Maybe I am expecting too much from my truck but I figured Id get some opinions from you guys. I took my truck for a nice trip up north after just changing my exhaust to magnaflow and changing out my o2 Sensor. Not too mention I just put in new plugs. I am very happy to report my highway mileage has jumped from 14.4 to 16.1, which I am very satisfied with.

Here's my problem though, there are quite a few hills while your going up in elevation. My truck feels like it has very little power when going up hills, I have to give it tons of gas (if not floor it) to keep it goin the speed limit. I was going up a 6% incline and had to have it floored for about a mile to maintain 55-60mph. I am glad I didn't need to try and pass anyone .

Any ideas what might help or should I live with it? Also is there any point in resetting the PCM after a new exhaust and o2 sensor, I am guessing no? I am considering the hypertech programmer also. Thanks everyone.
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1997 Dodge Ram 5.2L V8 Magnum
MagnaFlow Exhaust
AutoLite Plugs 3923

 

when you get further up into the mountains the air gets really thin.. less air in the atmosphere the less air going in your engine.. so less power.. i gotta floor it too going up hills in just little tiny mountains.. you wouldnt beleive the gas you use going up those 10 mile long roads threw mountains

 

No problem with your truck...just the 318 in a heavy vehicle combined with thinner air. Things like extended cab and 4wd make it worse

And no, you don't need to reset the PCM for a new o2 sensor.

 

Ok, thanks for the input. I just am not used to having to do that since I came from driving a 98' Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 5.2 which had no problems passing through the mountains. I realize though that it is about 1000 lbs. lighter than my truck. I was just hoping there was something I should look into to help.

 

Turn the OD off when you start at the grade. Will maintain speed better. If you have the 3.55 gears the RPM's are right at the cruise with good mileage and no power range. Under 1800-2000 RPM's It aint gonna make it.

 

hypertech programmer.. cold air intake.. new tb.. low temp thermostat (im sure would help from the extra heat and strain of going up those mountains) 4.10 gears would really help.. i have done the hypertech programmer (running on 93) and a replacement k&n air filter and can keep at a steady speed going up hills in 5th gear (gotta manual tranny )

 

there arent many hills in Kansas but I know going up hill with my truck and a 19 foot boat on the back put a little strain on the motor. this was when it was all still stock hopefully my new mods will help out a little this summer since that "9 mpg with the boat on the back" crap got pretty dissapointing after a while, oh well love the truck!!! shes a keeper