I live in the east (central VA is not in the rust belt) and I still don't like using the spark plug shields. They do not serve any real purpose and cause more problems than they are worth. They are one part that deserves the trash can!

 

Well everyone has their own opinion. For me they protect the boots from my headers. I plan on running them on my engine. Now I have never used them before so maybe after having them on for a while I'll change my mind.

 

They strike me as a bad idea on a trail rig...... or, a rig that will see a fair bit of trail use. The make spark plug wires that have the metal shields formed into the plug end boots...... that seems like a better solution.

 

You may be 100% correct but I'll never know til I try. It isn't like once I install them if they cause an issue I can't just yank them all off.

 

True that. You get to play guinea pig for us?

 

Well I found my engine guy.....Gonna break down and take her in.

I'll know more after I get her there, and might have a better idea if he needs me to get anything. But the bottom will be redone, and beefed up a bit.

Hopefully tomorrow or Monday for sure.

 

Hey guys, thanks so much for your help. You guys friggin rock.

I returned PM's to Wildman and Merc.......

Bottom is gonna be redone. If block,pan is good(should be), shes gonna get a facelift. Blasted and powdercoated. Decked and rebuilt. Frame in engine compartment will be addressed also.

?????'s

1- Should I have them deck the heads for sure? Coming from clearwater.

2- I need the name of the 2 sensors in the intake manifold. 1 is by the heater hose(small) and 1 is on the top left front(pass side). Ive got the IAC, gonna get the TPS and Map also. Any brand specific? I got BWD for the IAC, acceptable?

3- If the ebay plenum guy is out(I sent a message today), where to get aluminum plenum?

4- I'm using my exhaust manifolds. Blasted and gonna port out the excess metal in there. What cat, muffler combo do I want. Hes gonna refurbish the intake and TB.Also how far back to go? I forgot to ask about the exhaust. Mine had a cherry bomb basically after the cat and 45 down. Very short exhaust, BUT sounded tough.

5- Truck had AC, but didnt work as in lines missing/maybe compressor out? Should I keep it in incase I want to fix, or eliminate it? Worried as the electrical wont be right without it plugged in(PCM).

6- Cold air Intake? yes or no and what brand? I run K&M in my Harley, and use a standard air filter(not CIA) Spectrum(sp?) in my wifes Tahoe(but I modded the air box =p). I have the cleaning kit and happy with both filters.

Thanks for taking the time to help. Forums as good as this are priceless. Hopefully I can learn all the Ram ins and outs like I have learned on Jeepforum. This truck is growing on me...

I will also take any suggestions on what to do extra and above, just remember its a work truck, so lets keep it off the pull/race/fancy stuff.

 

1) I have them and didn't get mine done.


2) Near heater hose is your water temp sensor & the one up above is your intake air temp sensor.


3) Hughes Engines sells a complete kit that some feel is too $$$$ but everything you need is there.


I'm going to PM you a picture of the fuel rails to make sure it is what you need.
Also If Merc falls thru I have old valve covers & stock rockers from when I rebuilt my engine.

 

Check the heads, if they are within spec, leave 'em.

The one RIGHT behind the alternator is a temp sensor. The one up on the manifold there is IAT.

Can get the pan from Hughes Engines as well.

Exhaust is more a matter of what sound you want. Check out some videos on YouTube for various combinations. There are plenty.

PCM won't care if the A/C functions or not. Depending on where you live... the climate should decide how motivated you are to fix it.

The stock intake system draws air from the same place 99% of the CAI's do. Get a GOOD drop-in filter, and call it good.

Yes, the truck will grow on you. Kinda like a fungus..... There are creams available to help with that, should you feel the need.

As for suggestions......

Better cam.
Double roller timing set.
Punch out the throttle body to 50mm.
gasket match intake/heads/exhaust manifolds. (time consuming... but, you can do it yourself without too much in the way of tool investment.)
GOOD spark plugs. (I don't care for champions, and the 'rare earth' plugs don't seem to work well in these trucks. I run either autolites, or Bosch Super Coppers. Both seem to work just fine.)

Have FUN!

 

Nice....should I go with different rockers/pushrods? Thanks Wildman, I might go with your VC's? Merc is in Canada. I LOVE Canada(big fish), but 1 box may be a better route?.

Just pretend your spending someone elses $$$$....LOL U R .