I bought an 02' ram 1500, 2wd,w/ a 5.9l about a month ago. I wanted to see what ya'll's would recomend for performance parts. It came with a flowermaster exhaust (single in dual out), which I think I'm going to repacle with true dual cherry bombs, other than that I've only put in a Helix throttle-body spacer (yah I know they don't do anything, but I've notice a slight difference and I've my gas mileage has gone up by about 1.5miles averaging the last four tanks). I'm going to put in a superchip and either a K&N or a True Flow intake. I'm also considering putting in a cam when I get the money, one that is set-up for increased torque, what brand should I go with, and what degree of lope. What would ya'll else would ya'llgo withto increase performance? Also, just out of curiosity, does anyone know where I can find a supercharger/intercooler for this truck (I figure I'll get one when I win the lottery).

 

I have the same truck, only its a 4x4, and i have a C.A.I., Hypertech programmer, low-temp thermostat, and straighpipes. I think the Hypertech was the best "bang-for-your-buck" performance item. It costs a little more than a C.A.I. and a little less than an exhaust system, andyou can really tell the difference on the 91 octane setting. If you get the Superchips programmer, let me know what you think, and also, if it adjusts the shift points because that is one thing the hypertech doesnt do that i wish it did.

 

Lucky for you, there is a HUGE aftermarket for this engine. Just depends on how far you want to go. MP makes a stroker crank for the 360, instant 402 (this is what I would do). Just do an online search for the blower, I know for a fact there's at least one company that makes a kit.

 

How hard is it to put in a new crank? Im used to old air-cooled vee-dubs and on those you have to tear down the whole engine, but on V8s, do u just have to take off the oil pan? or do the heads and everything come off?

 

I'll let you know about the superchip. I work at the Ranch Hand Truck Accessories store in Houston (www.ranchhand.com for more info) and so i can get most all my parts at cost. I'm planning on buying the SuperChip Flash-Paq in May. After talking to my boss and a few other peopleI'm just going to keep the flowmaster. They've all said that I'm not going to see any marked increase in performance and it won't sound as good. I was thinking about putting in a stroker, but I heard that it wouldn't make that much of a difference in my truck. Although I am thinking of swapping the pistons, I've always heard good things about keith black; Any comments?

 

keith black has always worked good for me in my vehicles, i'm not a fan of flowmaster cause they are cheap and i have seen way too many rust within a few years....a stroker will do alot for ur truck especially if you throw in new pistons, when you do , make sure you buy a set of Mopar heads and also a low temp t-stat and that i'd say youd be sittin pretty good

 

I haven't personally dealt with this scenario, but you will definitely have a bare block to stroke it. I highly recommend having the shop clearance it (unless you are an automotive machinist and either have or have access to the necessary tools). I know when you stuff a 440 crank into the 400, you have to notch the pan rails for clearance, may or may not be the case here.

 

I know you have to machine the heads when you install the keith blacks (most models), and I read that you should hone the block as well, but correct me if I'm wrong. I haven't done this before.