Is it time for me to rebuild?

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Dat_HEMI_Tho

Junior Member
Joined
May 8, 2014
Posts
18
Reaction score
6
Ram Year
2003 1500 SLT 4x4
Engine
HEMI 5.7l
Bought a 2003 ram 1500 HEMI for $3000 with 215,000 on the odometer :/. Mostly has been used for towing and driving on the highway. I've had it sitting outside for about a couple weeks or so and when i started it up it started puffing quite a bit of white smoke. Also I get a whopping 8.2 miles to the gallon according to the display. Engine sounds alright, aside from the typical tick HEMIs are supposed to have. Anyways, I'm a kid so I want to hop it up :D but would it be a good idea to rebuild it first?. Mostly been looking at exhaust, vararam intake, chip etc. as far as upgrades go.
 

89gtcs

Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2014
Posts
89
Reaction score
18
Ram Year
2006
Engine
5.7
White smoke typically indicates burning coolant, which would imply bad head gaskets. Do a leakdown/compression test and post up the results.
 

Redtruck-VA

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2010
Posts
5,864
Reaction score
984
Location
Virginia
Ram Year
2003 & 1989 D250 RWD
Engine
Hemi-5.7, 5.9 12v & 24v diesel
Condensation is typical for a cold startup, but should disappear when the exhaust is up to temperature. As mentioned it needs a compression check to help determine it's health. Do a little searching and you will see plenty of upgrades that are typically done.
 
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