I have 1998 dodge ram 1500 with the 5.9 magnum in it and I want to put an upgraded camshaft in it. I plan on putting short tube headers as well as a cold air intake on it. Does anyone have a link to a complete camshaft kit including lifters, springs, etc for the 5.9 magnum? I am just looking for a little more power out of it and I do towing occasionally with it. Been searching online but all the cams I'm finding say they will not fit the 5.9 magnum but fit the 5.9 la. Would i just be able to use a camshaft for a 5.9 la or would it not work? I would also like to keep the hydraulic roller setup. Thanks in advance!

 

LA engines are flat tappet hydraulic, Magnum engines are roller lifters (also hydraulic...) so I wouldn't even attempt to install an LA cam in a magnum engine.

Numerous vendors sell cams, and kits for the magnum engines. Hughes being one, Crane, Comp Cams, etc, also off kits. Summit Racing, or Jegs will also have them. Best bet might be to call one of the cam vendors directly, tell 'em what you got, and what you want, and they can give you a good recommendation, along with the associated parts required.

Keep in mind though, that *Just* upgrading the cam isn't going to be the end of it. There are cams out there that are computer friendly, but, for most, you are going to need a custom tune to get the most benefit from any cam that you install.

 

Also, there are cam grinding vendors that can take a used 5.9 magnum cam, weld up the lobes and cut them down to a new performance profile.

 

https://www.howardscams.com/hydrauli...cams-770055-10 Howards has everything you need.

 

I got the 206X cam from hypotec. Can't say I noticed any real difference other than the sound. You'll need stronger valve springs, and with stronger valve springs you'll need new valves. Best mod I did was 4-10 gears. Pulls way better. That's where I'd start.

 

Cams is one of those things you will have to sacrifice something to gain what you want. That's not a very big cam. The best gains are when you get around .500lift and 215degrees, but most important like a 108lsa. Its not going to idle great but not bad. You will lose a little bottom end but it will pull good in the mid and top when you really put your foot down. You must open up the intake and throttle body though to make it worth it, probably some longtubes as well. If you like your power band as is and just want more out of it then yes gears is actually a simple and possibly cheaper solution. Your trans will be happier too.