I have a 96 Dakota 5.2l with the 5 speed transmission (125,000 miles) . Im trying to select a camshaft for my daily driver. I want the most agressive I can get without having to replace half the motor. I would like to keep the powerband pretty much where its at and keep my low end as much as possible. Should I get roller or flat tappet, whats the difference? Anyone know where I can get a decent price on the kit (cam, lifters, springs, chain, etc.) With that many miles on my truck do I need to replace all that stuff? What do you guys think?

 

First thing I would suggest, is give Hughes Engines a call. They are only Mopar, and can set you up with the perfect combo, for your ride. These guy's know there stuff. The phone number is:309-745-9558 they are in Illinois.

 

The magnums come factory with hydraulic roller lifters, and there is really no reason to downgrade to something else! With hydraulic rollers, all cam and lifter contact surfaces are billet, so they don't wear. In other words, you won't neccessarily need to replace your lifters just because you're replacing your cam.

You will need the cam, valve springs, and a chain is a good idea, epecially if you upgrade to a double roller. Also, while you're upgrading parts, you should replace the stamped rocker arms with roller rockers! Factory ratio is 1.6, upgraded ratio is 1.7

As for the cam itself, keep it mild or you will have to get a new computer flash! Keep the lift at or under .500 and keep the duration @.050 lift at or under 210 and you should be good to go on the computer. If you do want to reflash your computer with a compatible tune for a bigger cam, try to keep the lift under .512 with a factory bottom end, but you can up the duration to however big you want! As for the valve springs, you will have to talk to the maufacturer of whatever cam you get to find out what springs they recommend for their cam.

 

Thanks guys. Yeah I want to stay away from the computer flash. I really dont want to have to run higher octane. but I appreciate the help