My first Diesel

[AMcCormick]

I've finally gotten my first diesel truck. 97 1/2ton with the little engine to a 03 3/4ton diesel. The truck has 167k on it now with a Bully Dog chip other than that its all stock. What should I do first? Thinking an ATS deep transmission pan, exhaust and intake. Currently in Asheville NC heading to FL for the winter. Any good shops in the Asheville area?



Thanks

 

[Flinty]

Your post raises lots of questions. You will have to be a little more clear on the diesel that has been put into your truck. If it came from a dodge there is no littler version, just the I-6. If you truck is in fact a 1/2t with a cummins in it then you can kiss just about all your running gear goodbye. One of us must be missing something here.



Also the '03 diesels are completely controlled by a computer, not an easy swap into a '97 where the computer only controlled the basics. It is more of a monitor than anything, really, no engine control at all. It is impossible to put a computer chip in a '97. A potato chip, yes, a computer chip, no. Thinking of just the wiring involved in a swap like that boggles the mind.



The best advice I can give right now is before you hotrod anything else install a pyrometer so you can keep an eye on exhaust temps. Too hot = melted pistons or Lord knows what else.



Please reply, I'm curious.

 

[2Rowdy]

If I understand he went from a 97 model half ton with some gas engine and now has a 03 3/4 ton ctd. But you know what happens when you assume.

 

[brianv31]

If I understand he went from a 97 model half ton with some gas engine and now has a 03 3/4 ton ctd. But you know what happens when you assume.

ding ding ding - I think we have a winner



AMcCormick - good plan, transmission upgrades are worth the $ more often than not



Olee Poole is in Salisbury, NC Power By Poole Diesel Performance

 

[Grizzly]

If I understand he went from a 97 model half ton with some gas engine and now has a 03 3/4 ton ctd. But you know what happens when you assume.

That's the way I understood AMcCormick, although his post is vague.



Welcome aboard AMcCormick, you are in a great web site. You'll get much help here. Be more specific and include your signature. Don't tell us any more about the 1/2 ton gasser because they are not in the same league with diesels.

 

[KnightR]

I was a first time buyer myself not to long ago. Took advice from one of the profits on the site. Basically said " Leave it alone grasshopper, if it's not broke don't fix it. " So I've been driving and enjoying it without the Banks this and the Chip dat.

 

[Grizzly]

I was a first time buyer myself not to long ago. Took advice from one of the profits on the site. Basically said " Leave it alone grasshopper, if it's not broke don't fix it. " So I've been driving and enjoying it without the Banks this and the Chip dat.

Smart man! You learn fast grasshopper.

 

[Flinty]

Three words make all the difference. "Went from a". What can I say... I take things literally. I'll try harder next time!

 

[AMcCormick]

My old truck was the half ton. I now have the 03 diesel 4x4. I dont want to go crazy with it just want to make sure its very reliable and quick. I'm not going to dragrace this truck. From what I do know the transmission is the weak link on these trucks. I did go through one transmission with my old truck but I way over worked it for a 1/2ton. Any thoughts on ATS vs Suncoast vs Goerend?



Andy McCormick

 

[brianv31]

Andy,

It's not worth soliciting opinions on which company to go with on your trans upgrade. That's been done many times over here on TDR and the results are usually not productive. The reality is that if you're honest with yourself and the vendor you choose about what you're going to be using the truck for, you'll be fine. If you go beating on an "upgraded" transmission, they all have their limits. Go visit a diesel trans. vendor if you have the opportunity. If not, call a few of them and get your own gut feel for which one you want to work with.

 

[AMcCormick]

Makes sense, from what I gather they are all pretty good and I dont need to stir the pot. Thanks and yes if it isnt broke dont worry about fixing it.



Thanks