I just bought a 2001 5.2L 1500 4x4 (85k on the truck). Wen I test drove it I should have romped it a bit more because after I bought it it was slower than any other truck I've driven. I had a Chevy 5.7 Vortec (1997) that would roast the tires. This one has the 265/65r16 (?) stock and it won't even chirp around a corner. I did a 0-60 test and it took 14 seconds. It is getting between 9-13 mpg. Any thoughts as to if this is normal? Or maybe a blown plenum? Tranny shifts crisp, so not slipping. Thanks for any input.
New owner of '01 5.2L - underpowered?
- Thread starter apensity
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apensity
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I just reset the PCM by removing the positive battery cable and touching it against the negative for 30 seconds. The truck has a lot more power (still won't spin the tires, but it is noticeably better than it was). Shifts at the right place and has some get up and go! Crazy how a PCM can effect the power. I'd suggest doing that if there are any issues as power loss or shift issues.
Texas Hemi
Senior Member
My 5.2 had terrible acceleration and it turned out to be the catalytic converter was toast. I had that gutted and got the power back.
RamV10
Senior Member
Check for vacuum leaks the intake kegger has a history of issues. Check plugs etc.
Okiespaniel
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Congrats on your purchase...however you bought a truck that probably weighs another 4-500 lbs more than your Chivy and starts out with a few less hosepower and torque.
Chances are reseting the PCM removed some latent codes that might affect your performance. Rest assured if the repairs weren't done, they'll be back.
Since you're starting in the red, power to weight wise you might consider starting with a tuner like an SCT. The advantage to this tuner is it will remove the torque linmiting built into your stock PCM. That should help your bottom end with those 265 tiires.
Checking the plenum for excessive oil is a good idea, but depending on your trucks mileage it may or may not help. A loose timing chain will cause issues.
A simple tuneup and TB clean might do wonders. I doubt your CAT is the issue. The 2000and up Dodges used a single in /out converter which was a vast improvement over the earlier 2 into 1 models.
Chances are reseting the PCM removed some latent codes that might affect your performance. Rest assured if the repairs weren't done, they'll be back.
Since you're starting in the red, power to weight wise you might consider starting with a tuner like an SCT. The advantage to this tuner is it will remove the torque linmiting built into your stock PCM. That should help your bottom end with those 265 tiires.
Checking the plenum for excessive oil is a good idea, but depending on your trucks mileage it may or may not help. A loose timing chain will cause issues.
A simple tuneup and TB clean might do wonders. I doubt your CAT is the issue. The 2000and up Dodges used a single in /out converter which was a vast improvement over the earlier 2 into 1 models.
apensity
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Plenum is good, no vacuum leaks, tranny is strong. I'll try a Superchips chip to begin with then get an SCT. I think I'll adjust the tranny too for shift points.
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