hey there, I will start fixing up my 97 ram SS/T sometime in the near future...I was hoping to freshen up the 5.9 Magnum in it now. I want to say the engine is 245-255 hp stock...245 it think stock and a added 10 or 15 hp in the SS/T due to the cam...Just wondering what you guys know about these engines and their buildablity/durability...not looking for huge power...but i would like to try and reach somewhere near 400+ hp. not looking to spend a ton of money, but would love to hear what you guys think, or hear about ur combos and whatnot...thanks

 

Is that 245/255 HP what is should have stock from the factory? If so, then I would expect the truck to have much less power than that now (maybe closer to 200-210). Put it on a dyno to get an accurate number for HP and TQ.

If you want this truck to throw you back in the seat, then you want to build the motor with torque in mind. Look into adding a turbo. If you just want to increase your HP, look into adding a super charger.

Otherwise maybe a little more aggresive cam, retune the PCM again, M1 intake (the dome intakes are pretty restrictive on flow), have some head work done (port/polish) or go with a set of alum heads, larger injectors, full exhaust w/headers.

 

yea that number was from the factory...the SS/T had 15 more hp over the regular 5.9 Magnum. And As you say it maybe torque im after....not looking to do 150 mph, just want to go from 0-100 real quick and in a cloud of smoke...lol..thanks for your input.

 

Ive done a bunch of these motors. By swapping out the intake, adding headers and a cam with lift close to max allowed (retainer to guide restricted) you can be easily in the 380HP range. It will need to be reprogrammed for sure.

The issue is the pcm and then some of these items need to go hand and hand or they wont work right.

I have done the combo below several times and RWHP was 320-330 so depending on much your drive train takes out of the crank a 400hp 360 is doable with the stock short block all day long. All with decent vacuum and good idle.

Heads

Regular Magnum Head or EQ Iron Heads (if you order the latter bare, cut them for 5/16 chevy 2.02 valve and drop the spring pocket .100) That will save you money in spring selection and allow you to up the HP latter.

Cam

In a Ram or Durango in the plus 4000 lbs range go with 212/218 or 210/ 220. Stock retainer to quide clearance is .520 and .544 (depending). I wouldn't go over .512 with the magnum heads. If you do EQ and set them up correctly they flow excellent to .55 so adjust lift number accordingly. If you use the 2.02 valve then 500 hp is totally possible but with some serious other mods..

In a Dakota or lighter car you can get 218/224 or even a 224/230 depending on gearing.


Headers: The hot ticket here for your rig would be Stans. The are pricey but worth the money. The guy is an artist.

The M1 is a single plane but it only flows air in an FI application so your torque will be fine. I haven't tried the air gap fuel injected one from hughes but those that have seem to like it.

You will need the SCT tuner and a good programmer.

I left ton of detail out some but if your start tearing into it and need a hand with the particulars send me a pm.

 

Look up the specs for the 380/360 mag motor