Hey folks I'm new, good to meet you. I own a 95 RAM 1500/SWB/2WD/AUTO/4W ABS/5.9L

I'm the original owner and my truck is in excellent condition with 158,000 miles.Good solid regular maintenence has helped me avoid a lot of problems. I am amazedI have never had the plenum gasket failure so many have had. I do use about 3/4 of a quart of oil every 3000 miles. My trans has a Tran-Go shift kit and has never given me a problem. I used to do all my own work, but due to some injuries I received in the Military I no longer can do my own work. I do have a great mechanic who is a friend and I trust. Keep that in mind when yougive your opinion. Oh and I will never sell this truck. I paid cash for it and it holds many memories.

Here's my question:

1) Given the previous info, would you go ahead and justreplace the water pump, timing gear and chain set(both have never been done)and since thework is to that level go ahead and preform the plenum gasket fix (APS billet)"You might as well" as they say.

2) OR would you just go ahead and get rid of the stock motor and drop in something with a little more kick with 300-325 HP and some more torque?Like us all I would love some more power. It would be fun. I have spoken to KRC performance about a motor (Marty) and would love to do it.

Here are the things I have repaired or replaced on my truck:

-Starter
-Oil pressure sending unit (100 K miles)
-Rear Axle Bearings(91K miles)
-Evap cooler and Heater Core (120K miles)
-Upper & Lower Ball joints (110 K miles)
-Radiator, All hoses and belt,belt tensioner (150Kmiles)
-Front Rotors(Brembo), Drums, Pads (ceramic), Shoes, stainless steel brake lines, shocks (157K miles)

My tuckhas the usual mods:

K&N FIPK
Flowmaster Dual Exhaust and Magnaflow Cat
Tran-Go shift kit
Centerline Billet Star Wheels (great deal directly from Centerline)
Goodyear Fortera Triple Treadtires (great tire, just got them)
MSD Ignition Wires
Line X
Tri-Glas Tonneau

Thanks folks for your opinion. Keep in mind I have to pay to have all this done. I physically can not do the work anymore.Obviously a KRC motor is more expensive, but the maintenance I mentioned (Water Pump, Timing Gear Set,Chain,Plenum Gasket) are also expensive. I could do a stock motor such as a Jasper for $2600 (labor not included) versus about $5,000 (labor included)forthe "Fun Motor" from KRC (RV 408 stroker using myblock).

Thanks again. Good to meet you all. Be safe.

 

We know what you want, The " fun motor" i think your mind is set on it so just do it !!!! Thank you for serving !!!

 

Id say if you got the down time and the money, i'd throw in the fun motor...but it probably won't be as reliable as the stoker....