Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 24V Bests and worsts

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Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Emissions Testing

Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) The Bombing Bug Bit Me,,,,,,

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Hi. This is my first post, and hopefully it is correctly placed in this discussion, verses the first time owners board. Anyway, I recently purchased a 98. 5 5spd 2500 for towing my rock-buggy.



After reading tons and tons of posts on the TDR, I got a good idea of how to proceed with making this rig more reliable and tuneable. Guages, lift pump relocate, lubes, filters, and the possible mechanical failures that come, BOMB'd or not. What I can't find on one complete thread is what are the best "bang for your buck" mods for the 24V in terms of flat out dollar per HP/TQ.



What mod has worked for you, what mod do you wish "if I had to do it over again", and what mod is just flat-out snakeoil. I really want to find out what will wake up my stock 24V.



I hope this isn't a :rolleyes: thread. Thanks for your patient reply.
 
Welcome to the TDR Lama, careful the bombing road is a long one. You think you just need a little but at the end of the day a little is never enough.

Gages ofcourse will be a necessity and Hp bang for your buck will be a fueling box, there are a few to choose from but I have an Edge Comp and love it. Good luck and enjoy I'm sure others will chime in and give you plenty of help.
 
I would have to say it depends on what you intend to do with it. You stated that it is a tow rig and not a hot rod (thats what everyone says till they get bit) If you want good towing power I would put a set of DD2's (or equivelant) and an EZ. You will have plenty of snort and not all the heat problems. (Still need guages because it can heat up if not watching)



Other than that it is purely opinion. I am running a Drag Comp and DD2's. I can turn the Comp to 1x2 or 1x3 and have plenty of towing without TONS of heat (Last trip was 17,400 gross with some decent grades. Highest temp I saw was 1100*. I was running about 65-70) and when I am empty I can make a couple WOT 5x5 runs to spank a 'stang or some unsuspecting ricer. Heat is a major issue with me at the moment. But I dont keep the temps up in meltdown for more than a few seconds at a time. I am currently saving for a larger turbo (PDR HX-40) to remedy this.



Like I say, The raw power will likely take ahold and then you will BOMB the bezeesus out of the ram just to keep the rush of adrenaline that the first Comp gave you (OK OK that is my situation)



There are a million different opinions on this. Asking the "best" way is like religion and politics. Everyone thinks their way is right. This is just my opinion and I am sure that MANY other people with tons more experience than I will chime in and tell you theirs.



Hope this helps

Mark



PS You should be able to get both the injectors and the EZ for about 700 bucks used. Maybe less that is just a ballpark.
 
To start with stage 2 injectors worth about 80 Hp and they are alot easier on the injection pump then a box is, then I would go with an adjustable box worth another 100-120 Hp.



This is a good setup for towing because you could turn the box off or leave it on a low setting for towing and then turn it up for some wheel fun when not towing.



Be warned though at this level you will need auto transmission or manual clutch upgrades to play with all the Hp. If you use just the injectors and tow sensibly the transmission should be o. k.



Although I don't know if they are snake oil I hear Banks

and Dr. Performance is expensive for the amount of Hp you will gain.



Ron
 
Llama, since you have the 5-speed you have a few more options than someone else might.



First is a fuel pressure gauge, even if you do not get any other guages. This will let you monitor your lift pump and help keep the VP44 alive.



There's no real reason to move the LP. With better lines and fewer restrictions, it should last a long time. LP reliability is spotty, some trucks have NO problems, others have LP nightmares. You might want to consider the FASS if you want to relocate your pump that bad.



You also need a pyro and boost if you plan on turning it up at all. A fuel pressure guage is all you really need if you are not turning up the power.



Install your pyrometer probe BEFORe the turbo. This is a better indicator of EGT. I just moved mine from after the turbo to before, and I should have done it sooner.



Always use the Fleetguard oil filters only (or the MOpar). Other filters are poorer quality, and there have been instances of engine failure traced to the use of a FRAM filter-- it clogged the oil cooling jets. The mopar filters ARE fleetguard filters, just a lot more expensive.



Any good diesel oil will work. Delo 400 and Rotella T or probably the most well known. There are synthetics too, which aren't for everyone, but some people really like them. I do.



As for power, I would favor injectors over a box. Yes, they have the disdvantage of not being able to turn them off, but they're a LOT easier on things. Even though you have a standard-output engine, I would favor the injectors. The engine will be happier, and you will have lower EGT for a given amount of HP.



