Before I spend $140 on the hughes plenum/gasket + bolts...(I heard the 180* stat is bad if I dont have an SCT)
I was wondering if the $50 ebay one http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DODGE...mZ260847652260
is any good? I know it's top grade aluminum and laser cut but has anyone on here bought this one--I figure Hughes uses the same method/materials to make theirs and just up the price because they're an actual company with good rep, etc.

I know lots of people have already asked on here but I was wondering if there's anything else I definitely need besides:
-plenum plate
-plenum and intake gasket
-hi-temp thread sealant + RTV (black) silicone gasket maker (are those 2 the only things i need?)
-antifreeze/water
-mopar dbl roller timing set
-NTK pre-cat o2
-coolant temp sensor
-hi flow cat (if stock is bad)
-anything else?
I know, optionally, to do the water pump, oil pump, tune-up, cat...missing anything?
I think I read that some people replace the rear main seal along w/ plenum fix (is doing the seal easy?). With 130K would I definitely have to change it?

 

I bought one from e-bay and am happy with it. Cut is good, plate is true, and holes drilled on location. Also free shipping - took about three days to get it.

 

Just thought I'd throw out an update in case anyone else with a similar problem reads it.

So after cleaning the throttle body + and IAC valve as well as replacing the coil, eventually my truck never bogged down, had a rough idle, or engine pinging. When I replaced the coil, right away the symptoms were still there... but after about a month it all just went away. I'm guessing that's how long it took the computer to adjust to the new coil?

Anyway, after all this I still didn't have much power coming from the truck, so I just put in a new cat and changed both O2's and I got a bit more power back. I just gotta wait to fix the plenum and all the power (as well as my oil) should be back to normal.

 

Unfortunately, most ppl on here say the leaking plenum /gasket ruins plugs, o2 sensors and cats. I wouldn't wait too long or your previous purchases will be a waste

 

If plenum problems are so common on these engines, and your "mechanic" didn't even think to check that, he should be fired immediately.

Find a different CERTIFIED mechanic, or learn to do stuff yourself. This site is a wealth of information. SEARCH FUNCTION is your friend.

 

Thanks for the update

 

I'm aware of that...I don't burn any oil and the plenum doesn't leak too much. My original cat was in good condition so I'm sure waiting a few weeks to do the plenum will not hurt anything.

@josh putman: My mechanic (more of just a friend of family member) was checking everything for FREE whenever he got a chance to. And I never "hired" him so idk how I could fire him in the first place...And I already work on my truck myself, putting in a new radiator and plenum pan in a few weeks. I'm also well aware of how to use the search box, I'm not an idiot.

 

Every darn time I've said those words I've turned right around and proven myself wrong before the day was through.

I AM AN IDIOT! And having said that I'm good for the rest of the day with no bonehead maneuvers. I hope.

 

Just took off the intake tonight, hopefully replacing the plenum pan, radiator, and water pump within the next day or two. The plenum was better looking than I thought it'd be, but there's still a little oil in there.

click on it to enlarge

 

Not too bad a leak, but given more time it would have turned FUGLY.