Ram MDS/VVT Delete

[ZeeEllOne]

Hello, I am working on a 2015 Ram 1500, with a 5.7. I want to preface this by saying the VERY limited tuning experience I have is all with GM vehicles. I have never touched a Dodge before, so I apologize if this is a stupid or frequently asked thing.

This truck received a Chopacabra cam swap, MDS delete (hellcat lifters, solenoids out/plugs in, VVT plug still in), and a Cam Motion VVT phaser lockout. The truck had the work done at a very reputable place, so I am assuming mechanically it is fine.

The truck will crank, but not start. It pops and will try, and occasionally will run for a second or two, but then dies. Battery is all good, and its on a booster when we try starting it. I've seen this issue in the GM vehicles untuned, so I am obviously planning to deactivate the MDS and VVT in the tune just as soon as the PCM comes back from unlock. I have all 4 of the MDS solenoid codes showing of course, but nothing else. Is it trying to start on only 4 cylinders? Is the phaser being locked out screwing with timing?

With this said, is this normal for a Hemi? I'm wondering if there is anything else I need to look for/think about while I wait for the PCM.

Thank you in advance for any input.

[LilSick]

if you are interested in remote tuning hmu next week after the pcm shows up

[N2speed]

On a cold start it should run at least till it reaches closed loop.

[ZeeEllOne]

Thanks for the reply N2Speed, I'm back to working on this today.

Again, excuse the ignorance. If I have this right: With a phaser lockout, the cam is now fully retarded in the phaser. The computer does not know this, as the solenoids are unplugged. What it does see is incorrect cam/crank position when it didn't call for it. Does this mean desired vs actual cam angle error is enough of an issue to prevent startup? If so can I fix this by simply setting "Exh Cam 1 Phaser to disabled? Or would it be better to adjust the lock pin position in some way? What is the cam degree number at full retard? I feel like I am going full retard too.

100% green to this but trying to learn. The extent of my knowledge with phasers and vvt is deleting them and turning them off (GM). I am however competent with the VCM software, and have a good grasp of engine performance. If anyone could help bridge the gap to the Dodge specific stuff that would be great.

[ZeeEllOne]

Correction, the VVT solenoid is plugged in, it's just the MDS solenoids that are unplugged. Scratch that part.

[LilSick]

What is the cam degree number at full retard?

I feel like I am going full retard too.

i can teach you how to find that number

its not on a card or in a tune.


*no tickee no washee

[ZeeEllOne]

Understood, I'll PM you.

[DodgeBoy_8HP]

Thanks for the reply N2Speed, I'm back to working on this today.

Again, excuse the ignorance. If I have this right: With a phaser lockout, the cam is now fully retarded in the phaser. The computer does not know this, as the solenoids are unplugged. What it does see is incorrect cam/crank position when it didn't call for it. Does this mean desired vs actual cam angle error is enough of an issue to prevent startup? If so can I fix this by simply setting "Exh Cam 1 Phaser to disabled? Or would it be better to adjust the lock pin position in some way? What is the cam degree number at full retard? I feel like I am going full retard too.

100% green to this but trying to learn. The extent of my knowledge with phasers and vvt is deleting them and turning them off (GM). I am however competent with the VCM software, and have a good grasp of engine performance. If anyone could help bridge the gap to the Dodge specific stuff that would be great.

There are a couple of necessary steps to be done.
Once you have all the parts, share the tune here (with a log)