On the fence for SERIOUS upgrades performancewise

[Ritchie_Rich]

Can a 6.4 sit inside a 1500???

Anything is possible with a torch and welder. Plus enough money.

 

[Docwagon1776]

Can a 6.4 sit inside a 1500???

Anything is possible with a torch and welder. Plus enough money.

All Gen III Hemis have the same external dimensions. 5.7 through 6.4, doesn't matter. The displacement differences are from internal bore and stroke changes, not different sized blocks. They fit in a Wrangler with no problem, that's what the 392 is.

Any fitment issues are from bolt on things like car oil pan vs truck oil pan. No welding required.

6.4 swap is always the right answer if you want more power from a truck for trucky stuff.

 

[jawzs2]

not sure why anyone is overthinking what I want to do with it

Not overthinking it, it's just a simple fact that horsepower isn't the magic bullet for every situation. But hey, it's your money, there's an awful lot of knowledgeable people on here that can give great advice, but there's no "swiss army knife" that does everything

 

[MeatCurtains]

I still want to have a little bit of fun both on and off the highway...what would you do to have the best of both worlds? Im looking for 525+ hp with bolt on and tune power.

Your goals are high, your plan is short.

To do this in a way that makes sense you may as well buy a trx. It sounds like you're trying to build one on a shoestring budget. If you move down this path it's just going to leave you disappointed and sour.

I don't want to **** on trucks like the trx and raptor but they are not super great off road unless you're talking about a flat out open stretch of desert that's reasonably groomed. They are big, heavy, long with terrible geometry for anything besides what I mentioned.

 

[Docwagon1776]

Your goals are high, your plan is short.

To do this in a way that makes sense you may as well buy a trx. It sounds like you're trying to build one on a shoestring budget. If you move down this path it's just going to leave you disappointed and sour.

I don't want to **** on trucks like the trx and raptor but they are not super great off road unless you're talking about a flat out open stretch of desert that's reasonably groomed. They are big, heavy, long with terrible geometry for anything besides what I mentioned.

I'm going to push back on the Raptor a bit. Good clearance, Eaton front end and locking rear, a *very* robust transfer case capable of clutch operated 4A and true mechanically locked 4H (and 4L), gobs of low end torque where it matters, and a lot of suspension travel equate to a pretty competent package at lower speeds as well. It's just so damned wide.

However, it's also not that exciting on the road. Yeah, it's quick-ish *for a truck* but it's not actually quick. The 10A transmission combined with the inherent driving characteristics of a turbo motor made for a delay in "swing out to pass" type of acceleration I found annoying. The power to weight ratio combined with brick like aerodynamics just limit the on road fun. There's some easy mods to up the HP, but you'll never touch a proper on road vehicle with the same money. I've never driven the older V8 model, though, only the 3.5EB.

I have never driven a TRX, so won't comment on how it actually drives. On paper, I found it not that interesting. It's a fine 3rd vehicle toy if you want something for straight line play time and don't mind staying real close to fuel, I suppose.

 

[Nick@GotExhaust]

The rims I have are Fuel Reaction D755 20x9 rims. The mfg doesnt list an offset for the rims I have.

there is a column specifically for offset

REACTION

The Fuel Off-Road Reaction brings a twisted, high-energy design that’s impossible to ignore. Its wild multi-spoke face and deep profile give your build a sharp edge whether it’s for the trail, the street, or the show.

www.fueloffroad.com

looks like its either 1mm or 20mm depending on which wheel you have as there are 2 different models that fit that the part number starts with D755 and is 20x9

 

[Nick@GotExhaust]

I'm going to push back on the Raptor a bit. Good clearance, Eaton front end and locking rear, a *very* robust transfer case capable of clutch operated 4A and true mechanically locked 4H (and 4L), gobs of low end torque where it matters, and a lot of suspension travel equate to a pretty competent package at lower speeds as well. It's just so damned wide.

However, it's also not that exciting on the road. Yeah, it's quick-ish *for a truck* but it's not actually quick. The 10A transmission combined with the inherent driving characteristics of a turbo motor made for a delay in "swing out to pass" type of acceleration I found annoying. The power to weight ratio combined with brick like aerodynamics just limit the on road fun. There's some easy mods to up the HP, but you'll never touch a proper on road vehicle with the same money. I've never driven the older V8 model, though, only the 3.5EB.

I have never driven a TRX, so won't comment on how it actually drives. On paper, I found it not that interesting. It's a fine 3rd vehicle toy if you want something for straight line play time and don't mind staying real close to fuel, I suppose.

