Advice/2007 5.9 Mega

[mattnnc]

Dear Members, new to the forum but would like some advice.

Own a 2007 Mega with the 5. 9 and AT. Was a Ford owner but need to get up to speed with the most reliable and trustworthy componentry for the Cummins. My goals are:

1) Increasing fuel economy

2) Increasing reliability

3) Leaving the option open for some sort of sport performance which will not hurt a work and daily driver truck.

4) Mods that will work at 0 Mean Sea Level up to 10,000 feet without remapping, etc...

5) Monitoring of critical situations(PMT advice)

The truck will usually tow fairly light weights(less than 6K) but daily from 4000 MSL up to 7000 MSL, weekly from 7K to sea level.

I have been extensively researching every angle, exhaust, intake, air filter, PMT. Looking the most bang for the buck, and compatibility with proven performance. Banks seems to have this in their systems but advertising being what it is, I know better to believe everything I read. Not looking for 1000HP at this point..... The truck will go offroad from time to time but mostly city, snow driving and high desert towing(Sierra Nevadas) plus beach runs. Want to know what you guys think, that makes the most sense.

Glad to be a part of the forum.

Thanks, Matt

 

[foolkiller]

i have the same truck but not mega cab





with the goals you've mentioned i reccomend...



1. open up air flow with a good drop in filter(reccomendations;AFE PG7 if you don't mind oiled filters,AFE ProDry if you want NO oil, Amsoil Nano if you clean your filters often) and air box mod (drill hole).



2. free up exhaust system (MBRP has a replacement muffler for a LOT less than full systems with equal performance) your system is already 4 inches... ample.



3. Get EGT, Boost, and transmission temp guages. ( i think its isspro that has the ones that match our stock guages?? or is it dipricol??) get the column 2 guage pod and an SRT pillar 1 guage mount and you can keeep your grab handle.



4. get a smarty junior if you're really not going for big power..... get smarty senior if you're going to go nuts later on. you can run it on lower levels until you upgrade your transmission$$$$



this should make your truck very VERY fun and support future upgrades. i don't know of any mind blowing fuel mileage increases with any mods but these may get you a mile or three a gallon. drive smarter to save fuel works best for me.



and the best part is... if you do the work your self these are very affordable mods. i bet you can do all this for well under a thousand bucks and your truck will be approaching 400hp??.



whatever you do, search and read about ANY mods you're considering here on TDR before you buy. you are right about the ads you mentioned in your original post... . you can get the same performance for thousands less than what the company you mentioned offers.



hopefully others will let you know if i'm misguiding you... like i said, search.



good luck, j

 

[foolkiller]

i forgot to mention the intake horn... . get a better one. the stocker suks. many competitive options. i think the current favorite is the stainless one offered by DTT if you can get your hands on one. that will push you right up to if not slightly over the $1000 mark.



don't get in a hurry... your truck is pretty nice as it sits.

 

[foolkiller]

i forgot oil, oil filter and fuel filter reccomendations too... i use rotella/fleetguard for everything. again search the forum.

 

[JimB1]

Right out of the box '06 and '07 5. 9's are excellent trucks BUT loose factory Torque Converter throws away stock power and any upgrade power.



Guages first; EGT, transmission temp, boost and some others of lesser priority, fuel pressure of lift pump and injector rail when upgrading power.



My first Rear Wheel power upgrade will be stop loosing power at the TC via getting a performance DTT transmission/TC.



Diesel Transmission Technology - DTT Performance Diesel Transmission and Power Accessories Their website provides hugh amount of plain english factual transmission/TC information by which each reader can make informed decisions for theirselves.



Given what fuel costs are, solving thrown away power is a solid start for improvements.

 

[snuff]

-guages are a must before any bombing.

-a good oil and fitler, i run stratapore or donaldson endurance. a by pass filter would not hurt also if your bombing.

- deep dish pan and rear diff.

-if you are bombing big a better trans would be needed.



i have not bombed yet still getting use to the truck and how it runs and temps. those will change when da bombing commences... find out what is wnl before.

 

[SBeretz]

So have you done anything with the rig yet! Man, quit holding us in suspense. I know you have got to be itching to put something on the truck! Scotty

 

[Motorhead]

The Smarty jr with the latest adjustable programing has worked well for me. I run 40hp setting with the #4 timing set up. Safe power for a stocker automatic with better fuel economy.

 

[DennyDay]

I'll go along with those that suggest a Smarty Jr. Did the, boost and ET guages, AFE intake, 295-17 tires and Smarty Jr and not towing or towing light getting 20. 2to 20. 5 on economy setting on highway 17. 5 to 18. 5 around town. Very happy with it and Bob Wagners answers to all my questions.



Denny