Wassup been a while I got both engines *had a donor* out started taking crank and pistons off of my block decided to go with it the other block from the donor truck had too many problems after opening it up so I took the heads from it. I got them in shop rn getting a pressure test done I think I’ll leave them stock maybe put in some after valve springs? I’m trying to get more power thinking about putting bigger pistons bore over .030in and a bigger cam links down below would it be worth it shooting for around 300hp maybe 320 with keep heads and crank stock any recommendations ? My budget is 1500-2k


https://www.jegs.com/i/COMP-Cams/249/CL20-221-3/10002/-1?year=1998&make=DODGE&model=RAM+1500&submodel=LAR AMIE


https://www.jegs.com/i/Sealed-Power/844/H814CP30/10002/-1?year=1998&make=DODGE&model=RAM+1500&submodel=LAR AMIE

 

Gonna need a tune to go with that cam as well.

Decoding your links, you have a 98 Ram 1500??

 

yes I got 98 dodge Ram 1500 5.2 the piston have some slight damage to them from a valve guide creating an indentation on them so I’m think about replace with a .030in bore over as far as cam think I found the right one last night gonna cost me about $500 link below. I don’t know what I should do as far as rocker arms and valve springs this will be my first build so any advice is greatly appreciated.

https://stores.hi-potek.com/hipotek-...18-360-magnum/

 

That's a pretty healthy camshaft. As mentioned before, you WILL need a PCM tune for that camshaft to work with your motor. What are your plans for the truck? Are you big on towing, drag racing or something else? Staying with regular gas or don't mind the cost of burning premium fuel?

 

I also wouldn’t mind doing a build with keeping as much stock as possible open to any suggestions you would recommend when you built your 5.9 what all did you do ?

 

Stick with the kegger intake, get something like an RV or Towing cam (better bottom end torque) long tube headers would be good, but, shorties would be better than the stock manifolds. And, of course, a custom tune to go with it. Some monster magnum heads wouldn't hurt either, but, stick with the stock valve sizes. (again, better low end torque. the heads flow better than stock, so, are a definite improvement.)

 

Swap in a 5.9 then do some small upgrades, It depends on where you want the power band at for parts choices.
This is the question...

 

I'd strongly suggest going with a 5.9 motor (no replacement for displacement!). You should be able to find them used fairly easily (and cheap!) depending on what part of the country you're in. The 5.9 will easily generate more torque that the 5.2 on pump gas regular, which makes it a very good motor for towing. The heads on the 5.2 motors interchange with the 5.9 motor. You can easily swap out the 5.2 and the 5.9 fits into the same spot with ease. As far as modifications, for exhaust I run a set of shorty coated JBA headers, a Magnaflow Catalytic Converter - #99047HM (dual 2" inlets, 3" outlet, front O2 sensor port), a Dynomax UltraFlo Welded Muffler - #17233 and a 3" tailpipe. I took these parts to a local muffler shop to get the truck to 3" single exhaust from the cat on back. Other modifications include a Big Gulp throttle body from Hughes, a double roller timing chain and gearset, along with a timing chain tensioner and a high volume oil pump with hardened oil pump drive. I did upgrade the 3.54 gearing to 4.10 in the front and rear differentials, along with running 33" tires. Since these trucks don't tend to pass any gas stations, I strive to keep my modifications moderate, so that I can continue to run the engine on regular fuel. This truck will haul and tow whatever I want with relative ease.