Hey there, I drive a 97 ram 1500 4x4 5.2l, with 234xxx miles. The engine runs tight, just a little valve tick, and burning probably 3 quarts a week driving averagely. I've already determined that I need to do my intake plenum with Hughes, and it needs a valve job.

My question for everyone is any suggestions on where to purchase the seals, and if i should do some better lifters and springs. I've heard a lot of talk about the 1.7 lifters?

Anyways all and any suggestions are welcome and appreciated! Thanks.

 

Just check the lifters, since they're rollers dont wear like the older flat tappets. Autozone or somebody similar can get the valve seals. And I think you mean 1.7 rockers. They would be a nice upgrade.

 

1.7 rockers* not lifters, my mistake.

 

And I'll check them out before buying new ones, but would it be a bad idea to get to lifters? should i take them out and look them over. Make sure they're still pumping oil like they should, if they for some reason were not i would think that would cause some valve noise. Just thinking of anything and everything before i tear it apart.

 

With that many miles, it certainly wouldn't hurt to inspect them.... although, not entirely sure just what all that would entail..... To be safe, simply replacing them certainly wouldn't hurt.. but, the bottom end also has a boatload of miles, and you may find that once you have the top end done..... the bottom may go in the next week..

That said, the bottom end on these trucks if pretty robust.... if you still have good oil pressure, probably not that much of an issue.

 

This is true, I don't feel like causing the motor to go haha. So for this truck anyways looks like it'll be plenum kit and valve seals. I'll wait till I have another dodge with lower miles to do some engine mods. Still proud of this 318 though for it's miles.

Thanks guys for your opinions!