2012 1500 Hemi basic mod questions

[txdodge]

I've searched and read several threads but can't find the answers I'm looking for. I've got a 2012 1500 with the Hemi. I'm just looking to make some basic mods to make it more efficient and improve performance if I can. I'm not looking to take it to a track or build anything that is going to blow my doors off, just "weekend warrior" street performance improvement.

I'm considering doing the following mods:
Diablo Trinity tuner
Cold air intake (unsure which, see question below)
And an electric fan (see questions below)

For the cold air intake, there are hundreds on the market. Are there any reasons to spend $800 when I can get a K&N or Airaid for $200-300? Is the performance difference that significant with the increase in price? Or will I be happy with a cheaper one considering my "weekend warrior" status?

For the e-fan....it looks like the Mopar V6 seems to be a popular one, but not sure if that's for a 2012, I only saw it referenced to earlier models. I also tried to search for it online to see where I can buy it, but couldn't find it. Any help? Also, are there better e-fan options to look at?

For the thermostat....I see a lot of talk about a 185, but some say that's a little too cool and 190-200 is better so as to not wear out the rings etc... If I get the tuner, do I need a thermostat as well, or can I control it all with the tuner?

AC fan - there seems to be some debate on removing the AC fan and just using the e-fan to cool everything. I'm not quite following what goes on with an e-fan in regards to AC. A mechanic told me to avoid an e-fan because I live in TX and the AC performance will dip significantly. I've seen some people say they have the fan set to come on when the AC is turned on. Is that something that will be controllable with the tuner as well? Can someone set me straight with e-fan considerations I should be aware of please?

And what about warranty? Will any of the above mods void the factory warranty? I've heard that there is no way for Dodge to know about the tuner providing I remove it before taking it to them. What do I need to consider as far as warranty is concerned with an e-fan, CAI and tuner?

I've done a lot of reading and research and my eyes are about to cross! Just remember I'm a weekend warrior and still learning! Any advice or tips on the above would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Gunz86]

Don't know what CAI's your looking at for $800 but i have the Air Grabber for around 350 and Performance and efficiency wise one of the best.

 

[txdodge]

Don't know what CAI's your looking at for $800 but i have the Air Grabber for around 350 and Performance and efficiency wise one of the best.

Sorry, I just threw that number out there. I see an Airaid online for $72, and anything in between that and a Corsa for $459. Just wondering if paying more is getting better performance.

 

[Hemi450hp]

From a performance standpoint, the Vararam is going to show the best performance gains. The S&B kits are built a little stronger and more secure, but they come 2nd in the performance category. The Vararam is $359 and the S&B is only $299.

What part of TX are you in?

 

[txdodge]

From a performance standpoint, the Vararam is going to show the best performance gains. The S&B kits are built a little stronger and more secure, but they come 2nd in the performance category. The Vararam is $359 and the S&B is only $299.

What part of TX are you in?

I'm in Austin.

When you say "performance", I'm assuming it's HP increase you are referring to....if so, are we talking 1-2 HP difference, or is it much more significant? Are there other performance considerations? And what would be the difference in a $179 K&N and the Vararam?

If I'm asking too many questions, feel free to tell me to shut up!

 

[Hemi450hp]

HP/TQ numbers are tough to register on the dyno with a true intake like the Vararam. The cheap K&N kits basically just replace the stock intake tubing and add a code finlter on the end. While this is better than stock, it is not ideal for performance. This style of intake is also very noisy and can be annoying in the cab.

The Vararam is a true forced air kit. It sits on top of your engine, and seals off to the bottom of your hood to prevent any engine heat from coming in. As air comes through your front grille, it is router up and into the Vararam filter tray. From here, it has nowhere to go except straight down your throttle body, and that is why it is the only forced air intake on the market. The faster you go, the more air is being forced in there.

We have tested this at the track and saw a .3 drop in ET by switching from a cheap K&N to the Vararam.

The only other intake I would consider for the Hemi would be an S&B. These have a closed airbox that pulls air both from the passenger fender and through a downward facing scoop behind the passenger headlight. It is the best built and most secure intake you can buy for these trucks. It is a close 2nd to the Vararam when it comes to performance as well.

 

[txdodge]

HP/TQ numbers are tough to register on the dyno with a true intake like the Vararam. The cheap K&N kits basically just replace the stock intake tubing and add a code finlter on the end. While this is better than stock, it is not ideal for performance. This style of intake is also very noisy and can be annoying in the cab.