Im with you, I had a 1st gen raptor with the 6.2. No where near as capable as the newer ones and it was great off road. I didnt do dunes and all that most people associate a Raptor with. I was running in the forest through mud and tight off angle trails. It did great.

 

[Docwagon1776]

Im with you, I had a 1st gen raptor with the 6.2. No where near as capable as the newer ones and it was great off road. I didnt do dunes and all that most people associate a Raptor with. I was running in the forest through mud and tight off angle trails. It did great.

I'm thinking of getting a "little brother" for the Power Wagon. The turning radius, or lack thereof really, is more of a limiting factor than I anticipated. I got to use my rock rail as a pivot point recently just to swing a tight turn and in hindsight I should have used the winch to pull the front end around. The SCAB Raptor would be better, but I think the Gladiator is going to be the most likely choice. I'm renting a Bronco for a week for comparison, though.

 

[Nick@GotExhaust]

I'm thinking of getting a "little brother" for the Power Wagon. The turning radius, or lack thereof really, is more of a limiting factor than I anticipated. I got to use my rock rail as a pivot point recently just to swing a tight turn and in hindsight I should have used the winch to pull the front end around. The SCAB Raptor would be better, but I think the Gladiator is going to be the most likely choice. I'm renting a Bronco for a week for comparison, though.

I really like the Bronco. Only been in them on the road but that short wheel base platform has some potential!

 

[Ritchie_Rich]

I really like the Bronco. Only been in them on the road but that short wheel base platform has some potential!

The original Broncos were cool. I’d like a new one but Ford is really proud of them. Too costly.

 

[Docwagon1776]

The original Broncos were cool. I’d like a new one but Ford is really proud of them. Too costly.

Used market is starting to cool off now that supply has caught up with demand and lease turn ins are showing up. You can get a decent one for $30-$35k now if you're ok with a base or midlevel trim. Example: https://www.bmwofnashville.com/used...ville-TN-aaaa1a18ac1846d4f65e04601eaa2cac.htm

The flip side is for the same money you can be in a Rubicon or Mojave Gladiator. No turbo, no driver monitoring, IMO a better transmission. 2024+ Gladiators got side curtain airbags and a very usable infotainment system as well. I've had the same system in a couple rental Wranglers and actually prefer the smaller landscape screen up high for navigation than the giant portrait style in my PW.

 

[utley]

Your goals are high, your plan is short.

To do this in a way that makes sense you may as well buy a trx. It sounds like you're trying to build one on a shoestring budget. If you move down this path it's just going to leave you disappointed and sour.

I don't want to **** on trucks like the trx and raptor but they are not super great off road unless you're talking about a flat out open stretch of desert that's reasonably groomed. They are big, heavy, long with terrible geometry for anything besides what I mentioned.

I can't afford a TRX, raptor or any other high performance truck simply because they're stupid expensive. Cheaper to just get close with what I have. Not sure how much insurance would cost let alone taxes in my state. Would rather build up what I can with what I have.

 

[utley]

Im with you, I had a 1st gen raptor with the 6.2. No where near as capable as the newer ones and it was great off road. I didnt do dunes and all that most people associate a Raptor with. I was running in the forest through mud and tight off angle trails. It did great.

Like I said, don't think.mine had offsets even though that's what I set out to do. I have 305-50R20s right now that are 11" on the rim.

 

[Daw14]

its not that I dont want to, its that I dont want to tear into the motor if I dont have to. The whole idea behind my logic is to get out of a tight spot if I go off roading. Id like to get it to SRT10 Ram speeds and what not without having to get an SRT10. Im not paying 120k for a Hennessey TRX as much as I really want one........and a supercharger, long tube, a decent tune and what not always seemed like the best option.

As for a secondary toy....Ive thought about it. Ive been searching for another 2004 Ram 1500 that doesnt have a lot of rust and I dont even care about the engine quality; just build me a straight up long block on the stand...but those trucks are outlandishly expensive nowadays too. Ported and polished heads, lumpy cam, 396 stroker kit with a blower and an SRT10 tranny with an adapter plate...yeah Ive thought about it. No garage for me to build these things in and yeah I REALLY want a project. Nothing I can do about it until I get my own garage, and unfortunately not really possible for me in my life time.

'A quality winch , with the correct accessories, and a farm Jack will get you out of more situations, than a lot more horsepower will .


Most times.

That extra horsepower will help to bury it to the frame quicker.

