Sluggish acceleration

[usaf2006]

Besides modding.. since money isnt always available... is there anything thats cheap or free to do to help pick up some of the ponies in this hemi?
No mods on the truck.. I run 89 but with my recent sams club subscription ill be running 93 for the same price. Not sure what I can do... read about poss cleaning the maf sensor helping... doing the plugs in the next week or so. Any other thoughts?

Thanks fellers! And the occasional lady

 

[hemihustlin]

Lmao but seriously, free mods dont exist... Nothing in life is free am i right?

First hemis dont have mass air flow (MAF) they have manifold absolute pressure (MAP) they dont get dirty like MAFs
Do the plugs (stock champion coppers are what i use, excellent value), clean the throttle body (take it off and use non chlorinated brake cleaner and toothbrush/clean rag combo)
Check your air filter replace if dirty.
Run a fuel system/injector cleaner (kleen flo tko2000 is what i like) and run that 93 or any ethanol free gas (for 1-2 extra mpg) with 89 or more octane

Thats as cheap as a great tune up gets on these motors! I see you have a reg cab with assuming a short box. Assuming you have 3.92 gear ratio (like me but i have quad cab) it shouldnt feel sluggish at all. If you think so go drive some other trucks with comparable motors of the same year and you will be crying for your hemi. I guarantee.

 

[usaf2006]

Pretty sure I only have 3.55 gears but I'll double check. Thanks for the info regarding the map. As far as the other stuff goes I've done it all except the plugs. I'll double check and make sure the tb is clean but otherwise all is good. It just doesn't feel as fast as it should off the line like a hemi should.

 

[gunner1374]

Pretty sure I only have 3.55 gears but I'll double check. Thanks for the info regarding the map. As far as the other stuff goes I've done it all except the plugs. I'll double check and make sure the tb is clean but otherwise all is good. It just doesn't feel as fast as it should off the line like a hemi should.

Does the truck still have stock exhaust? If changes have been made and exhaust is more "free flow" it can cause you to lose a little off the line power. Just a thought. Also, may try pulling battery cable and letting sit for an hour or two, then hooking back up, start truck and let it run for a few minutes without touching gas pedal. Never know, it may have a bunch of crap stored and needs a good reset? Good luck Sir!

 

[usaf2006]

That can happen? Ill give it a try. Is there a period thats too long to disconnect? And does it matter if I pull the pos or neg cable?

 

[hemihustlin]

I dont think having an aftermarket exhaust will loose power. I have a delete and there was no difference in power, just sound and less weight from that huge bus muffler.
If you have lower gears that will definatly affect the launch.
If you want to reset the computer (like for the spark plug change its a good idea, the computer will learn quicker) you can just disconnect the negative. I like the negative because if you accidentally ground it nothing will happen, it is the ground. It takes about half an hour. Or you can leave it overnight if you want, no difference. If you want to short cut you take the two cables off and touch them together for 20 to 30 seconds. This drains the capacitors and then the memory dies and after that you are good to go.
Also remember that the hemi is a high rpm screamer. She make all the power after 4k so its kinda normal that you might find it tame under 3k. Gears and a higher stall torque converter would really help, and a tuner too if you are going to do all that

 

[usaf2006]

Thanks for the impromptu write up lol
I appreciate the help

 

[hemihustlin]

No problem man, thats what we are all here for

 

[MegaMouseGW]

Running the high octane gas will only drain your wallet faster. Use what Dodge says to use in the truck and get a tuner instead. I have a couple from Diablo that I use in my families 3 rams. Here is a link to their site: DiabloSport Official Website

Depending upon if you want basic tuning or full control over your engine, will make the decision upon what tuner you get.

 

[usaf2006]

Tuners work good without other mods too?
And I can get 93 for about 12 to 15 cents more a gallon than 87 at regular stations cause of sams club here in Augusta. They only sell 87 & 93. So you can beat the price.

 

[Wchnu]

I agree with the gas grade deal. My 03 calls for 89 but is ok with 87. There is no advantage to the 93 in it. I also agree that it really shines with higher rpm's. But i have a very heavy truck in the 03. How many miles on the plugs??


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