Can anyone recommend a mechanic in the elgin, Illinois area that can do a 1999 ram van camshaft replacement?

 

I'm sure there are plenty of capable shops in that area to handle that job. Search "Elgin, IL auto repair" online and then search for favorable reviews. Also check BBB for complaints. When all else fails there's always the dealer.


Sorry, but I have to ask. Well not really but it would be related to your cam replacement.


1) what engine are you working on?
2) why do you believe you need to make a cam change?

 

I purchased a 1999 conversion van a year ago. The van is just in pristine condition, it was stored every winter and has never seen snow. I love the van but it uses a ton of gas, 14 hwy. So, I called Hughes engines about the new intake plenum. The guy there recommended also replacing the camshaft. I am an A/C guy and can figure out most automotive stuff, eventually anyway but I think the camshaft would be more than I can handle! I did google Mopar mechanics and could not find any in my area, just dealers.


Thanks for your reply!


Rich

 

Sorry, it's a 5.2

 

The 318 has been around for many years which attest to its reliability. However, that does not mean they never need repair. The shop you search for need not be Mopar specific, but needs to be established, reputable, and reliable to your expectations.
You could post for area mechanic recommendations on other sites like ...............


http://www.chicagolandmopar.com/forum/content.php


http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/


http://www.automotiveforums.com/f663-ram_van.html


Anyway........
http://www.cars.com/dodge/ram-van/1999/specifications/


14 seems a bit low on MPG yet it's in pristine condition. What kind of MPG are you looking for? I doubt you'll see close to 20 with this van unless you drive down hill all the time.

Don't forget there are a slew of reasons for poor MPG I'd follow up before thinking about component change.

Engine is running as it should? You mention plenum and a cam change. Do you have a leak in the intake? What is the compression like? Has it been tuned correctly?

Is the transmission shifting correctly up and down through the ranges?

How tight are wheel alignment and suspension components? How does the tire wear look and are they correct for the van? Are any wheel bearings or brakes dragging?

Then there's always fuel quality, route planning, driving conditions, and driver discipline.

 

A 1999 B1500 5.2L 46RE w/OD can reach about 19MPG hwy. It's very doable. Much has to do with tires, intake, exhaust, plugs, TB ports, 195F t-stat and ignition cap-n-rotor materials.

My van is much heavier than your conversion. Mine has achieved 19.7 hwy.