1999 V8 Chip/Tuner and exhaust

Duster · Jan 20, 2012

Howdy Folks;

I have a new to me 1999 Ram 1500 Reg Cab Short Bed 4x4 with a 5.9 engine. 95K miles. Since I installed a ranchhand brushguard and toolbox I can't seem to get above 13.5mpg on the highway. (before this I could get 15.5 if I was careful.) So I am mostly interested in upgrades to this stock engine and exhuast that would improve fuel economy. Performance is nice, but mpg's are priority.

What Chip/Tuner (if any) do you recommend for this 1999 V8 ?

What exhaust upgrades would you recommend?

Can I get away with dropping my caty converter and just straight pipe? Or is this truck "new" enough that true straight pipes will screw with performance?

Thanks in advance for helping this newbie.

txbass06 · Jan 20, 2012

As far as tuning goes, I'd pick up a superchips.
Have you checked the plenum for leaks? If it needs replacing, that will help with performance and mpg's as well

wermbang · Jan 20, 2012

I would also recommend the superchips. I have the 3715. Don't need the newer tuner.

Duster · Jan 20, 2012

Thanks guys.
I will check the plenum when I get a chance.

Thanks for the SuperChips recommendation. Wermbang; the 3715 is no longer produced (I think). So I'm guessing this one would be the best? 1999 Dodge Ram Superchips FlashPaq Tuners - Over 575 Superchips Flashpaq Reviews It looks like I would gain 46hp and 59lb of torque. Which is cool!
But beyond that all it would do is adjust for tire size and shift firmness. Is this going to make a difference or should I just go with an upgrade air intake and exhuast? If so, should I just go with caty on back, or go back all the way?

Thanks. I am new to all of this so I am very grateful for your help.

quietpeen · Jan 20, 2012

welcome to RF. If it was me I would def. get the tuner first. then get a cai and exhaust.

wermbang · Jan 20, 2012

I would look around ebay for an older one if your on a budget. I got mine for $100.

I have stock headers, to stock cat, then about 3 ft of pipe nothing else.
You can go with a K&N to replace the stock, a 14x3. or a CAI. I made my own. I will be going back to the K&N drop in as now have functional hood scoop

and the 14x3

SilverHoghead · Jan 26, 2012

wermbang said:
I would look around ebay for an older one if your on a budget. I got mine for $100.

I have stock headers, to stock cat, then about 3 ft of pipe nothing else.
You can go with a K&N to replace the stock, a 14x3. or a CAI. I made my own. I will be going back to the K&N drop in as now have functional hood scoop

and the 14x3

Ok, i've never messed with a tuner, but I thought that once you use it, it saves your VIN so it can't be used on other vehicles...

wermbang · Jan 26, 2012

They can be set back to stock so they are no longer VIN locked, then they can be sold to be used on another truck

1999 V8 Chip/Tuner and exhaust

Duster

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txbass06

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wermbang

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Duster

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quietpeen

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wermbang

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SilverHoghead

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wermbang

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