Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fuel system

[pjames]

Hello to all- I have a 2001 Ram with the 5. 9 diesel engine. As we all know this is a noisy truck. I would like to know if the high pressure fuel rail system can be adapted to this truck to quiet it down? Thanks to all who reply.

 

[CKelley1]

no. best thing you can do is to trade and get a cr. your 01 most likely has a 53 block that is worthless for upgrade and you have the vp44 pump that is the worst pump ever installed on a dodge. the K&N air filter is destroying your engine and the automatic is only good for little old lades that do not haul anything. when you upgrade get a standard 6 speed and do not touch the air box, use a wix 49946 filter and a psm kit.

 

[BigPapa]

Wow CK, did you have a 24V leak oil in your Wheaties?



PJ, in answer to your question, no. If you want the quietness of the common rail, you would need to trade.



But be aware, the CR's have problems also. They all do. I would hate to think what CK thinks about my old 12V dinosaur.

• The 53 block is not a death nail. Some crack and some don't and we don't even know if you have one.
  
• The VP44 isn't the problem, it's the lift pump supplying fuel to it. Get you a FASS or an Air Dog replacement (I prefer FASS) and as long as your lift pump hasn't already gone bad and taken out the Inj. Pump you'll be fine.
  
• The auto will be fine with stock power for a while. When the time comes, rebuild it and get a valve body and torque convertor from someone like Goerends. You'll like it.
  
• About the only thing I agree with CK on is the K&N. The stock air filter filters better and flows plenty of air for stock power. 90% of the turbos I've seen replaced have been breathing through a K&N.
  

You have a good truck. A great truck if you address the inherent 24V issues.

 

[24V-DSL]

PJ...



You most likely DON'T have a 53 block. Very rare in 01 model year.



Agree with all of BigPapa's comments.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

pjames if you have a 6-speed in your '01 then it's an HO meaning you have the noisiest of all 24-valves. The non HO ones (slightly different injection pump and programming) were a little quieter. If you install a quality set of aftermarket injectors then it will cut some noise, and good fuel additive like Amalgamated or Howes or Lucas will help further. I have heard 24-valves with Formula 1 injectors which were quieter than a 12-valve.

 

[pjames]

CKelley1- I appreciate your frankness about my truck Not sure if I have a 53 block, but up until now (175K miles) I have not had any problem with it. I have had to replace my VP44 pump though. I have also replaced the factory lift pump but I do not recall the brand now. Since the truck is paid for, I plan on keeping it til I croak, I am 62 now. Can you explain why the K & N filter will harm my engine?



Big Papa- How do I tell if I have the 53 block?



24V-DSL- Thanks for the reply



Vaughn MacKenzie- No, my truck is a automatic. What after market injectors would you recommend? I see you mentioned Formula 1 injectors.



Thanks again to all replied.

 

[BigPapa]

PJ, I know you didn't address all your questions to me, but I'm going to give you my opinion anyway.



The block stamping is right above the oil pan below the injector pump. Pretty easy to locate. The area and number will be about the size of a business card.



The K&N's big "thing" is that it allows more air to flow through. In order for it to flow more air, it will also allow mort dirt. Also, MOST folks that use a wet filter, be it a K&N, AFE, etc. , do not keep them properly cleaned and oiled. The bottom line is that you are not gaining anything over a stock paper air filter, so why take the chance of poor filtration?



As to the injectors, I don't think you will notice any appreciable decrease in noise from aftermarket injectors. That said, if you are doing any towing at all, I would not go more than something like a 50HP injector.