So here's the deal guys. I've got a 125k mile 2001 QCSB with the Off Road group and a 5.9. So I've got the 5.9 and 4.10s...but the truck just doesn't quite have the partial throttle acceleration I'd like.

For comparison, I have a 195k mile 1991 2wd RCLB silverado with a 5.7 and throttle body injection. This truck is rated at 210HP@5200RPM and 350 ft-lbs.@3200 RPM and has 3.73 gearing.

The dodge by comparison is rated at 245 hp @4000 rpm and 330 ft. lbs.@ 3250 rpm but has more gear (4.10)

Because of the gearing, the dodge should have the advantage off the line but it doesn't. It requires more RPM and more throttle input to accelerate at a comparable rate...which I find annoying.

I prefer the dodge in every way except that I have to really push into the pedal to get rolling(maintaining less than 2000rpm makes for a really slow takeoff) and I would just like to add a little bit of torque down low under part throttle if possible because that extra torque really makes the chevy enjoyable to drive.

Any suggestions on how to make this happen? I've heard things about the superchips tuner adding torque in some instances but I am not sure if that applies to part throttle. I know most people are interested in wide open throttle acceleration and horsepower numbers, but I just want to make the truck a little more enjoyable to drive every day.

Thanks guys

Put a larger throttle body on the dodge, it will have the effect of more throttle with less pedal movement. I have a 52mm and it is quite sensitive off the line.

Have you had the plenum gasket replaced yet ?, also at 125,000 miles the stock timing chain needs to be replaced. The next thing would be adding a larger throttle body, and having some exhaust work done. That should give you some more power.

I would be willing to bet you need to do some maintence becuase my truck has 4.10 gears and 5.9 at 220k and will beat about any truck off the line. Gobs of low end. l practically drive at part throttle all the time.

The above suggestions are good though too.

Don't misunderstand, the truck isn't slow or doggish if I mash it or give it a lot of throttle, but I would like to be able to get moving at a decent rate without having to pedal down to even half throttle and get over 2000rpm.


I did a basic tune up when I bought the truck a few months ago. Plugs, wires, dizzy cap and rotor, pcv valve, and a couple other things I've forgotten.

I'll check the timing chain slack at some point soon and see if maybe my ignition is a little retarded.

Thanks again guys. If you have any other ideas let me know.

Something's wrong with that truck. I've got the 3.55 gears and 265/75's on the ground and can blow away a 5.7l silverdildo with ease. With four passengers in addition to myself behind the wheel, even.

The gears in the transmissions affect the final drive ratio. If the chevy has lower 1st and 2nd gear the overall gearing may be closer than you think.

You're mis-understanding. It's not about WOT performance. It's about doing more work with less revs and less pedal travel.

This is true

Your numbers are off:

The Silverado 5.7 in 1991 had only 210 hp at 4k and 300 lbs/ft at 2800 rpms. The 5.7 never had 350 lb/ft. It peaked with 330 in 1996. Your Ram numbers are correct.

There are several things to help mid throttle performance from intake to fuel to exhaust. Do some searching both here and Google and you will read for a year. Also, little things like tire size/air, outside/intake temp, octane/quality of gas, etc. all play a part. If that old chebby is beating you, there's most definitely something amiss.