I've searched and read several threads but can't find the answers I'm looking for. I've got a 2012 1500 with the Hemi. I'm just looking to make some basic mods to make it more efficient and improve performance if I can. I'm not looking to take it to a track or build anything that is going to blow my doors off, just "weekend warrior" street performance improvement.

I'm considering doing the following mods:
Diablo Trinity tuner
Cold air intake (unsure which, see question below)
And an electric fan (see questions below)

For the cold air intake, there are hundreds on the market. Are there any reasons to spend $800 when I can get a K&N or Airaid for $200-300? Is the performance difference that significant with the increase in price? Or will I be happy with a cheaper one considering my "weekend warrior" status?

For the e-fan....it looks like the Mopar V6 seems to be a popular one, but not sure if that's for a 2012, I only saw it referenced to earlier models. I also tried to search for it online to see where I can buy it, but couldn't find it. Any help? Also, are there better e-fan options to look at?

For the thermostat....I see a lot of talk about a 185, but some say that's a little too cool and 190-200 is better so as to not wear out the rings etc... If I get the tuner, do I need a thermostat as well, or can I control it all with the tuner?

AC fan - there seems to be some debate on removing the AC fan and just using the e-fan to cool everything. I'm not quite following what goes on with an e-fan in regards to AC. A mechanic told me to avoid an e-fan because I live in TX and the AC performance will dip significantly. I've seen some people say they have the fan set to come on when the AC is turned on. Is that something that will be controllable with the tuner as well? Can someone set me straight with e-fan considerations I should be aware of please?

And what about warranty? Will any of the above mods void the factory warranty? I've heard that there is no way for Dodge to know about the tuner providing I remove it before taking it to them. What do I need to consider as far as warranty is concerned with an e-fan, CAI and tuner?

I've done a lot of reading and research and my eyes are about to cross! Just remember I'm a weekend warrior and still learning! Any advice or tips on the above would be greatly appreciated!

 

As far as CAI go, the factory airbox is probably thee most efficient as far as performance goes. Not much sound, but achieves overall performance better. I have the K&N CAI, I prefer some sound, and left my exhaust stock, although I'm considering switching the intake to stock, and swapping the exhaust setup.

Tuners, the Super Chips seems to dominate the market with regards to the RAM. The Trinity is grest for custom tuning, and real time data logging.

I believe there is a write-up with the V6 E-fan install here (Search menu), don't have much input towards this to share though.

I run a 180° in my Charger, but that's a whole different beast. Yes you can adjust the fan settings with the Diablo tuners. Not really sure its going to matter much though, the Charger stock had a 210° T-Stat, were your truck typically should run around 190°. Being a stock motor, your likely wasting your money.

As far as voiding warranty with a tuner and their capabilities of finding write-over custum or canned tunes... It depends on the knowledge of the tech, what they're looking for, and if there is a correlation between the problem and any alteration/modification found with the vehicle. With any modification comes the risk of warranty work being voided, if it can be proven the modification assisted the failure.