1998 1/2 To 2002 Dodge Ram Power Recipes - Budget-Build

Adam Winslett is seen here making an 11-second pass down the dragstrip in his 1,060hp VP44 truck. The record power number was produced with the help of a Left Coast Diesel three-stage nitrous system.

Adam Winslett is seen here making an 11-second pass down the dragstrip in his 1,060hp VP44

Perhaps one of the most overlooked model of Dodge trucks (besides first-gens) is the '98 1/2 to '02 Dodges equipped with the Bosch VP44 computer-controlled rotary injection pump. We've seen these trucks make some pretty impressive power numbers with minimal modifications. The key to high horsepower numbers seems to be big injectors, which will provide all the fuel that the VP44 pumps can produce. Injection pump reliability is also a big concern, and it's our recommendation that if you have one of these trucks, you upgrade the fuel system ASAP. You'll see this reflected in all of our buildups, from $1,500, all the way to $10,000. While VP44 trucks don't have the mechanical simplicity of their earlier P7100 pump brothers, or the easy power of the later common-rails, they seem to bridge the gap between the two, and with the right parts, can make 500 to 600 hp within our top-tier budget.

BUDGET: $1,500

Modification: Gauges
Reason: To keep an eye on boost and EGT
Vendor: Pure Diesel Power, Auto Anything
Price: $250 - $300

Modification: Lift Pump
Reason: More fuel is needed to support the programmer
Vendor: AirDog, 4 Wheel Online
Price: $500 - $610

Modification: Programmer
Reason: Adds fuel and timing
Vendor: Banks, Edge, Superchips
Price: $500 - $700

230 to 270 HP
Weak Links: Poor power-to-dollar ratio, torque converter

TOTAL: $1,244 to $1,444

BUDGET: $2,500

Modification: Gauges
Reason: To keep an eye on boost and EGT
Vendor: Pure Diesel Power, Auto Anything
Price: $250 - $300

Modification: Lift Pump
Reason: More fuel is needed to support the programmer
Vendor: AirDog, 4 Wheel Online
Price: $500 - $610

Modification: Programmer
Reason: Adds fuel and timing
Vendor: TST Products, MADS Electronics, Edge
Price: $800 - $1000

Modification: Torque Converter (auto)
Reason: Stock converter will slip
Vendor: Sun Coast Converters, ATS, NADP, Goerend Transmission Inc.
Price: $1100 - $1300

330 to 350 HP
Weak Links: High EGT, stock intake and exhaust

TOTAL: $2,650 to $3,100

BUDGET: $5,000

Modification: Gauges
Reason: To keep an eye on boost and EGT
Vendor: Pure Diesel Power, Auto Anything
Price: $250 - $300

Modification: Lift Pump
Reason: More fuel is needed to support the programmer
Vendor: AirDog, 4 Wheel Online
Price: $500 - $610

Modification: Programmer
Reason: Adds fuel and timing
Vendor: TST Products, MADS Electronics, Edge
Price: $800 - $1000

Modification: Aftermarket Intake
Reason: More airflow is needed with more fuel
Vendor: Auto Anything, Source Automotive, Laguna Speed
Price: $250 - $300

Modification: Aftermarket 4-Inch Exhaust
Reason: More exhaust flow is needed with intake and fuel upgrades
Vendor: Auto Anything, Source Automotive, Laguna Speed
Price: $350 - $450

Modification: Torque Converter (auto)
Reason: Stock converter will slip
Vendor: Sun Coast Converters, ATS, NADP, Goerend Transmission Inc.
Price: $1,100 - $1,300

Modification: Clutch Upgrade (manual)
Reason: Stock clutch will slip—get a dual-disc version
Vendor: South Bend Clutch
Price: $1,100

Modification: Aftermarket Injectors
Reason: More fuel is needed
Vendor: Dynomite Diesel Performance, Scheid Diesel, Industrial Injection
Price: $700 - $900

Modification: 62-64mm Turbocharger
Reason: More airflow is needed at this power level
Vendor: ATS, Industrial Injection, Majestic Turbo
Price: $1,300 - $1,800

450 to 500 HP
Weak Links: Transmission shafts, stock flexplate, head gasket

TOTAL: $5,250 to $6,550

BUDGET: $10,000

Modification: Gauges
Reason: To keep an eye on boost and EGT
Vendor: Pure Diesel Power, Auto Anything
Price: $250 - $300

Modification: Lift Pump
Reason: More fuel is needed to support the programmer
Vendor: AirDog, 4 Wheel Online
Price: $500

Modification: Programmer
Reason: Adds fuel and timing
Vendor: TST Products, MADS Electronics, Edge
Price: $1000

Modification: Aftermarket Intake
Reason: More airflow is needed with more fuel
Vendor: Auto Anything, Source Automotive, Laguna Speed
Price: $250 - $300

Modification: Aftermarket 4-Inch Exhaust
Reason: More exhaust flow is needed with intake and fuel upgrades
Vendor: Auto Anything, Source Automotive, Laguna Speed
Price: $350 - $450

Modification: Torque Converter (auto)
Reason: Stock converter will slip
Vendor: Sun Coast Converters, ATS, NADP, Goerend Transmission Inc.
Price: $1,100 - $1,300

Modification: Racing Transmission (auto)
Reason: Stock transmission will slip and break shafts
Vendor: Sun Coast Converters, ATS, NADP, Goerend Transmission Inc.
Price: $4,000 to $5,000

Modification: Aftermarket Flexplate (auto)
Reason: Stock flexplate will break
Vendor: Sun Coast Converters, ATS, NADP, Goerend Transmission Inc.
Price: $500

Modification: Clutch Upgrade (manual)
Reason: Stock clutch will slip—get a dual-disc version
Vendor: South Bend Clutch
Price: $1,100

Modification: Aftermarket Injectors
Reason: More fuel is needed
Vendor: Dynomite Diesel Performance, Scheid Diesel, Industrial Injection
Price: $700 - $900

Modification: 62-64mm Turbocharger
Reason: More airflow is needed at this power level
Vendor: ATS, Industrial Injection, Majestic Turbo
Price: $1,300 - $1,800

Modification: Head Studs
Reason: Better clamping force to keep head gasket from blowing
Vendor: Pure Diesel Power
Price: $500

Modification: Modified VP44 Injection Pump
Reason: A much higher-flowing injection pump
Vendor: Industrial Injection
Price: $2,100

500 to 600 HP
Weak Links: High EGT, over budget (with auto trans)

TOTAL: $8,050 to $14,150