Don't make the mistake I did of going too small on injectors. I went with DD2s because I didn't realize how mild they were (except for the HP;) ). Personally, I would say some EDM Mach 3s from Formula 1 diesel are the main fuel mod you want.



You will need a boost folling device with a larger injector. Might as well get a fueling box of some kind. I would recommend the TST Powermax Competition. If you only connect the MAP sensor, it SHOULD act as a boost fooler, and then you will have a wicked fueling box later when you want more HP and can plunge on a turbo upgrade. This box taps the injection wire. All the big HP boxes do. It will void your warranty. Also, some early 24V trucks have been known to toast an expensive injection pump shortly after tapping the pump wire. Usually, those injection pumps were going to die soon anyway, so you probably should see what kind of shape your pump is in before you decide to go with a wire tap or non-wire tap box.



I am making recommendations that are beyond what would normally be considered "starter" mods because you WILL want more. Going bigger at first saves money. Build what you want the FIRST time.



If you think you can resist the urge to go get more HP, I would recommend you just get a simple black box that doesn't tap the injection pump and then get some Bosch RV275 injectors. That will put you right around 300hp, and will let you tow anything you want. Best off all the RV injectors and a mild box are a cheap combination. RVs can be had for $275, and a used box is pretty reasonable. You can stop there and be done (if you're superhuman).



If you're like the rest of us, you will be clamoring for more, and spending all the spare money on truck BOMBS.



Let me know if you have more questions. PM me (just hit the button below) if you want specific answers to specific questions.





Justin
 
My 98. 5 CTD, 5 speed, has 275 injectors, a boost fooler box/elbow and of course gauges; boost/egt/fuel press. No box.

It made my dually a much better towing machine and I do not have to worry too much about over temps etc. It will boost to 32. That has all been on since 35k miles. Now at 118k w/o any problems.

Hope this help you decide.
 
Thank you all for the help. It seems I can't leave any vehicle I own the way the factory built it. I also hate doing mods that a year later you end up taking off the mod because it was too "mild". Anyway, I got great ideas from yall', one last question... what about BHAF and exhaust systems?... not looking for noise, but breathing.



Lama:D
 
Power

Originally posted by marksmith







Like I say, The raw power will likely take ahold and then you will BOMB the bezeesus out of the ram just to keep the rush of adrenaline that the first Comp gave you (OK OK that is my situation)



Mark, it NEVER ENDS we are just all at differant stages.



:D
 
Tell me about it. I am looking for a new turbo (ready for twins so I dont have to pay twice for the upgrade) I am getting a HX-40 (PDR Style) and an ATS manifold (so I can turn it upside down later) mid 400HP is fairly cheap. I think it is about to get expensive though.



Someone once told me it was a slippery slope. NOT ONE PERSON COMPARED THIS STUFF TO A BOB-SLED RUN! All I did was give a little push off from the top... ..... Now I dont WANT to slow down. :--)



Take Care

Mark
 
Looks like lots of great advice. So I will make it simple.



You live in the Las Vegas area, right?

1. Drive over to Diesel Dynamics.

2. Bring your checkbook/credit card.

3. Smile.
 
Lama,

Summit sells a good 4" exhaust for $299. 00 it is turbo back, although the web site lists it as cat back, at least that is the way I understand it.



Big exhaust also sells one reasonably priced.



www.summitracing.com

www.bigexhaust.com



click on the blue urls for websites and phone numbers.



You can get a BHAF from cummins, I do not remember the part number right off hand, will look for it when I get home later and post, if someone has it please post the number for Lama.



I had a BHAF on my truck and noticed no difference in EGT's, I think if is because it is sucking in hot turbo air. I did notice a slight difference in spool up time, slightly better, not alot. I am going to rig in some kind of a heat deflector for next summer and see if that makes a difference.



I would think with the combination of a 4" and BHAF would make more of a difference in EGT's as compared to my stock exhuast and a BHAF. I get along just fine though with a stock air filter and box and stock exhaust.



INSERTED AS AN EDIT:: If you use a BHAF make sure to put a rubber hose around the air conditioner pipe so you don't wear a hole through it.



Ron
 
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Hey, Ya'll didn't notice---Lama is in Henderson, NV. That's Big Joe and DD territory. Go see Joe D. !!! :D



That is Joseph Donnelly. Sure he's a 12v guy, but he can help you with a 24. ;) :cool:
 
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