I have a 2000 v8 4.7L Dakota and am planning to start doing some basic aftermarket modifications. I ordered new premium spark plugs and am going to replace the remaining old ignition coils as I have replaced several already in the past two years (they failed causing misfires). After this I am planning to start with easy modifications. I may get an air intake first like this. Then I want to get a power control module (stage 1) like this.

My question is this, will a basic programmer or tuner such as this interfere with the power control module? Would it be better to get the programmer/tuner instead of the power control module? After these modifications what would be the next logical step for simple performance and/or fuel economy increases?

I don't want any major modifications at this time since the truck is 14 years old and may not be able to handle it. I also don't want to spend thousands of dollars since I could just put that money towards a new truck in several years.

 

Welcome to the forum!

I would not recommend "cold air" intake. The 4.7 already has a cold air intake, the air is supplied from the right side wheel well and lights. In many ways it is actually more effective then a CAI that you can buy. What I'd suggest is a low resistant filter instead; it is cheaper and better.

No one I know off uses a JET module. I've heard they trash mpg and don't gain anything for the 4.7. Superchips are the easiest thing and I'd guess they'd help some but don't expect a major improvement. Guys will suggest that if you can get a SCT tuner, which aren't made anymore so they are hard to find.

New spark plugs definitely make a difference. They 4.7 love copper ones but they will eat them so you will need to keep to the maintenance schedule. As for simple mods and work here are some bolt-ons that aren't major but can help when all together:

An enlarged throttle body
Superchip
Modified exhaust (I went with a complete rebuild from the heads back)
K/N filter

The filter, chip and TB we're done together and they brought new spirit to an old/dying engine. Then when the new engine was put in, the truck had some uncanny amount of pull, 2,500-4000 rpm always puts a grind on my face in 1st and 2nd gear. The modified exhaust really tied in the performance, even on the low end I could feel the difference (not sound related). It will break loose the tires in 1st, but after 4k it doesn't act like it is out of breathe either. The biggest issue I have is 3.55 gears and oversize tires doesn't make for great acceleration.

From this you start moving towards "major" mods. My next steps are swapping gears, installing H/O cams and 05-07 intake manifold. These 3 steps are not cheap. I hope this all helps

 

My two cents, skip the "premium" spark plugs and just run the OEM copper -RC12MCC4. Like Blackknights says you will have to change them in 30k, tops, but it is a very easy job. I usually run 25k or so on them before changing.

Just a heads up, running plugs other than OEM can eat coils.

I agree, skip the CAI too.

Not sure what you have for gears but the 4.7 loves to rev. 3.92's work nicely.

 

So, even something like this Airaid may not be worth it? It sits on top of the container the stock filter sits on and pulls air from the same place. If the performance gain is negligible I'm not going to worry about it, then.

dodgedakotaintake2.jpg?t=1242405150

I forgot to mention that when I bought the truck it came with custom exhaust. I'm not sure about the headers, but the truck has exhaust splitting off to behind both rear tires, no muffler.

Concerning the Superchips programmer, I was already leaning heavily towards that. It can also read the diagnostic codes and reset them, and also works on newer Dodge trucks if I get a new one several years from now.

I saw that throttle body mod thread, but I don't have the tools to grind the metal down. After looking around it seems I can buy a throttle body someone already modified.

 

Long story short, anything other then the stock system will most likely lose power. The stock system is actually very good, for all intent and purpose the stock system is a CAI. The only thing I'd change is the filter.

Take a picture of the exhaust, most people only get a cat-back exhaust. Which works, it does give some power back. But full custom exhausts are where you'll gain more power. Some places like here in GA for the cost and install of a cat-back system, I was able to have a guy build and install the custom exhaust.

I've never had my superchip be able to do diagnostics or reset codes. I've got a reader for that. But you have things like tire size adjustment and what not that was very useful.

http://www.thefastman.com/throttle_bodies.php is where I and most guys buy their TBs from.