The Beginning

[WulfGang]

Hi all

I'm sure a post like this has been posted here but I feel I should have my own.

There are several reasons for this IMO

I'm kinda self centered like that & I'd like this to mainly serve as a record of progress of where I am and where I'm going.


I'd like to first put out what I have with the truck then ask a couple of questions at the end.

I got the build sheet for it yesterday so I'm going off what it says:

2006

RAM 1500

5.7L HEMI Multiple Displacement Engine

DGQ 5 spd Auto 5-45RFE tranny

SLT Quad Cab 4x4

Build Date: 05/15/2006

Tires: P75/60/R20 (Good Year. Still same brand/size on it)

Customer Preferred Package 26G
" " 2TG

3XV: Big Horn Regional Package Discount

3YN: Sound & Security group discount

4KZ: 4x4 Tracking

594: Vehicle Order tracking

5L4: 4WD 4x4

blah blah blah stuff

AHC: Trailer tow group

BAZ: 136 amp Alternator

DH5: Elec shift on the fly p/time t/time trans case

DHA: Lock up torque converter

DJM: 205MM HD Front Axle

DMH: 3.92 Axle Ratio

DRB: Corporate 9.25 LD Rear Axle

DSA: Anti-Spin Diff rear axle

MXB: Front Air Dam

MXC: Front air close out panel

NFU: 34 gal tank

NHD: HD tranny oil cooler

NMC: HD Engine Cooling

NZD: Next Gen Engine Controller

SBA: Front HD Shocks
SGB: Rear HD Shocks

WP2: 20x9 Alum Chrome Clad wheels

XFH: Class IV Hitch/Rec

XFK: 7 pin wiring harness

XFU: Trailer Tow w/4 pin Connector wiring

Z6G: GVWR 6700#




ahhhh finally, the end haha

SO, I'm here in the Performance section because I'm buying a tow camper in the next couple of weeks (or less) and I'm wondering IF I need to upgrade the "performance" area of the truck. ie, custom tuning apparatus, CAI, etc?

Or, will the truck pull an app. 5K# camper w/out doing any performance mods?

I DO want to do some mods anyways but can't right now unless it would be specifically to be able to pull the camper.


Well, I'm heading over to the tow/haul forum now to post roughly the same thread but focusing more on the suspension area.

Thanx for reading. Please let me know any tips, suggestions, questions.

 

[MegaMouseGW]

You should be fine with that setup. If you want a CAI go for it, but in order to get the full benefits from a CAI you will need to get a god cat-back exhaust system also. As far as a tuner goes DiabloSport Official Website offers what I consider the best ones around. Check them out.

 

[WulfGang]

You should be fine with that setup. If you want a CAI go for it, but in order to get the full benefits from a CAI you will need to get a god cat-back exhaust system also. As far as a tuner goes DiabloSport Official Website offers what I consider the best ones around. Check them out.

Are any noticeable improvements just with the CAI alone?

A new exhaust is DEF in the future! This, will be a future question as well when the time comes haha.

I had already done a bit of reading on this ... controversial subject regarding Duals/Single, size, x/h pipes, etc and to me, it was rather overwhelming trying to decide.

I like the look of the dual exhaust. In fact, someone had cut a hole into the single exhaust on my truck, stuck another pipe with a chrome tip like the one that was one it, and welded the pipe to make it appear to be a dual exhaust.

Well, I hit a bump one night on the way home from work, the bracket broke holding it up near the exit point. I was able to just rip it off the rest of the way at the weld. I could only shake my head and hold my mouth funny thinking... why would anyone do this?

Fortunately, the hole in the single will not effect my spare tire!
Nor, does it make the exhaust any louder - which, I was actually hoping for!


I'm most likely going to get a tuner to go along with the new trailer.
I have all ideas I am anyways.


Regarding the suspension issues, I'm thinking I may have better luck in either the lowering or the lifting forum getting some responses. I know it's just been a little while but, as I stated over in towing, with a whopping page history of "3" I'm not having a lot of faith lol.



Hey man, thanx for the input. I realize these subjects are probably like beating a dead horse but I'm new here and it's a way I can get some conversations going and learn something while breakin ice. ya know?

 

[MegaMouseGW]

No problem and I forgot this

As far as gains from just a CAI you MAY see 2 to 5 mpg depending on your driving style. Also you will see some better bottom end torque and possibly better top end. Once you get a cat back you will see some more gains all around. What cat back system you get will depend upon your taste. I have a custom Flow Master setup on my truck. As far as tuners go you can get some decent gains with them. Not too mention the ability to tune your truck for what you are using it for at the time. The Diablo's have a ton of canned tunes that work real well.

 

[WulfGang]

No problem and I forgot this

As far as gains from just a CAI you MAY see 2 to 5 mpg depending on your driving style. Also you will see some better bottom end torque and possibly better top end. Once you get a cat back you will see some more gains all around. What cat back system you get will depend upon your taste. I have a custom Flow Master setup on my truck. As far as tuners go you can get some decent gains with them. Not too mention the ability to tune your truck for what you are using it for at the time. The Diablo's have a ton of canned tunes that work real well.

Thanx

Ya know... to be quite honest...

The RAM has all the power I really want, and use. I've not even tried to light the tires up not one time having it a year & half lol.

I just can't afford to break something, tires, or a speeding/reckless ticket.
(Got more than my share of those in my younger days owning camaro's/mustangs - and losing my license)

But if I need it (ie, pulling a camper) I want the ability to have it.
I threw any idea of conservative gas mileage out the window when I bought the truck haha - but, I cannot say I'm disappointed by my MPG.

I noticed that about the Diablo tuners having presets already. Thought that would be kinda nice as I have not the time or area to "work" on my own

As far as exhaust, I'd like something that sounds like the old mustangs (late 80's) with the Flow Master on them. Loved that sound... ahhh.
As my stock single is really quiet. REALLY quiet. And, perhaps, restrictive?

This is just all a lot of reading needing to be done and stuff to figure out what it is that needs to be done to the truck. And the correct order to do it in.

Actually, being I have a bank note on it, I didn't want to get to crazy throwing a lot of $ into it in case I ever hit the hard times and lost it (God forbid haha) I'd not lose all the $ I put into it.


*ETA*
Here is something;
When I put my foot into it I hear a sound almost like turbo.
I can't say as I don't like the sound - it does sound neat - a bit of a rumble to go with it would be great.

Any idea what this "whistleing" sound could be?
Air intake?

 

[MegaMouseGW]

That whistling is the air intake. If you install a CAI it will be more pronounced. Plus if you add a throttle body spacer some of them have an even more pronounced whistle. As far as what mods you should get first, I suggest the tuner. That is one that will help out immediately. Not too mention if you lose the truck you can keep the tuner. Go slow with the mods is the best advice I can give, just do one at a time as money and time permit.
Best way to do the mods is the tuner first, better brakes second, CAI, Exhaust, throttle body if you want one, then any other mods. A lot of people here have done most if not all of the ones I mentioned above, and can give good advice.