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Dodge Ram 1994-2001: 5.2 Performance Upgrades

There are dozens of possibilities for improving the performance of a stock 5.2 engine. The biggest limitations are time and money. This article will show you some of the most common engine modifications for the 5.2.

By Jared Hammond - July 2, 2015

This article applies to the Dodge Ram (1994-2001).

The 5.2L V8 in the second generation Dodge Rams is a very powerful engine built for heavy duty applications like towing, plowing and carrying heavy loads. But there are a few methods for generating extra torque for when you really need it. Doing modifications on an engine is not an easy job and will take time and money. If you don't feel confident enough in your own ability to make a modification, then send it to a professional who has experience in this kind of work.

Engine Upgrades

Camshaft

Upgrading to a performance camshaft will increase the lift on your pistons and allow more air and fuel to flow through your engine. You can get camshafts with a lift of up to .480", but anything above .400" will be ineffective without other upgrades and an upgrade to your truck's computer. Alternatively you can purchase a set of 1.7" roller rockers that will also improve lift while not requiring as many additional modifications.

Figure 1. Camshaft.

Intake Manifold

There are a few options for improving your intake. For a bolt-on option you can install an aftermarket intake manifold such as the Hughes Air-Gap or Edelbrock Performer. These are sure to improve your high-end RPMs and ensure that your performance doesn't run into a bottleneck as you add other upgrades.

Figure 2. Aftermarket intake manifold.

Cold Air Intake

Installing a cold air intake can further reduce restrictions by removing the restricted air flow at the air filter. These can be directly fitted to replace your truck's factory air filter and are designed to reduce air temperature and increase the density of air flowing into your engine. This will typically grant you an additional 10-15 hp and an increased fuel economy of up to 1-2 MPG. A cold air intake is more effective when combined with a tuned MAF sensor, a wider throttle body, and a tuned PCM.

Figure 3. Cold air intake.

Throttle Body

The throttle body is a flap that controls how much air flows into your engine. This mod consists of boring out the cylinders 2mm wider and installing new throttle body plates. This modification will not do much unless it's combined with other intake modifications like the Kegger mod, or an aftermarket intake manifold.

Figure 4. Throttle body mod.

The Kegger Mod

For a more hands-on alternative to a performance intake manifold there is the Kegger mod. This gets its name because the stock intake looks like a beer keg. It involves cutting the runners on the stock intake down by about an inch and removing the center divider. If you go this route, it's recommended you install an aluminum plenum pan to prevent leaks.

Figure 5. Kegger mod.

Exhaust Mods

Many people purchase an exhaust for the sound they make, but when combined with the above modifications, exhaust headers can really make a difference in your truck's performance. Like the above modifications, it's all about making your truck breathe more. For the exhaust pipe, the straighter and wider you make it, the better the exhaust will flow.

Figure 6. Exhaust mod.

Performance PCM or SCT Tuner

For anyone serious about improving their truck's performance this is a must-have. Upgrading your truck's PCM will allow your truck to electronically adjust to all the changes you've made to the engine and take full advantage of your engine's capabilities. The SCT Tuner takes it a step further and allows you to make adjustments yourself. Not only will a tuner read and clear trouble codes, but it can also feed you real-time data on how your engine is performing. These features alone make it well worth the price.

Figure 7. SCT tuner.

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