The Vararam is a true forced air kit. It sits on top of your engine, and seals off to the bottom of your hood to prevent any engine heat from coming in. As air comes through your front grille, it is router up and into the Vararam filter tray. From here, it has nowhere to go except straight down your throttle body, and that is why it is the only forced air intake on the market. The faster you go, the more air is being forced in there.

We have tested this at the track and saw a .3 drop in ET by switching from a cheap K&N to the Vararam.

The only other intake I would consider for the Hemi would be an S&B. These have a closed airbox that pulls air both from the passenger fender and through a downward facing scoop behind the passenger headlight. It is the best built and most secure intake you can buy for these trucks. It is a close 2nd to the Vararam when it comes to performance as well.

Makes sense. Thanks for the info!

 

[09SMOKINHEMI]

Along with the CAI i would upgrade the throttle body too. They pair nicely. If you tune, also get a catch can to keep your engine nice and clean.

sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3

 

[txdodge]

Along with the CAI i would upgrade the throttle body too. They pair nicely. If you tune, also get a catch can to keep your engine nice and clean.

sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3

When I do the CAI, the throttle body is what the air flows into, right? And where does the catch can go?

 

[Hemi450hp]

The throttle body is the piece that connects your intake tube to your intake manifold...so it does connect directly to your new intake tubing. It makes sense to install these together as you will need to remove the intake to install the TB, and if you are just installing an intake, you are a mere 4 bolts and 30 seconds away from having the TB off.

The catch can goes inline with the PCV hose that runs from the back of the intake manifold to just below the throttle body. The catch can will come with new hoses that replace the stock one.

 

[Hemi Joe]

When I do the CAI, the throttle body is what the air flows into, right? And where does the catch can go?

Yes, just be careful not to overtighten the throttle bottle bolts. The intake manifold and threads are plastic.

 

[Taylo1]

And then when you get all that done, get you a Edge Torque Converter so you can get all that power to the ground. I DID......

Also,^^ Matt with Moe's is Great to work with and knows his stuff, Plus he's a Texas boy!

"Getter Done"

 

[txdodge]

And then when you get all that done, get you a Edge Torque Converter so you can get all that power to the ground. I DID......

Also,^^ Matt with Moe's is Great to work with and knows his stuff, Plus he's a Texas boy!

"Getter Done"

I can see how this is a death trap.....what started as a CAI, e-fan, and tuner has turned into CAI, throttle body, torque converter, catch can, e-fan and only God knows what else! Maybe I should just get a bicycle!

 

[chuck]

I can see how this is a death trap.....what started as a CAI, e-fan, and tuner has turned into CAI, throttle body, torque converter, catch can, e-fan and only God knows what else! Maybe I should just get a bicycle!

hahah. hey the bicycle would get you better mpg's. But they just don't make bikes with Hemi's....

 

[shawnb1043]

I know how you feel txdodge. When i first bought my truck i was like... ahhhhh perfect. Then i joined RF now im like WHY AM I MISSING ALL THESE COOL PARTS AND TOYS!!!

 

[Gunz86]

The good thing about all these mods is they are all bolt on and can be done in your driveway, so you will save a ton in labor costs. This forum and its members are just a click away from walking you through it step by step as well, gotta love this site. MERICA!!!

 

[california]

hey im new to the forum i have a 2013 ram 1500 single cab
i wanted to do some upgrades wanted to start with the intake where can i get the vararam intake and as for the tb which one should i upgrade to and where can i get it

help would really be appreciated!!

 

[Taylo1]

hey im new to the forum i have a 2013 ram 1500 single cab
i wanted to do some upgrades wanted to start with the intake where can i get the vararam intake and as for the tb which one should i upgrade to and where can i get it

help would really be appreciated!!

Moe's performance, He is a member and a sponsor on this site and he will treat you right. http://www.moes-performance.com/default.asp

 

[california]

Moe's performance, He is a member and a sponsor on this site and he will treat you right. Moe's Performance[/QUOTE\\\


thanks man ill contact him
i tried to post a new thread but i could not as i have to be register for a couple of days

 

[txdodge]

I ordered the Vararam and a 85mm throttle body from Matt at Moe's. Matt's a great guy to buy from...super helpful. He knows how to run a business and treat customers. It's the type place where I'd be willing to spend a little more money just to get the help and customer service. I'm looking forward to installing it so I can see what kind of gains I get. Stay tuned.....e-fan, tuner and catch can coming soon!