Time for new engine??
#11
11-22-2009 | 09:16 AM
All Star
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 770
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From: Southwest Michigan
A blown plenum gasket will cause spark knock (pinging), oil burning, and poor performance/fuel mileage. The only way to tell for sure whether or not the plenum is blown is to do a vacuum test. You can also take the throttle body off and look for oil pooling in the intake, but this isn't a sure fire way to tell.
If he's hauling a 24' trailer, you're gonna want at least some 4.10 gears, if not 4.56's. My 5.9 with 3.55 gears is a dog while hauling, there is no getting around it.
You're not gonna get 300hp out of a 5.9 without some serious mods (and spending way more than the truck is worth). In fact, I don't even think it's possible without stroking it out to a 408, but I could be wrong.
If he's hauling a 24' trailer, you're gonna want at least some 4.10 gears, if not 4.56's. My 5.9 with 3.55 gears is a dog while hauling, there is no getting around it.
You're not gonna get 300hp out of a 5.9 without some serious mods (and spending way more than the truck is worth). In fact, I don't even think it's possible without stroking it out to a 408, but I could be wrong.
#12
11-22-2009 | 09:38 AM
Retired Moderator - RIP
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 18,729
Likes: 17
From: NH
Also, do not just replace the gasket itself, it will blow again if you don't use this.http://www.hughesengines.com/Index/p...2&partid=22220
#13
11-22-2009 | 12:42 PM
Record Breaker
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,827
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From: Ontario Canada
With a 408 you are talking about 270rwhp to 480rwhp. Thats from basic stroke to a radical built one.
#14
11-22-2009 | 08:26 PM
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Gainesville, Ga.
#16
11-22-2009 | 09:24 PM
Thanks guys, his truck is a 1998 4x4 with the 5.9 in it. He has normal stock size tires nothing has modded there. Again the truck doesnt leak any oil but sure seems like it should have way more power. to my knowledge this gasket has never been replaced, could that "leak" be causing a power lose? He has told me that it does knock a bit at times.
#17
11-23-2009 | 04:00 AM
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 436
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From: London Ontario
My 17 year old son has a 1998 Dodge 1500 SLT 4x4 with the 360 automatic.
I am not against throwing a new motor in there for him to give him more towing power, he tows a 24 trailer with 4 atvs. Hard to tow that more than 60mph.
So can someone recommend a good crate engine for this truck or would it be best to have someone rebuild it. Looking for at least 300hp and 300+ tourque.
I am not against throwing a new motor in there for him to give him more towing power, he tows a 24 trailer with 4 atvs. Hard to tow that more than 60mph.
So can someone recommend a good crate engine for this truck or would it be best to have someone rebuild it. Looking for at least 300hp and 300+ tourque.
#19
11-23-2009 | 06:15 AM
Grand Champion
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,971
Likes: 45
From: MAINE
yea if hes gunna tow alot, there definatly needs to be something done with the tranny. Also if your looking to get that much hp, and tq, it would probably be the same as buying a new truck. IMO i would do it to the dodge, because i love the trucks, but be aware, you'll be dumping money in.
and as for cant get it above 60 when towing. a blown plenum will cause significant power loss/ MPG loss
and as for cant get it above 60 when towing. a blown plenum will cause significant power loss/ MPG loss