How can I improve throttle response without spending a ton $$$ ?

[studog7]

I have a 2005 ram st cab with the hemi. It has 98k miles on it but the truck is really clean and the motor runs great. I just had a magnaflow muffler installed. My question for you guys is this: what things can i do to this truck or motor to maximize the power it has and make it more fun to drive. I don't have a large budget so I'm looking for things apart from head mods, cams and all of the interior motor mods that add big horsepower. I am guessing that these hemi motors are quite restricted with all of the pollution control things the gov requires on them. I think I notice a slightly better throttle response with the muffler now that it can breath better.
What else can be done to accomplish what I'm after ?? superchip, cold air intake, etc ??? What actually works ?
I'm trying to make myself like the truck enough to keep it for a couple more years and not get a new one with a big payment.
Thanks guys

 

[JJP71584]

I read a while back about grounding the throttle body...seems like a cheap mod that might help you with this one...

 

[ruff84]

superchips 3815 you can get them used and unlocked for about $150.00.

 

[studog7]

Actually I have a 3815 that I bought about 4 yrs ago for my first 05 hemi ram. I was on the phone with superchips today. The guy said he would unlock it for free for me. I have been burning premium for the past few mos because I had what I thought was spark knock when lugging overdrive. Not so sure about that anymore. What is the best setting to run on the 3815? I don't drive with too heavy a foot anymore and not planning on it. Def wouldn't mind a little crisper throttle though.
Thanks guys

 

[truckin151]

Pick up a ported throttle body, usually runs around $180-$250.

 

[Trupiano]

Yup! Ported throttle body, or at least clean the one you have. That'll make a good difference.

 

[ybnormal70]

You can send your throttle body to fastman for $112. You will be without your truck for a week, but it is worth it. I just had mine bored out about a week ago. Great investment.

L8r,

Kevin

 

[KGBIGCOUNTRY]

Can also replace the restrictive Y pipe to help out alill. If you want to avoid motor mods for power if your a 2WD you could do a set of 4.56 gears for a reasonable price.

 

[studog7]

Thanks for all the ideas man !! I just had my truck at a tranny shop today. Got noise coming from the tranny in overdrive and a ticking in the rear end. Gonna crack the rear end in the am and have my shop inspect, change fluid. Prob have to wait on the tranny. Still shifts good just got the noise. So what is the best ported throttle body for a reasonable price and same for cold air intake ? I was looking at Volant but don't have a clue about the ported TB.

When I had the dual/magnaflow put on they just did cat back w standard pipe. does replacing the factory Y require expensive kits, etc. ? or is it no big deal ?

 

[07PXRHemi]

yep. fastman TB. i'll be ordering mine Friday,but just outright,at $220 so the truck has no downtime. its my DD. CAI makes a small difference,but is also cheap. i just bought a cheapo off ebay and threw on a K&N cone filter.

 

[studog7]

Making progress boys......grounded the throttle body today and got my superchip 3815 unlocked from my old 05 vin. I'm running the 87 octane setting. There is a definite difference in throttle response now !! She runs really good. Only bummer is I am gonna need a new tranny fairly soon and probably rebuild the rear end in 20-30k miles. I love this truck though so I will probably proceed with it. Think I will probably leave it as is for awhile until I can scrape up the cash for a tranny.

Thanks for all of the responses !!
Stu

 

[02blkram47]

What do do to ground the TB? And will this work on a 2002 4.7?

 

[studog7]

To ground the throttle body all we did was run a ground wire from TB to block and then from block to neg batt terminal. I can't give you a technical explanation but apparently it eliminates any hesitation of TB activation. You may want to post a thread asking the guys who are experts.

I can tell you that the superchip 87 octane setting and TB ground made a noticeable difference in how the truck runs. Much better !! Not the kind of power gain like cam and head mods but def worth the money !!

 

[NWRQC]

What do do to ground the TB? And will this work on a 2002 4.7?

Do a search for " Throttle body grounding ram forum" and you will find a lot of info on this. Personally IMO it ranks up there throttle body spacers. There is plenty of info on this topic to make your own educated decision on if this works or not.