The "ole" Dodge passes 100,000 miles soon and other than the standard maintenance - fluid changeouts, I'd like to spend around $500 on some upgrades. I'm thinking exhaust and/or air intake.
What are your opinions?
I don't need a lot of extra power, I'm just looking for stuff to make the truck last longer and run better (and of course maybe a tad better mileage but not a must).
The truck is stock except for a BHAF which has been on there about 4 years, and a newly added fuel pressure gauge.
Thanks ahead..
P.S. I don't want the truck to sound like a coal truck - a little throatier would be ok but nothing that drowns out that engine rattle..

2001 Dodge 6-speed 4x4 Quad Cab

 

What about a 4 inch Exhaust With a Good Quite Muffler! That lets the truck breathe much better! There pretty cheap ! Do you have something like a holley blue or other alternative fuel system? If not i would look in that direction!

 

I second the improved Lift Pump setup, and go 4" if you want.This way, you have the exhaust and fuel delivery to add a box new sticks to bump power with little fear for your drivetrain or temps. You might want to also save for a better clutch to clamp all that new power when you add it down the road.

 

For $500, I'd say get a straight pipe for the exhaust (if you want some more sound), and buy some mild injectors. EGT and boost gauge should use up the remainder of the money.

 

Second lift pump by tank,cheap 4" exhuast ,and a edge ez from e-bay . $500should just about do it but you may have to shop around on exhaust. Good luck not to get bitten by the bug!!!
country ...boy

 

IMO an exhaust/intake is only going to gain you a better sound. On a stock truck you don't need it. I would spend the money on a mild box or mild injectors and an EGT gauge. If that's all your going to do you don't even need a boost gauge cause you won't get more than 30 psi out of a mild box even with the wastegate blocked off. Also consider Vulcan's lift pump relocation kit which is under $100 and moves your lift pump to the tank and get's rid of all the banjo bolts.

 

I agree with 'Isgibb', intake & exhaust is of no benefit and not needed till over 350 HP. (you already have a BHAF). But a straight pipe would give some 'rumble'.
Bosch 275 injectors and a used Edge EZ from the classified section would be my choice for $500.00 well spent... giving possible mileage bump, and a whole new truck feel.
Will need an EGT gauge if towing!

RJ

 

My vote is for a fuel system upgrade (Vulcan kit and relocated (or better that stock) lift pump), and a pyrometer & boost guage. And the rest should go to a new BHAF and synthetic oils for the drivetrain.

 

I would get a striaght pipe from geno's or have it done at a muffler shop, get a pyro, buy a used Edge EZ, and install the Vulcan relocation kit. This will give you a huge seat of the pants improvement, improve mileage and can be done within your budget. Eric

 

well if it was me, I'd First go for gauges, Pyro, Boost, and Fuel Pressure. Then as most people are saying an alternative fuel system, such as a FASS, Vulcan relocation kit, Holey Blue, etc. A BHAF for added air. For more fuel maybe a Smarty, Edge EZ, or mild injectors. It all depends on where you want to start.

 

When I decided to tweak mine I did it as need be. First I got a pyro to see what my base line egts were secondly I added a my box I chose the van aaken and very happy with it. Third I noticed my egts were hot but not hot hot so I added the full 4inch exhaust from the turbo back. That netted me a nice little tow truck with mid range egts after much research I tried the little simple boost elbow to get a little more boost I can say this on a mid range horse powered truck I noticed more cooler egts with the elbow vs a intake and last I ended up doing a new lift pump at the OEM local. Now with that setup I can pull in 5th gear loaded and running about 2200rpms at 60-65mph with a max egt of 1100 mostly its around 900 tell i hit a hill and it will bump to 1050 my fuel psi is 14psi idling and nothing below 6psi at 2000rpms. Now the piper has come calling cause at 95k and about 5k miles on my setup now guess who cant keep traction I will give you a hint its not the tires

 

1. Straight pipe the factory exhaust.

2. FP and Pyro on a pillar mount. (boost gauge if you can swing it)

3. Used EZ off the classifieds

That should be within your $500 budget. Gives you a little more punch and monitors your vitals.

 

Is that 2001 a HO or SO.
HO: Trucks respond better to injectors.
I'd get some RV 275 injectors shipped new to your door for $262. PM me and I'll tell you were to buy them. If you are not mechanically inclined, pay a shop the remaining money to install them. Not too bad of an install if you have some patience for the worry bolts or a good 19mm crows foot 3/8 drive attachment. Great power upgrade with little to no heat increase.

SO:
If you want a simpler setup, easier install, and money left over, buy an edge ez. New exhaust made my truck rev up noticeably faster but no noticeable gain in mileage. Cool sound though. If you hotrod at all, I would not add more than 60 HP or your stock clutch will start to slip and eventually fail. I can honestly say my RV's has given a little increase in mileage on the highway, and a loss for intown driving, I think they smoke a little more and lose fuel by means of smoke.