06 Upgrade Priority Order (Price Vs. Actual Gains)

[Durzil]

So I have a 2006 with a 5.7L Hemi. I'm interested in doing upgrades that will benifit my trucks performance and by doing so will help pay for themselves by increasing gas mileage. I'm curious which mods are actually worth it. I'm not looking to build the most powerful truck around. Just open this one up a bit.

Things I'm considering (if something missing speak up)

CAI
Programer (thinking Diablo)
Throttle Body Spacer (This worth it? I keep seeing full replacements as well.)

Long term

Headers with full exhaust.

So I'm wondering what provides the best upgrade for the money? Order to proceed? And if I'm missing something? I have an upgraded stereo so an AGM battery is going to happen soon as well.

I'd like to upgrade my lights in the future as well.

Basically I was hoping to find an upgrade priority list (and haven't) based on bang for Buck. As well as a good, better, best list giving popular upgrade part options. For example there are a plethora of CAI options. So does a list showing good budget option, better quality midrange option, then best money can buy exist? Thanks for any help provided.

 

[TheMaddog]

electric fan, or e fan will give you more of a mileage gain than the others.

 

[SmokedRam]

DO NOT waste money on a throttle body spacer, totally useless unless you are putting the happy juice to it. Go go a bored throttle body from Moe's. On the CAI, I like Airraid. Can't go wrong with a Diablo tuner.

IMO, the tuner should be the first thing you do, since you will get most of your gains from it.

 

[SirGeorgeKillian]

A big +1 on the spacer. You could give me the money you were going to spend on one, and I could tell you that your truck is now faster. Same result

 

[Hemi450hp]

Like mentioned, the tuner should come first. That is going to give you the best bang for buck increase, and gives you many more features aside from just the basic performance upgrade.

Next step would be an in intake and ported throttle body. These are going to show a nice increase in throttle response and top end power.

From there, I would go with a set of longtube headers. Pacesetter makes a very nice set of ceramic coated longtube for just over $400.

Then if you still want more, an electric fan will help the motor spin a little easier and also increase throttle response.

Then there are always the transmission and gearing upgrades. 4.10's or 4.56's combined with a higher stall tq converter will make the truck an absolute monster off the line.

 

[Durzil]

That's good to know about the spacer. I wasn't finding good info on it but it had been recommended localy (guy trying to make a sale) to get one.

How hard are the Efan's to install? Guess I'll be looking into it. How much draw are they? With a powerful stereo system already in place are they still a good idea?

 

[ATXHEMI]

Programmer CAI TB Exhaust Efan. The efan is pretty easy to install. If you get the flex a lite 183 its a direct bolt on. I would think if you have a capacitor on your system you would be ok.