Sluggish at low RPM
 

I own a 1999 5.2L Ram 1500 ExtCab 4x4 with 50,000 miles. I have always thought it seemed a bit sluggish in the lower rpm ranges. I installed an Airaid cold air intake system. That seemed to help some, but I still feel it is a bit sluggish and slow to respond. What else can I do to improve the off-line power and response?

When I asked the local Dodge dealer about this, they said I should get an injector/intake cleaning ($150 at the local Dodge service center). Do you think this would help?
The Airaid intake is currently the only performance upgrade I have installed. Would a larger throttle body help? What other upgrades might help?

I plan to do a cat-back exhaust upgrade, and maybe headers. I'm sure that would help too, but I just want to make sure there is not something else that can/should be done before I put those upgrades on.

Thanks

RE: Sluggish at low RPM
 

Consider a new cat. conv. From what I hear they do clog up and cause sluggish performance. I am either going with no cat or high-flow.

RE: Sluggish at low RPM
 

If your cat is clogged w/ only 50,000 mi. you have some SERIOUS problems.

RE: Sluggish at low RPM
 

Why not change your gears out? I don't know what you're running nor your tire diameter, but I do know that 4.10s and 4.56s will definitely get rid of the sluggish issue.

RE: Sluggish at low RPM
 

I'm not sure what gears I have, but they are stock. I have 265's on stock rims. I plan to go to 285's though. Will that make my problem worse?

RE: Sluggish at low RPM
 

In a word, Yes.

RE: Sluggish at low RPM
 

I would get cat-back exhaust kit. This will help get more air out. A TB would help out too. Also look into getting a performance PCM or a chip. You can also run a can of fuel injector cleaner and also clean out your throttle body.

RE: Sluggish at low RPM
 

i've got about the same problem. its not real bad, but it doesn't get up and go like i think it should. the difference is that i have the cat-back, the superchips, and the intake. my truck has 138000 miles. when i get some money, the cat and TB will be next and hopefully will help. I'd love to change out the stock 3.55 gears to 4.10s but defineately don't have the money for that. if you find something that really seems to do the trick, let me know.

kevin

RE: Sluggish at low RPM
 

Is the chip or the programmer a better route?

RE: Sluggish at low RPM
 

I have heard that messing with the chip might make performance seem better at certain times, but that you might actually lose performance at other times when you really need it (like when you tow or haul a heavy load). Is this true?

I am mechanically inclined, so how difficult is it to do the gear change? What's involved?

How expensive was it for anyone who has done it?

Thanks