Big Mods to a 2014+

[ramv]

Five years since it has been out, anyone done anything super cool? engine, transmission, custom paint?

The platform is great and the aftermarket is really solid for off-road (sliders, suspension) but performance seems lacking. I did look at some of the MDS lifter eliminator kits ($1200 for cam and lifters) and some of the computers but that's about it.

[NickTF]

With heads that flow in the low to mid 300 cfm range right right as they sit a cam swap could be worth about 100hp on one of these motors assuming the intake manifold can support the heads and you've already got a set of long tube headers. Issue is being able to get enough cam in the motor to not void emissions or turn the truck into an unusable turd. 5.13+ gears, cam, real long tube headers and i'd imagine a big difference.

[gtomike60]

Whipple,and I think ProCharger make supercharger kits for it,

[NickTF]

Whipple would probably produce power in the rpms more beneficial to HD truck use.

[gtomike60]

Whipple would probably produce power in the rpms more beneficial to HD truck use.

This is what I would do
Magnusson also makes a kit for the 2014 and newer trucks

[NickTF]

Whipple would probably produce power in the rpms more beneficial to HD truck use.

This is what I would do
Magnusson also makes a kit for the 2014 and newer trucks

Yes, if money is no object. Last I checked the whipple kit is around $7k. Thing is you'll still have the suspect MDS system in place. IMHO, having suffered a lifter/cam failure ~52k miles (which was warrantied), installing a cam becomes more desirable largely because i'm getting rid of the MDS. The power band and peak power may not be as nice but reliability may increase if the cam is kept reasonable.

[Reloaderguy]

ProCharger is the only off the shelf kit available. MDS can't handle boost so you'll have to pull heads at a minimum. If you're digging in then pistons, studs, valve springs, etc would get you a lot more power.

[OffroadTreks]

ProCharger is the only off the shelf kit available. MDS can't handle boost so you'll have to pull heads at a minimum. If you're digging in then pistons, studs, valve springs, etc would get you a lot more power.

Might as well bore it and stroke it at that point. I assume they make Hemi stroker kits. I never looked.

[OffroadTreks]

Looks like you can go from 392 to 426, which is from 6.4 to 7.0L

[NickTF]

You can go bigger than 426, into the low 440 range. I was advised heat/durability could be a concern in larger options however in trucks like ours. I'm assuming bore size was limiting the large displacement options. I've only looked at any of this half assedly.

[Reloaderguy]

ProCharger is the only off the shelf kit available. MDS can't handle boost so you'll have to pull heads at a minimum. If you're digging in then pistons, studs, valve springs, etc would get you a lot more power.

Might as well bore it and stroke it at that point. I assume they make Hemi stroker kits. I never looked.

There's a country mile of difference between swapping out off the shelf parts (HC or Demon pistons) versus machining the block and custom sized pistons. The pistons, studs, and valve springs are so you can run 18 PSI without breaking the tops of the pistons off, blowing head gaskets, or valve float. Unless you want to run 6 PSI you have to pull out the pistons and gap the rings anyway.

[ramv]

So, looks like about $10k spend or so?

[Reloaderguy]

Looks more like $15K to $20K after you address the fuel system, tuning, and transmission. The 6.4 Big Gas has a forged bottom end and heads that flow the same as a HC; I think 800hp is a modestly reasonable figure if you're going to go to the trouble of a blower. The blower kit alone is probably $8k with a front mount. The kits are only made for 6psi so you'd need to upgrade the Procharger itself before you even touched the engine. HC engines are OK for well over 1K HP, the limiting factor for them in the blower and fuel system same goes for the 6.4.

The guy that let ProCharger use his truck to develop their kit had issues with the MDS lifters going out. These engines are pretty awesome with FI but you have to open them up to make changes if you want reliability. The transmission will need some help too such as a billet TC.

[ramv]

Ok, that makes sense. I am seeing crate HC engine for $15K, would the swap be worth it, or would it make more sense to build the 6.4?

[Reloaderguy]

Ok, that makes sense. I am seeing crate HC engine for $15K, would the swap be worth it, or would it make more sense to build the 6.4?

You'd still have all of the tuning and transmission issues. I think the swap has been done though. When it's all said and done I'd bet the HC swap would cost just as much for the same or less power.

[NickTF]

If spending that kind of money there is no need to live within the engineering constraints the FCA folks did when designing and implementing the HC motor. You can do better for that amount of money. Assuming you're not an engine builder get with a high quality shop who has a good reputation and tell them what you're looking to do.

[Bill2014]

And then open your wallet

Seems like a lot of $$$$ for bragging rights? But everyone has their reasons I guess.

More Power Definitely won't make the PW a better rock crawler...
Must be that desire to pass someone fast on the highway that's only doing 65 and is slowing you down!

[DamageWagon]

I don’t see nearly the upgrades on these trucks as on the earlier trucks. I think there is a huge difference between the 03-13’s and the 14-present trucks - people buy the 14+ so they don’t have to screw with all the bullshit of the earlier trucks. They’re WAY better off the lot in, and more reliable their entire service life. Hence there is also a lot fewer aftermarket options.

[NickTF]

I daily drove a 570-590 rwhp 3/4 ton 97 2500 12v for years. By far the biggest money I had in that truck was the trans (goerend billet input and output, stock intermediate shafts). Mechanical fuel parts (no computer in that truck, all mechanical springs, delivery valves, etc.) and turbos were not nearly as bad with me doing all the work. The cummins 12v motor was/is legendarly strong and didn't require much to reliably hold silly power and boost. Even with that said, there were many a times when I thought to myself "why didn't you just spend the time and money on a 4th gen camaro and run bottom 10s with the same hp" lol. If you're going to look for an 800+ hp power wagon better have real deep pockets and a chit load of patience as you're likely to hit many bumps along the way!

[Reloaderguy]

That's where I'm at. I need a rear bumper and carrier otherwise I'm done making changes.

[OffroadTreks]

I don't need any of that crap either. Gears and rear bumper are all I really want.

If I had won the lottery, I think the only thing I might do is actually plunk down some money on that overpriced Limited grille. Actually, that's the only way I'd spend $799 on an appearance upgrade that isn't wheels.

[OffroadTreks]

might need to rethink that statement, I did spend $500 on the snorkel appearance mod.

[olyelr]

might need to rethink that statement, I did spend $500 on the snorkel appearance mod.

Bahahahahaha you beat me to it! LOL

That AEV hood would be a good way to blow unnecessary money on aesthetics, too.

[olyelr]

I think I would spend the coin on slipping in an 8 speed tranny before I touched the motor. Maybe adapt the electronic shifting by utilizing push buttons on the dash? LOL

[OffroadTreks]

I think I would spend the coin on slipping in an 8 speed tranny before I touched the motor. Maybe adapt the electronic shifting by utilizing push buttons on the dash? LOL

Well, if we are going there, and I won the lottery, I'd love to do that. I'd probably also go balls to the walls with 40's and a blower too and all of the bling mods I can think of.

AEV hood, those silly new Momorto (?sp) projector headlights, the new grille, maybe linex the whole truck. And first wrecked 2019 Rebel with pano roof, I'm cutting it out and putting it on my truck.

Hell, maybe if I won the lottery I should just buy a new truck.