Hello Everyone,

I have had my 2nd gen. ram for about 4years. I have the 5.2 and tried just about everything to get some more power out of her.......I don't think that it is possible.

I am looking at a 2005 1500 with the 5.7 hemi. I havn't been able to driveone yet, but I wanted to ask if I will feel the power difference I am looking for.

The 5.2 always seems to be struggling against itself. To be honest, I am not getting any better milage out of my 5.2than the 5.7 guys seem to be gettinganyway. If I'm going to burn gas like crazy, I want power to show for it.

Thank you Jason

 

haha yeah, there is a HUGE difference in power between the two engines. I own a 98 rcsb 4x4 5.2 on 33's and an 06 rcsb 2wd hemi ram. and the 5.7 is a MUCH faster and efficient motor. I average 15 mpg mixed driving, with a few wot runs every tank as well. My 5.2 gets 10 mpg no matter where or how I drive.

Edit: As for the struggling, the hemi will take any grade out there that is on a paved road with ease. I will climb some huge passes with cruise set at 80 and it never skips a beat.

 

I had an 2001 QC 4x4 with the 5.2 which I did enjoy. I always thought I should have got the 5.9 instead though. I now have an 2007 QC 4x4 with the Hemi, and there is no comparison. The hemi is much better. I find that my hemi gets as good if not better mileage than the 5.2 did, with muchmore power.

 

Can't speak on the 5.2, but I did have a 1997 5.9 before I got the hemi. It was a night and day difference. The 97 was a 4x4 and this one is not, but the 5.9 was not even in the same ballpark as my hemi. If you testdrive one, get ready to openthe checkbook. I told my buddy the same thing, and he is a proud owner of a 07 hemi.

 

I had an '01 RCSB with the 5.2. It got acceptable gas mileage and was pretty quick off the line. It ran out of breath sooner than the QCSB I have now. Would've been an interesting race though. I suspect the '01 5.2 would beat the '03 Hemi for the first hundred feet or so.

 

The good 'ol 5.2 (318 CID) isn't a bad motor, and there is huge aftermarket support for it. If you wanted to spend the cash, that 5.2 could be one bad **** However, stock to stock, the 5.7L (345 CID) HEMI is immensly more powerfull and efficient...Think of it this way, the average 5.7L Hemi, even with the high loss drivetrain Dodges are notorious for, puts more HP / Torque to the ground than the 5.2L makes at the crank...The Hemialso has strong aftermarket support....Having driven a 4X2 5.2 1500, now driving a 4X4 2500 Hemi, the difference is readily apparent, and I get better mileage even with the new truck being much heavier, lifted, and with bigger tires....

Like Ray97 said, if you go test drive one be prepared with your checkbook as you won't even wanna get back in your old ride...that is unless you decide to go nuts on the 5.2

 

The Hemi is an awsome engine, but there are stroker kits out there for the venerable old 318 that would put the Hemi to shame...

 

I wanted to thank all of you for your replies. I really don't have the money or time to be putting into the 5.2, or even the truck itself.

She's been a big money pit for me and although she never left me stranded, it's time I said goodbye.

I took the '05 hemi for a test drive and all I have to say is WOW. I can't really explain the difference in these trucks. I took the advice and brought my checkbook.OnMonday, I will become a reader of the 3rd gen. ram section instead of the 2nd. gen.

I am not only looking forward to my new found power, it's nice to look through the 3rd gen. section. In the 2nd gen. section, it's mainly about problems and issues with the trucks themselves. Here that doesn't seem to be the case as much. I hope that holds true with my new truck.

Thanks for your input.

Jason

 

That is just due to age. This section will be like that someday.

More details.... 4x4? RC, QC??

 

Northeastern PA, it's got to be a 4x4. And with 3 little ones,I had to get a QC.

Looks like I have to change my signature too.

Jason