Best option to upgrade engine in 98 Dodge 5.9
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Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Kennewick WA
Best option to upgrade engine in 98 Dodge 5.9
My son has a 1998 Dodge 1500 4x4 5.9 automatic with 100k miles. The motor seems to be getting long in the tooth and just drinks gas and does not produce much power. He hauls a 24 trailer with it and currently the truck does not do such a good job of it.
What will be the best option to get this truck going right. Should I have a performance shop rebuild it or is there someone who sells good create motors for this model. Would like to get at least 300hp and 350 tourque in the new motor is this possible or should we just sell it and get something else.
What will be the best option to get this truck going right. Should I have a performance shop rebuild it or is there someone who sells good create motors for this model. Would like to get at least 300hp and 350 tourque in the new motor is this possible or should we just sell it and get something else.
Record Breaker
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,827
Likes: 3
From: Ontario Canada
100k, should still have lots of life in it.
What gears? Is he running oversized tires?
Those alone can really affect how well a truck will tow.
If your in hilly/mountainous area 410s would be the minimum if not 456 especially with larger tires
Is it going through oil between changes?
If it is, plenum gasket under the kegger intake is more than likely leaking. (poor design/prone to failure)
Another area prone to failure are the heads. Tend to crack between valve seats. If its got ping/detonation while towing, could also be the heads.
If you want 300hp/350trb (crank) could get 50mm tb(thefastman.com), diy on the kegger (w/hughes plenum kit) as well as some 1.7rr on top of the Hughes(EQ) HD 1.92 heads.
What gears? Is he running oversized tires?
Those alone can really affect how well a truck will tow.
If your in hilly/mountainous area 410s would be the minimum if not 456 especially with larger tires
Is it going through oil between changes?
If it is, plenum gasket under the kegger intake is more than likely leaking. (poor design/prone to failure)
Another area prone to failure are the heads. Tend to crack between valve seats. If its got ping/detonation while towing, could also be the heads.
If you want 300hp/350trb (crank) could get 50mm tb(thefastman.com), diy on the kegger (w/hughes plenum kit) as well as some 1.7rr on top of the Hughes(EQ) HD 1.92 heads.
Record Breaker
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,827
Likes: 3
From: Ontario Canada
Oh, forgot to mention, is that the factory cat on there? Tend to plug up & rob power that will progressively get weaker as time goes on. If there is a rattle on cold morning start ups time for a new cat. No rattle, crawl under, give the cat a hit with handle of a screwdriver or hammer & if it sounds like a metal box of marbles, thats a big part of his power loss.
Besides what I listed above, some headers, ypipe & h/f cat will help it tow like a champ plus give it a much better exhaust note. Biggest exh restriction is right infront of the cat. 2 small dia. pipes bend sharply right before going into the cat. Put in slightly larger ypipe & straighten out the entrance into a h/f cat can give noticeable gains & much improved note even without the hdrs.
If he has deep pockets, could do what I did & the others suggest
Besides what I listed above, some headers, ypipe & h/f cat will help it tow like a champ plus give it a much better exhaust note. Biggest exh restriction is right infront of the cat. 2 small dia. pipes bend sharply right before going into the cat. Put in slightly larger ypipe & straighten out the entrance into a h/f cat can give noticeable gains & much improved note even without the hdrs.
If he has deep pockets, could do what I did & the others suggest