I've got a 97 ram with the 5.2 and I'm wanting to add low end toid range power/torque. Should I get a Cai or or keep using my 14x3 Edelbrock? I'm also trying to decide between roller rockers or headers without going over $400-$500. I plan on putting in a 180 thermostat and I already have autolite 3293's. Eventually I plan on having short tube headers, roller rockers, and cai but I'm not sure what to go with first.

 

Check out this section. Will answer all your questions.

The mods you mention, with exception of opening the exhaust up, won't do much of anything.

2nd Gen Ram FAQs, DIYs & How To's - DodgeForum.com

 

Might want to consider picking up a new or good used 5.9 engine for more low end power. Swapping out the 5.2 to a 5.9 is the easiest way to gain plenty of low end power, as the swap is pretty straightforward. The other mods you mentioned add very little improvements to low end power.

 

CAI will do nothing. The stock system already draws cold air. Roller rockers in and of themselves will add about 10HP/TQ on a 5.9, likely a bit less on a 5.2. Headers and a free flowing exhaust system are never a bad idea. 180 thermostat won't give you any more power either, but, it will reduce your fuel mileage.

 

So basically the only way to get any more power is to put in a 5.9?

 

Easiest and likely the most economical way to get the satisfying low end power you're after..

 

Also consider, anything that you can do to the 5.2 to get more power, will also work on the 5.9, and will get you proportionally MORE power, simply due to larger displacement. Get too weird though, and you will need a custom tune. Good news is, you can do that on your 97. NOT budgeting for the tune though, will severely restrict your options on just what you can run.

Simple things like the roller rockers, bored out throttle body, headers, you can do without touching the tune, and should see a noticeable bump in power. Start doing cams, intakes, heads, etc, and you WILL need a custom tune. If you are feeling adventurous, you can buy a single-vehicle license for the HP tuners stuff, and do your own tuning. Learning curve there is pretty steep though.