Hey guys, I am about to rebuild a 5.9 I got from the salvage yard and is currently at the machine shop getting checked.

After reading a whole lot on this page, I have determined that this is most likely going to be my build list. I was wondering if you guys have any input or comments on it. I appreciate it greatly.
I have a 2wd 98 Dodge Ram with 4.10s and 33 in tires, with the stock 46re that was rebuilt several years back. I have a 2300-2500 rpm torque converter. I have shorty headers, no cat, glasspack, and a cold air intake.
I am looking for overall power over a wide rpm band. I'm not trying to go 100+ mph in this old truck or take it to the strip. I just want it to be a beast overall. I seldom tow, and when I do, it's only about 4k pounds for maybe 15 miles on flat ground.

My plan:
Keep the stock pistons and crank (assuming the machine shop Ok's them)
New bearings and rings
Comp Cams 20-746-9 cam
1.6 RR's
New lifters
Stock pushrods
EQ Monster Magnum Heads
M1 2bbl intake manifold (I already have one on my current engine). I do still have the keggar from the junkyard motor also.
Stock throttle body
ECM retune (probably from Marty at utawesome)

Again, thank you very much. This forum is great!

 

Sounds like a fun upcoming build. Might want to ensure that you include a new double roller timing chain and gears, a new water pump, new radiator and heater hoses and possibly a big gulp throttle body, since you're considering a tune anyway. Are you planning for the motor to continue using regular fuel or premium fuel? You can easily gain more power with added compression, but if the compression level gets too high, premium fuel will be required.

 

Yes, sorry. Double chain timing gear and gears will be transferred over from my current motor. I will definitely replace the externals.

Compression is one thing I'm debating. I currently have the MP computer due to my last one frying, so I already run 93. I'd like to potentially drop down to 87 (for obvious current reasons), but I only drive this truck 2-4k miles per year anyways, so it's not a big concern. I was thinking of dropping to 58cc on the heads to add compression, but I wonder if it's worth the added wear and tear for the possible performance gains. Any thoughts?

 

Since you already have the MP PCM and only plan to drive the truck sparingly, you can opt to do as you please. The bump in compression won't cause any issue, other than you needing to ensure that piston to valve clearance is adequate, given the added lift from the camshaft.

Curious, how well does your truck respond with the M1 intake currently vs. the kegger, especially when leaving from a traffic light? I also have an M1 2 barrel fuel injection intake for the 5.9 magnum engine, but have not installed it yet. I also have 33" tires and 4.10 gears.

 

The m1 definitely sucked some of the low end out of my 5.2, but it was negligable considering I switched from a leaky plenum.

 

You are going to need better springs with that cam also.

 

I lost low end when I swapped out the stock Keg manifold for a M1 2bbl on my Dakota, the proper PCM flash fixed that right up, I say flash as this was pre SCT, I had to send the PCM out to B&G Chrysler. Those were the days. Shave the heads .030, but do check for piston to valve clearance, but you should be OK. My Eddy Magnum heads were cut .030, pistons are out of the hole .004 with a .640 lift cam...No issues.
But you're going to be running custom length pushrods, no way around it. Measure and post up when you get around to it, I have a lot of different lengths.

 

are the ones that come with the eq monster magnum heads not enough? From what I have read, they should be:

valve spring 125# seat 315# open @ .575 lift max

 

did you have any issues with the intake manifold bolting up properly after shaving the heads?

I may get smaller CC heads anyways

 

You cam should have a spec sheet for what proper valve pressures ought to be. Could also call the manufacturer, and see what they have to say. (keeping in mind, that they would just LOVE to sell you valve springs/locks/keepers as well.....