or the TB. But the TB will definatly compliment the exhaust mods.

[killerkatana75]

I saw on that site he is on vacation this week..

So would the 10 - 15hp i get from this be better than a hypertech? I know its cheaper

[imtheoneandonlyD]

I personally dont like hypertech, the one i used on my 99 didnt work. Since i bought it on ebay hypertech wouldnt warrenty it. So i went with a mopar PCM, worked great.

[BleedDodge]

I'm going to say that headers are probably a waste of money. I don't know this guy's situation though. Think he's gonna be racing his truck on a regular basis?

Manifolds flow well, and headers only prove useful in higher rpm's. And they look cool when you have the hood up to check the oil in the morning. That's all I can think of.

I know I'd never get headers just because I don't believe they would ever pay for themselves. That's just me though.

[imtheoneandonlyD]

Originally Posted by BleedDodge

I'm going to say that headers are probably a waste of money. I don't know this guy's situation though. Think he's gonna be racing his truck on a regular basis?

Manifolds flow well, and headers only prove useful in higher rpm's. And they look cool when you have the hood up to check the oil in the morning. That's all I can think of.

I know I'd never get headers just because I don't believe they would ever pay for themselves. That's just me though.

If i would suggest headers they would be mid or longs. The shorties i had(on my 99) didnt really do anything for me.

[BleedDodge]

Originally Posted by imtheoneandonlyD

If i would suggest headers they would be mid or longs. The shorties i had(on my 99) didnt really do anything for me.

They probably made the exhaust note a little clearer though right?

[imtheoneandonlyD]

Yeah there was a sound difference for sure. But as far as performace goes it was not noticable. Im waiting for my longtubes to get put on right now. Hoping the shop will call pretty soon to say its done.

[tony36]

I would suggest leaving it the way it is. To start pumping up the horse with that many miles on it is pretty hard on the motor.

[imtheoneandonlyD]

Originally Posted by tony36

I would suggest leaving it the way it is. To start pumping up the horse with that many miles on it is pretty hard on the motor.

More reason to rebuild it. Miles are only a number if you take care of it.

[tony36]

Well, no matter how well you take care of a motor or what type of lubricant you use, there is still only so much time on a motor. Moving metal parts create friction and wear, the best oil in the world can't stop that, just slow it down. A motor with that many miles has worn itself into a groove with the horse that it has. When you increase horsepower, you put more strain on all of the moving parts. Theses metal parts will start to strech and stress more than what they were broke in at when you pump up the horse. It's not bad on new motors because the metal is fresh, but higher mileage engines have parts that have already been stressed. I got all of this info from several mod and rod shops when I inquired about pumping up my 99 5.2 with 116000mi to get just a little more horse and econo. Now in my experience, when a retail store suggests you don't buy hundreds of dollars of upgrades from them, they are being pretty honest about the issue. Just a little food for thought. Now if he is going to rebuild, then he is wide open.