I'm pretty sure I have a blown plenum. So far, from searching around, I've seen two besides for the stock replacement: those are the Hughes plenum kit and the APS precision plenum kit. Are there any others? And which one is worth the most for the money? Also, what are the tools I'm gonna need to do this myself? I have a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 with a 5.2 V8 that is completely stock. Thank you guys very much!

 

either the APS or the Hughes, don't matter which, and there are many a thread on this topic...search

 

You shouldn't need anything more than your normal socket wrench tool set, and you will need a torque wrench if you don't already have one. Some of those bolts will require the proper torquing, not just snugging up. While you are already in there be sure to replace cap, rotor, wires, oil sending unit, and the dreaded bypass hose.

 

a Torque wrench is a must. Also as per Hughes Engines website, you will need new hardware(bolts). Reason being, dodge in its infinite wisdom used TTY (torque to yield) fasteners. Meaning, once they were torqued when assembled in the factory you cannot retorque them again and achieve the same torque setting. Hughes offers a hardware kit for the plenum,and the intake. the Felpro plate gasket is a personal choice, both hughes and APS kits do come with all needed gaskets. In addition to what Ram2ndGen said about cap,rotor, etc. , also check, replace if needed the valve cover gaskets and retorque them,they are prone to loosing up.


The SEARCH feature here is a wonderful thing.

 

You'll want to get a fuel line removal tool also, 5/16 IIRC.

 

I suggest getting the complete kit from Hughes. I bought the kit from APS, and it took over 3 months for me to finally get it! Pricing should be about the same between the two companies, and I haven't read anything bad about getting these kits from Hughes. There's my $0.02 for you, and now I'm broke...

 

I have the Hughes kit on my truck. They had a pretty quick shipping time when I ordered. It takes a few hours to do the job, but basic tools is all you need including torque wrench.

 

Thank you! That's exactly the kind of advice I was looking for!

 

OK, well now to counter that advice (kinda)...

I just did this not too long ago and used the Hughes kit. While I had no issues with shipping, when the plate arrived I scanned it all over and I noticed a slight warp in it. I talked with the "guys" at Hughes and they said there would be no issues with using it, but if I didn't feel comfortable than to just send it back. I sent it back and waited for another one, which was much better, but still not completely flat. Installed it, and no leaks yet.

Nothing major, but just food for thought. Hell, the APS kit might come warped too... maybe thats what happens with thin aluminum when its cut out.

One thing, make sure you follow the bolt tightening sequence and torque amounts. It is not much... like well under 100 inch pounds by the time its all done. I recommend a torque wrench that reads inch pounds for this as apposed to using a ft. pounds unit and dividing by twelve.

Good luck... and make sure you have a few beers in the fridge for this project

 

what's the timetable for the stock gasket blowing out? i had my engine rebuilt and the guy put a new gasket on and that was 10k miles ago.