New member w/ '96 Ram 5.2 question
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Registered User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6
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From: Lake Norman area, NC
New member w/ '96 Ram 5.2 question
Hello,
I have owned a '96 Dodge Ram Ext Cab (5.2) 2WD since 1997. I bought it when it was eighteen months old (and had 45,000 miles already on it). The truck currently has 106,000 and has been very reliable. Only add ons are a K&N FIPK and a Flowmaster exhaust. I've only had one repair in that entire time and that was a o2 sensor.
The truck has averaged 16 mpg with a maximum of 18mpg being obtained on the highway when speeds don't exceed 65 mph. 70-75 will net about 17 mpg. It used to require higher octane to avoid summertime pinging, but I did a tune up using Splitfire plugs and new wires/cap and that did seem to eliminate pinging with the use of regular. The truck has been well maintained and I have no qualms about jumping in it and driving anywhere, anytime.
But the gas issues of late made me consider ways to improve mileage. I may have done a dumb thing, but hey, you can't win them all. I purchased a low cost module on eBay called a FuelMaxx that seemed like it might work. Not a bad looking part (it wasn't just a resistor) and only required splicing it into the two IAT wires for install. I didn't like the looks of it at the front of the engine, so I chased the wires back to the ECU and spliced in there. So far, performance improvements are either very insignificant or a figment of my imagination. However, the "Check Engine" light is indeed illuminated and the gas mileage (the reason for the purchase) has DECREASED!
I've disconnected the module, requested a refund (<$25), and now I'm looking for recommended ECU chips/modules that have a history of fuel economy improvements (#1) and performance improvements (#2 priority).
Can anyone make some recommendations? My DD is a '99 Z28 M6 that has some mods, so I'm not looking to make this truck my "go fast". I'm just looking for potential and solid improvements on a truck I plan on keeping for a long time.
Thanks!
I have owned a '96 Dodge Ram Ext Cab (5.2) 2WD since 1997. I bought it when it was eighteen months old (and had 45,000 miles already on it). The truck currently has 106,000 and has been very reliable. Only add ons are a K&N FIPK and a Flowmaster exhaust. I've only had one repair in that entire time and that was a o2 sensor.
The truck has averaged 16 mpg with a maximum of 18mpg being obtained on the highway when speeds don't exceed 65 mph. 70-75 will net about 17 mpg. It used to require higher octane to avoid summertime pinging, but I did a tune up using Splitfire plugs and new wires/cap and that did seem to eliminate pinging with the use of regular. The truck has been well maintained and I have no qualms about jumping in it and driving anywhere, anytime.
But the gas issues of late made me consider ways to improve mileage. I may have done a dumb thing, but hey, you can't win them all. I purchased a low cost module on eBay called a FuelMaxx that seemed like it might work. Not a bad looking part (it wasn't just a resistor) and only required splicing it into the two IAT wires for install. I didn't like the looks of it at the front of the engine, so I chased the wires back to the ECU and spliced in there. So far, performance improvements are either very insignificant or a figment of my imagination. However, the "Check Engine" light is indeed illuminated and the gas mileage (the reason for the purchase) has DECREASED!
I've disconnected the module, requested a refund (<$25), and now I'm looking for recommended ECU chips/modules that have a history of fuel economy improvements (#1) and performance improvements (#2 priority).
Can anyone make some recommendations? My DD is a '99 Z28 M6 that has some mods, so I'm not looking to make this truck my "go fast". I'm just looking for potential and solid improvements on a truck I plan on keeping for a long time.
Thanks!
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Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Hollywood, FL
Thread Starter
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Registered User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Lake Norman area, NC
Welcome to DF!! Check out the 2nd Gen Ram section for help with your Ram 
Thanks for the heads up. I've been there briefly, but still trying to learn the search methods on this forum. I'm looking forward to some good info and conversations.
