How to Shop for Performance Packages for Your RAM TRX: Tips and Strategies
If you're a RAM TRX owner looking to take your truck's performance to the next level, performance modifications can help you reach that goal. But with so many options available, it can be hard to know which modifications best suit your needs. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the decision-making process and offer insights on selecting the ideal performance package for your Ram TRX.
Before we delve into the details, it's essential to remember that customizing your truck carries some risk. While RAM TRXs are great in stock form, be mindful of how far you go before it becomes unpractical. Although we have warranty options now, they are limited warranties and not the usual bumper-to-bumper warranties we are used to. With that said, let's discuss the various stages and HP packages available.
Stages and HP packages differ between shops, and there's no standard definition for each stage. To simplify the process, these terms group modifications based on price or horsepower gains; however, it's essential to focus on value rather than simply number or stage.
Before making a final decision, ask yourself these essential questions:
1. What are the average gains over stock, and how do they translate to tracking numbers?
When searching for a truck build shop, look for shops that promise average gains across multiple builds and back their claims with videos, social media posts, or dyno sheets. If you plan on racing the vehicle, request real-world track results to guarantee the gains are compatible with trap speeds and not just theoretical.
2. What Supporting Mods Are Included?
Be wary of low prices with seemingly impressive gains; there may be hidden fees or other terms you don't know about. Make sure to get a complete list of included mods and their purpose before buying anything; if not, ask what other parts they recommend upgrading with the package.
3. What are the limitations?
Every package comes with trade-offs. Be aware of them and understand the balance between power, reliability, and price. Be informed about any limitations, maintenance intervals, or additional steps needed for optimal performance. The best way to approach this is by choosing two out of the three words listed above. Power, reliability, and cost. If you want power and reliability, it won't be cheap, as supporting mods are required to keep things in check. If you want a cheap power, it won't be reliable. You get the idea.
With these factors in mind, let's run through a hypothetical scenario, assuming we received quotes from 3 different shops for the same package. You'll need to look beyond just the price and consider the value you'll receive.Check out how to do that.
Shop A- Offers 150HP for $6,500 installed
Shop B- Offers the same 150HP at $7,500 installed but has additional parts
Shop C- Offers the same 150HP at $8,500 with similar components as Shop A.
After asking these three important questions, comparing quotes and your customer experience, it may be the case that Shop B offers the best value in terms of price, customer service, consistency, and transparency, as they provide social media links of different builds, in-depth explanations, or information on their site that is consistent.
Finally, upgrading your RAM TRX with performance modifications is not always a straight-forward process. But by approaching shops with these strategies in mind, you can better navigate the pitfalls and ensure the best experience and outcome when modifying your truck