Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) EGT or Boost more important?

[dgrothusen]

I have a stock 02 2500 4X4. I am thinking of adding the new X-monitor with fuel pres. I have an auto trans so need temp for that. I am not planning on doing much right now as far as Bombing. May add an EZ. What is more important for me at this stage, EGT or Boost?

Dave

 

[JWhitcomb]

EGT and fuel pressure seem to be the most important.

 

[TomGolden]

My $. 02 worth:



For a bone stock truck, that you *never* plan to BOMB:



1. Fuel Pressure

2. EGT

3. boost

4. transmission and/or diff temp



If you are, or ever plan to BOMB:



1. EGT

(tied for 1st) fuel pressure

2. boost

3. transmission and/or diff temp



Why??



Regardless of BOMBed or bone stock, you run a >50% likelyhood of losing your stock lift pump. So, the fuel pressure gauge is simply a MUST in any case. If you will never BOMB, your EGTs and boost will never reach critical levels, so those gauges are not as critical. But, if you ever plan to BOMB your truck, you will absolutely need an EGT and boost gauge.



Tom

 

[LSMITH]

Dave, welcome to the TDR!!!!!!!!!!!



If you have a pyrometer you do not need a boost gauge. If the EGT is OK so is the boost, period. Boost numbers are fun to watch and talk about, but really mean very little. Lots of guys are worried about boost numbers and if they have enough/too much, they are worrying about nothing so long as EGT is OK. Get a pyrometer.



Unless towing or offroading I would not worry about the transmission temp gauge either, if you tow it is a good idea. Fuel pressure is a very good gague to have, everyone should have at least a temporary gauge to hook up to check it once in a while.

 

[dgrothusen]

More info-----

Thanks so far guys. I did forget to mention that I do pull a trailer. It is not heavy problably under 8K. I feel I need the Trans Temp.

Dave

 

[drifter]

1999 stock, 4inch ex, Amsoil air filter. Tow 5 - 6000 lbs Pacific Northwest. 48,000 miles on the truck. ZERO problems but I do anticapate a lift pump change. Current pressures on the low side of OK. 11 PSI at idel, 8 at WOT.



I have have 3 gauges and my order of importance is EGT / Boost and fuel pressure. Be sure to get the fuel pressure gage... ...



If I had it to do over with a 3 pod mounting I would get a combo EGT and boost gage and use the other 2 holes for fuel press and a transmission temp gauge.



EGT and boost are great for trouble shooting and I use my EGT as

a estamate of "best" MPG for given condition ( lower EGTS = less fuel ). Boost gauge also works. Low boost = lower fueling. But I prefer wathcing the EGT.



I use Lucas fuel conditioner most of the time. Hit the fuel drain lever on the fuel filter every other tankful or so. Change fuel filter every 10,000 or spring which ever comes first. Change tranmmision fluid and filter every year or 10,000 miles. If you tow then do the same for the front and rear end. Recommend you do it yourself if possable. So you get feel for what looks normal. Get a service manual (another 100. 00+-).

When you get the service manual READ and understand the proceedure don't just look at the pictures. A simple thing such as how to check your transmmision fluid level has caused problems for folks. So much for the rambling. .