2004 Ram 1500 SLT hemi quad cab
Straight piped from flanges to the back

So I'm looking into buying long tube headers, cam, intake, etc..I'm just reading mixed reviews on what should come first and so on and so on. Basically I'll m just wanting to hear recommendations on the order to go and what best matches up with what. And like for the cam for instance, just the cam alone or what all should be replaced with it.

It's a daily driver so I'm not looking to go too crazy but I definitely do what the long tube headers.

 

Fun project.
Some questions to help us give best advice:
- What do you want the truck to do when you are done, or, what is it not doing now that needs to be fixed?
- Do you have a budget, are you doing the work yourself?
- What's your diff? open or anti-spin? gear ratio?
If you have a 3.55 open diff rear then I would upgrade that first. Otherwise, I think you've got it right with long tubes as first item. I would get a tuner after that so I could get the most out of the header mod. Tuner will also let you dial it down for the commute then switch to race tune for weekends.

 

The rear end is a 3.92 limited slip basically I just want it to be more fun to drive just during my normal driving. And I sometimes haul material and equipment so the extra gains can help there. I really want it to be a neck snapper, like if I got to leave you in the dust then it wont be a problem. As for my budget it's kind of a build as I go project. And to be 100% honest I have so many people tell me to just go get a newer one or thay I work on it too much, which is 100% MY decision and mine alone. So I want to basically show everyone up who is doubting me that I can and will blow them panties off and just to prove a point lol I've taken it personal at this point. Also it was my dads truck before he left for his second deployment and if I can get it to where I know it can be taken then I'd want to give it back to him as a thank you gift. I'm not sure if I forgot anything but will provide whatever I can. As for the tuner I've done lots of research and cannot decide on super chips or diablo.

 

Also want to add that I have done everything myself so far and plan to do everything with the help of friends here and there. Everything is a first for me so I'm just dipping my toes in the water trying to gain as much knowledge as I can. From where it was to now is a major improvement of it's own.

 

Yeah, instead of spending a couple grand improving a truck you already like, lets go spend 60 grand on a new one.......

I think I am missing their logic there.

Ok, so, if it's a 'build as you go', then headers, and a tuner first.

 

Since this is going to be a gift, consider going with a tuner first. A 91 octane performance tune will give noticeable improvement.
If you want to do headers yourself, why not make it a father-son project?
When you go with long tube headers and no O2 sensors, you'll never see 10mpg around town again. The tune gives your dad more options, and makes the truck more practical around town or as a commuter.

 

Most headers will come with bungs for the O2 sensors. If they don't have 'em, you can weld them in. You REALLY want at least the front sensor(s).

 

He just has way too much to do to make that much time for this project. He works like 60+ hours at the sherrifs department on top of his army stuff he does, which he just returned home from his 14 month deployment. And what free time he does find hes got his grand kids so I dont wanna take that from him but anyways when it comes to a tuner and the 91 octane is the super chips something I should get it's been a minute since I've read into them but from what I remember that's the way to go with having the most range of driving. If I do go that route that means I'd have to run 91 with that tuner at all times correct? I've also been having issues with my o2 sensors trying to figure out how to basically get the rear ones to signal theres more issues. It seems that the pacesetter long tubes are the popular ones and true duals seems like the way to go. If true duals then I need an x or h pipe correct?

 

Coated Pacesetters.

 

H or X pipe isn't *required*, but, it IS a good idea.