Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Considering some 1st bombs or new CTD

[DixonL]

I have been a member here for over a year and have learned a lot from memebers here. Well, I should have the truck paid off in a few months and plaining on considering some power upgrades.



Here is what I am looking for my truck...

tow 50% 6-10K on a gooseneck in some Appilation mountains. Get better fuel economy. And I hope that this wouldn't require all kinds of other mods to make this be reliable. I would prefer to stay away from new ARP studs and the millions of things you guys do to run serious power. If one thinks that I would be fine with just the smarty I would be okay with just that... but I keep reading that black smoke is a sign of too much fuel and not enough air. I am thinking of having somewhere between 300-350hp range. how many miles do folks have after they bomb their truck? I don't want to shorten the life of the truck for the affect of getting up the hill a few seconds quicker. The debate I am having with myself is keeping this nice truck (only 33K miles in perfect shape) or getting a new one with the power and the warrenty?!?! Since there is some nice 06' Mega cabs I can get $11K off of sticker.



As far as tuners it seems Smarty is the program that most seem to rave at. But from what I read it has it's fair share of smoke if you get into it. I am thinking that if I had a little bigger turbo it would help burn the fuel more efficiently. With my current mods... I am thinking of going this route:



Smarty

Industrial Injection Phat Shaft 62

PRXB Pacbrake 4"

Maybe a SB clutch:-laf



Let me know what you guys think



Thad (Ohio)

 

[NIsaacs]

Mild up grades will not hurt your truck, you have a good one for this. I have 108,000 miles on my '01 with an Edge EZ and RV 275's since 36,000 miles. It is hard to improve on the stock turbo with this mild up grade. My clutch, intake and exhaust are stock also. I do have the muffler removed and 4" exhaust from the resonator back. Smoke is not a problem if ya go easy on the throttle until you see some boost, full throttle and full boost=no smoke, just a light grey haze.





"NICK"

 

[fox]

I see you have a limit on the plans, this is good!! Most of us just keep adding fuel and air until we say we have enough. ( we never get there!!!)



I suggest this.

Smarty

RV 275 injectors ( even better is the Mach 1. 6's)

Adjustable boost elbow on the turbo ( set it to about 30-35) and you will be fine with the stock turbo with mentioned injectors. Watch the gauges.

 

[Cummins724]

I see you have a limit on the plans, this is good!! Most of us just keep adding fuel and air until we say we have enough. ( we never get there!!!)



I suggest this.

Smarty

RV 275 injectors ( even better is the Mach 1. 6's)

Adjustable boost elbow on the turbo ( set it to about 30-35) and you will be fine with the stock turbo with mentioned injectors. Watch the gauges.

I agree... . my brother has a 98. 5 with RV275 injectors & Smarty. This is a great towing setup.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Thad,

I have over 250,000 miles on Black Sheep with RV275's and over 150,000 with Catcher/Smarty and the injectors. She is still running strong!

If you do the upgrades fox listed it will give you all the power you need for what you are pulling: no mountain will slow you down! The egt's will not get out of line either. No need for a bigger turbo but you might want to consider an airbox upgrade. Your clutch should be fine unless you run Smarty in the upper levels.

Godspeed,
Trent