Well I guess the title says it all. I've seen the diy video but it doesn't explain what it does for performance. Will it work on my 03' 5.9?

 

It uses a $1 resistor to fool the PCM into thinking the truck is running cooler than it actually is, usually a resister is used with an impedance that gives the impression of running at about 180* in a vehicle with a thermostat that opens at 195*.

They are readily available pretty cheap and can be made with about $3 in parts from a Radio Shack.

What actually happens is that the PCM dumps more fuel to compensate for the temperature so you get a slight gain in power at the cost of a slight decrease in fuel economy.

I run a 180* thermostat myself. In my line of thinking, why fool the PCM into thinking the engine is running cooler when I can actually make the truck run cooler and gain other benefits from that. But a lot of guys run the power wire...

 

Well crap then I'll just put in a cooler thermostat. Better than flirting with that damn pcm.

I think I replaced the thermostat on my '96 5.9 a while back.

Is there a diy anywhere here on a thermostat swap? Im sure I could find and do it but never hurts to see a thread of one being done.

Oh yeah, any other changes I need to do if I run a cooler thermostat? Plugs?

 

Since you have the 5.9, I'd bet the 2nd gen forum has the DIY you're looking for. The 2003 with the 5.9 is a bastard child, 3rd gen body and 2nd gen drivetrain (including the 46RE transmission).

 

The powerwire goes inline with the IAT (Intake Air Temp) sensor and makes the PCM think the incoming air to the engine is colder than it really is and causes it to richer or increase the fuel mixture to the engine. Yes you will pick up a small amount of power but you will sacrifice .5-1.5 mpg in the process. It's kind of useless during the winter months because the incoming air is already colder thus the reason you always see a drop in mpg during the winter.

IMHO, save your money and take your wife or GF to Mickey D's and buy her a Happy Meal. You'll definitely get a better return for the money spent.

 

Bwdakrt, happy meal? Even in Arkansas we know better. Over here it's Waffle House or bust.

Nah I'm getting this Ram ready for my trips over the mountain to get to work in the winter months (and some fun) The railroad is a great job but unforgiving if ppl can't get to work.

I'm exploring ways to make her run reliably with good power, and like most others, trying to preserve the tranny and lsd diff.

I think I've concluded going with a cai mod, and programmer.

Thanks guys!

 

Now you're talking! Go with something that's KNOWN to work.

 

It's not just the fuel change -- that gets corrected at part throttle by the o2 feedback (eventually) but it does remain in open loop driving (WOT or close to it). The resistor advances the timing as if the air was cooler. That's where any extra power comes from.

I run a power wire along with the Superchips programmer and don't have any ill effects when running 93 octane. I don't know about anything lower because I've never put anything else in the tank.

 

LOL the Power Wire is a great way to void any warranty on your vehicle should you not remember that your temp gauge is now not working properly! Run the cooler thermostat guys, a buck and some change isn't worth risking an engine for!

 

Where is a good source for programmers?