 

[utley]

'A quality winch , with the correct accessories, and a farm Jack will get you out of more situations, than a lot more horsepower will .


Most times.

That extra horsepower will help to bury it to the frame quicker.

A winch and steel bumpers are on the list too.

 

[utley]

Not overthinking it, it's just a simple fact that horsepower isn't the magic bullet for every situation. But hey, it's your money, there's an awful lot of knowledgeable people on here that can give great advice, but there's no "swiss army knife" that does everything

oh no, I know exactly what I want. Id get me an SRT/10 if I could afford the insurance, maintenance and registration taxes at the end of the year. I can find them for cheap online and fix them at the same time. Same with a TRX, any Raptor or high performance VIN that insurance companies will use to squeeze every penny from you. In the long run its just cheaper to upgrade. By the time I have paid my truck off, I would have paid well over 100k for this truck. I can only imagine how much a TRX would cost me.

Its either this or a 2500 Cummins, and Im certain I wont like the maintenance cost on these.

 

[jawzs2]

oh no, I know exactly what I want. Id get me an SRT/10 if I could afford the insurance, maintenance and registration taxes at the end of the year. I can find them for cheap online and fix them at the same time. Same with a TRX, any Raptor or high performance VIN that insurance companies will use to squeeze every penny from you. In the long run its just cheaper to upgrade. By the time I have paid my truck off, I would have paid well over 100k for this truck. I can only imagine how much a TRX would cost me.

Its either this or a 2500 Cummins, and Im certain I wont like the maintenance cost on these.

I get it - just pointing out that everything comes with a trade-off. High performance and off-roading aren't necessarily mutually exclusive, but what works for one isn't always right for the other.

 

[Docwagon1776]

I can't afford a TRX, raptor or any other high performance truck simply because they're stupid expensive. Cheaper to just get close with what I have. Not sure how much insurance would cost let alone taxes in my state. Would rather build up what I can with what I have.

That's because big performance in a truck is overcoming a lot of disadvantages. Weight, height, aero, tire type, etc.

If you want cheap on road fun, leave your truck stock, buy a 10 year old Mustang or Camaro or C5/C6 Corvette. If you can't drive stick, learn. It'll be way more fun on the road, especially if you do things like turn or stop.

I've tried the do it all vehicle and it's just a box of compromises. What will get you traction off road will cost the same on road. You need clearance off road, but that means worse handling at speed with more weight shift and body roll etc.

No offense, we all start somewhere, but you're doing a lot of imagining vs experiences. Dragging the motor through the Jegs catalog isn't going to do what you think, and while a 6.4 swap is going to be a better truck it is still going to suck hind tit to a proper performance car with the same cash thrown at it.

 

[utley]

That's because big performance in a truck is overcoming a lot of disadvantages. Weight, height, aero, tire type, etc.

If you want cheap on road fun, leave your truck stock, buy a 10 year old Mustang or Camaro or C5/C6 Corvette. If you can't drive stick, learn. It'll be way more fun on the road, especially if you do things like turn or stop.

I've tried the do it all vehicle and it's just a box of compromises. What will get you traction off road will cost the same on road. You need clearance off road, but that means worse handling at speed with more weight shift and body roll etc.

No offense, we all start somewhere, but you're doing a lot of imagining vs experiences. Dragging the motor through the Jegs catalog isn't going to do what you think, and while a 6.4 swap is going to be a better truck it is still going to suck hind tit to a proper performance car with the same cash thrown at it.

I don't have a whole lot of driveway space for that, else I would have. Im already pushing my luck with 2 additional motorcycles until house prices finally come down to a respectable level. Gotta make due with what I have. I'd get me a 98 Z28 if I could...that's why Im here asking for suggestions about what I already have. If all I can get is a 6.4L SRT motor and upgrade the exhaust and suspension, and tune the transmission appropriately then that's what I shall do. Don't want a performance car, just a performance truck on par with an SRT/10.

 

[Docwagon1776]

I don't have a whole lot of driveway space for that, else I would have. Im already pushing my luck with 2 additional motorcycles until house prices finally come down to a respectable level. Gotta make due with what I have. I'd get me a 98 Z28 if I could...that's why Im here asking for suggestions about what I already have. If all I can get is a 6.4L SRT motor and upgrade the exhaust and suspension, and tune the transmission appropriately then that's what I shall do. Don't want a performance car, just a performance truck on par with an SRT/10.

Well, that's really easy then. Take your truck and the $20k budget and trade for a Hurricane equipped Ram. The SO is neck and neck with the SRT10. The HO will walk it.