2004 Hemi 1500 Performance?

[Boneface]

Howdy, I've got a 2004 Ram 1500 with a 5.7 Hemi and it's a 4x4. I got it used (it was the shop truck from the shop I work at) it already had some K&N CAI and a Flowmaster Super 10. I was just wondering what the best way for me to squeeze a little extra power out of it for cheap, a budget of $1500. I understand I'm not going to get another 150 horsies, I actualy want more low end and mid RPM torque. I was just thinking just a nice programer, better spark plugs, and running better fuel, maybe some shorty headers, assuming that won't require too much work. Thats what I would do but I was wondering if anyone on here would have a better plan for what I want. Like I said I work in a shop and after hours I can work on my own truck, so labor cost, having the right tool or not knowing what to do are not issues.
Thanks guys.

 

[ATXHEMI]

The headers and programmer will def give you a nice boost.

 

[toofart]

Save your money and put a blower on it. Everything else you'll feel as much as a big fart.

 

[TheSatinPumpkin]

Spraaaaay...

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

 

[03MopaRamman]

I Know D Loves his Juice! But I say Neither! Try the Newest Inertia Low End Torque Cam (The Crazy Jay Plus) on a 112 and a used Predator and Get Stu to tune it. They have a special Cam and Tune Sale on till end of Oct. Pull your heads and get them milled .20 Thou and throw some shorties on there and srt springs/rods, all for just about about 1500 bucks with bolts, gaskets etc. You have lots of Choices but I can say other than a Cam the 4.56 Gears and LSD was my Best Mod on the Truck. And Welcome to RF Young Fellow.

 

[TheSatinPumpkin]

Never ran spray in the truck but def' thinking about doing it to my Jeep. Sticking NA bolt ons then def' follow your suggestions esp' if OP is installing himself.

 

[KGBIGCOUNTRY]

Skip doing shorties and go to longtubes IMO. Price wise not alot of differance and the power gains are there.

 

[Blackram]

Best mods I've done on my 04 in terms of performance gains are cam, converter, and headers in that order. If you can do the install you should be able to swing all three of those for the 1500 you mentioned.