Ok, This might be a dumb question, but besides basic maintance, I know nothing about working on a vehicle or much about engine parts, mods, etc.

I've been looking at changing out my air intake for a cold air intake. When I looked at what I have, i already have an aftermarket air intake installed (I bought it that way...Its an Airaid Intake). When I research online there seems to be a difference between aftermarket air intake and cold air intake. If there really is a difference, what is it? Or are they both the same?

If they are different which is better?

Also what other things can I do to increase my trucks overall performance and power? (My truck is a 2001 Ram 1500 4x4 with a 5.9 liter motor)

 

Also, I'm looking at putting headers in. What brand would you recommend? How much horsepower will they add?

 

Dont waste money on a cold air intake. No performance gains. There are a couple threads on adding power. Make sure your plenum is done and a full tune up (plugs, wires, cap, rotor, etc) are a good place to start. Not sure if yours has the death flash, but a hand held tuner (superchips, sct) also gets you more power.

 

Depends on what headers you go with. Shorties won't get you anything noticeable, at least, not in and of themselves, they DO compliment supporting mods though. (better heads, intake, cam, etc.)

Pacesetter is about the only company that still makes longtubes for our trucks. Longtubes will get you a bit more upper end power, but, possibly at the expense of some bottom end torque. (JUST doing headers.) They are also VERY good in combination with other mods.

Freer flowing exhaust is good starting point though. You will get more from other mods with the exhaust already done.

Don't waste any more money on the air intake though. The one you have is probably as good as its going to get, and it really isn't any better than the stock piece. They ALL draw air from the exact same place in any event. You *might* see a bit more power in the upper RPM range, since the tubes are a bit larger, and may flow some better, but, again, you won't notice anything. It just isn't that big of a gain.

Also, don't waste money on a throttle body spacer either. They don't do squat on our trucks.

 

I believe you can still get Gibson headers. Still seen on Amazon.

Get any CAI you like...while it's just inconclusive on their attributes, the one sure thing is that they look better when lifting the hood and use the space better. You can access most of the engine without taking it out.

Add a TB spacer only for the color you can get them in.


HeyYou ain't the only game in town.

 

Gibsons are shorties though aren't they? Also, I think they are north of 500 bucks.....

 

Yes and not down there, they start at $300 for the 301's and go up from there. You might still be able to find some Doug t try Y headers for a Dakota, they are over $500.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/140923698071...84.m1423.l2649

These are the gibson headers i'll be ordering. Stainless steel, ceramic coated, and less than $450. Sounds sorta wonderful to me...

 

This will also help with your intake question.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...the-truth.html

 

since ur truck is a 2001 it does have the death flash on the computer, biggest bang for the buck would be do the plenum fix and get a programmer from hemifever.