Opinion Needed

Larrin · 07-30-2008, 02:20 AM

Hello everyone;
I have a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 with a 5.2 Magnum. I hope im posting this in the right area, if not please don't kill me. I love this truck, I have had MANY vehicles but theres just something about it's styling I really like and to be honest the engine is starting to show its age. (almost 200k miles) I don't wish ti just replace it but instead pull it out and rebuild it. I've built many chevys and fords but never a mopar. It's starting to smoke a little at red lights so i'm already planning on new rings and head work but what else can be done to this engine without going crazy. I'm good with mechanical but elecrtical throws me for a loop so I'm hoping to leave the same computer installed or at the very most small adjustments in that area. So basically my question is what can be done to this engine since im pulling it for a rebuild anyway that will really make it crank out some decent horsepower without going over the edge. Thanks in advance for any information anyone can give. Thanks! - Jason T.

Commando · 07-30-2008, 05:16 AM

What I would look into is a throttle body spacer, it doesn't need to be done with the engine out of the truck. I installed one about a month ago in my Ford Ranger 4 cyl, I saw a jump in horsepower, minimal mpg increase, and awesome throttle response. I think the brand I got was helix, have the box lying around somewhere. Some of the throttle body spacers out there are crap though, this one directs the air better to increase oxygen and makes it run smoother.

I am sure there are better things you can do with the engine out, but that is something I would look into for your truck.

67 GTX · 07-30-2008, 09:44 AM

i don't know how over the edge this is, but you could look into a cold air intake. It'll give you a lot more power, and not kill you on the gas mileage.

Commando · 07-30-2008, 10:46 AM

I should have suggested that too, when I wanted to boost horsepower and gas mileage I was told that I should get the throttle body spacer and the cold air intake. Another recommendation I heard was a programmer to adjust the computer.

Larrin · 07-30-2008, 06:24 PM

Thanks for the ideas so far guys - What i've already got planned is edelbrock aluminum heads and a bigger bore. Can anyone recommend a good cam/rocker set and crank?
Thanks

Commando · 07-30-2008, 07:12 PM

If you go to Edelbrock's website they will recommend a cam that goes with the heads, just a good starting point if I were you.

78D200 · 08-01-2008, 02:58 AM

Make sure that teh heads that you are getting are for a Magnum motor and not a LA motor. The two will be different. Edelbrock does recommend a cam to go with their heads most of the time, so check out their website. Also look into getting a good quality set of headers.

Since you will be going with a larger throttle body and cam, look into getting your computer reprogrammed so that way it knows how to compensate for the performance parts that you are installing.

67 GTX · 08-17-2008, 09:16 AM

How did it turn out?

07-30-2008, 02:20 AM	#1 (permalink)
Larrin Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 2	Opinion Needed Hello everyone; I have a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 with a 5.2 Magnum. I hope im posting this in the right area, if not please don't kill me. I love this truck, I have had MANY vehicles but theres just something about it's styling I really like and to be honest the engine is starting to show its age. (almost 200k miles) I don't wish ti just replace it but instead pull it out and rebuild it. I've built many chevys and fords but never a mopar. It's starting to smoke a little at red lights so i'm already planning on new rings and head work but what else can be done to this engine without going crazy. I'm good with mechanical but elecrtical throws me for a loop so I'm hoping to leave the same computer installed or at the very most small adjustments in that area. So basically my question is what can be done to this engine since im pulling it for a rebuild anyway that will really make it crank out some decent horsepower without going over the edge. Thanks in advance for any information anyone can give. Thanks! - Jason T.

08-01-2008, 02:58 AM	#7 (permalink)
78D200 Ph.D in wheelinology Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Manchester, NH Posts: 380	Make sure that teh heads that you are getting are for a Magnum motor and not a LA motor. The two will be different. Edelbrock does recommend a cam to go with their heads most of the time, so check out their website. Also look into getting a good quality set of headers. Since you will be going with a larger throttle body and cam, look into getting your computer reprogrammed so that way it knows how to compensate for the performance parts that you are installing. __________________ Tim and Heather 1974 J10 - getting built up some more. built 360, built TH400, D300, D60(detroit)/14B(spool), SOA, inboard rear 64" springs, 38.5 thornbirds jeep pics - http://s149.photobucket.com/albums/s63/jeeping1974/J10/

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07-30-2008, 05:16 AM	#2 (permalink)
Commando Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 380	What I would look into is a throttle body spacer, it doesn't need to be done with the engine out of the truck. I installed one about a month ago in my Ford Ranger 4 cyl, I saw a jump in horsepower, minimal mpg increase, and awesome throttle response. I think the brand I got was helix, have the box lying around somewhere. Some of the throttle body spacers out there are crap though, this one directs the air better to increase oxygen and makes it run smoother. I am sure there are better things you can do with the engine out, but that is something I would look into for your truck.

07-30-2008, 09:44 AM	#3 (permalink)
67 GTX Super Moderator Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 269	i don't know how over the edge this is, but you could look into a cold air intake. It'll give you a lot more power, and not kill you on the gas mileage.

07-30-2008, 10:46 AM	#4 (permalink)
Commando Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 380	I should have suggested that too, when I wanted to boost horsepower and gas mileage I was told that I should get the throttle body spacer and the cold air intake. Another recommendation I heard was a programmer to adjust the computer.

07-30-2008, 06:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
Larrin Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 2	Thanks for the ideas so far guys - What i've already got planned is edelbrock aluminum heads and a bigger bore. Can anyone recommend a good cam/rocker set and crank? Thanks

07-30-2008, 07:12 PM	#6 (permalink)
Commando Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 380	If you go to Edelbrock's website they will recommend a cam that goes with the heads, just a good starting point if I were you.

08-17-2008, 09:16 AM	#8 (permalink)
67 GTX Super Moderator Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 269	How did it turn out?