I tried searching before posting but it won't let me type in "SCT" because it's only 3 letters...

But anyway I'm about to order the SCT DCX9550 from hemifever this Friday for my 97 Dodge Ram 1500 which has the 5.2 318 in it. I'm also ordering the 180* thermostat since he recommended it.

My questions are:

1. I have dual exhaust and a spectre cai as of now. I plan on putting a magnaflow high flow coverter and maybe pacesetter headers on down the road. I run 87 or 89 octane fuel (depends where I get it). How big will the improvements be with this tuner?

2. Since I'm changing my thermostat, will that do anything to my truck or change anything?

-Thanks

 

Thermostat will make your truck run a bit cooler.... and reduce heater efficiency. (you may not even notice the latter...) That's about it. Some folks have gotten a code for Engine too cold too long with the 180 stat... but, that isn't real common.

If you look in the general discussion forum, a member posted dyno results before and after the SCT, and the various tunes. Picked up a couple ponies, and around 20 ft/lbs torque.

 

So it would take the truck longer to warm up? That ain't good in winter around here cause some mornings are freaking cold and i need heat! But I'll try to take a look for the dyno results. I want to take advantage of hemifever's 10% off if it would be a noticable difference.

 

The truck will actually get up to temp faster..... because it doesn't have as far to go. (180 vs. 195, won't be much of a difference.) Another member in another thread noted that he has the 180 stat, but, his heater will still cook him out of the truck.....

The SCT WILL make a difference you can feel.

 

Sorry to thread jack,
I'm actually looking at jumping the gun friday too and buying it, any gains or decreases in mpg from the guys running this?

 

*snicker* Yes, gas mileage dropped as the new found power tempted them to step harder on the go-pedal more often.

 

Alright sweet, that's definitley a plus! Thanks for the help HeyYou!

And yeah i was wandering about mpg differences too. I figured since it will have more power, people won't be able to keep their foot off the pedal so it would go down . And i know hemifever will ask about the pcm number, so where would i be able to find that at?

 

Should be on a sticker right on the front of the PCM.

 

I didn't notice much of a difference in the temp of the heat. My MPG went up about 1 mpg if you keep your foot out of it. On the 89 (tow) and 93 (performance) it doesn't let the truck lock up in OD until around 45 mph which I like. When it's cooler out I can run the 89 tune on 87 octane with no pinging or spark knock. You'll like it

 

If we're on the subject of t-stats, is it totally necessary to change to a 180 if you're running cooler sparkplugs?