Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
I'm new to the Cummins. Engine has 94k on it. Bought it from a wreck so i don't know what condition it is in. Been trying to get it to start. It barely spins & only coughed to start only once. Anything major i should check before dropping it in the truck?
I'm thinking of a marine head gasket, o-rings, & a stud kit. My understanding is that more timing creates more compression, yielding noticably better fuel economy. Stock head gasket is good for around 16 degrees without power mods? May be too hard to start in cold Colorado winters with more power & timing though, right? If i'm making around 400 hp & have my timing around 20 degrees, will i be safe with the marine gasket & studs?
The marine head gaskets are thicker, so as i understand i may loose a tiny bit of compression & 1 or 2 psi boost. Doesn't raising the timing also decrease maximum boost? The turbo has some play so i'll be looking to upgrade soon. Figuring Stage 4 injectors within the next couple years as well. I'd like to put down at least 300 hp. Not sure if i should mod the pump or just wait & buy a good 215 later on.
As far as drivability, i'm after as much snap & response off idle as possible. Power at the low end for acceleration. Also wanting to get at least 20 mpg on the interstate. Most of my driving is very short trips, only 1-3 miles a few times a day. Not even enough time for the engine to warm up but i will have it plugged in over night.
Most folks have said the main bearings are probably fine. Oil pump was suggested, but most folks have said that is probably ok too. Are there any other mods i should go with while everything is accessible? Should the oil pan have a new gasket put in or something? The engine & truck are still in Missouri. Are there simple things any machine shop can or should do? I don't know any good diesel shops in the St. Louis area.
Thanks,
Matt
I'm thinking of a marine head gasket, o-rings, & a stud kit. My understanding is that more timing creates more compression, yielding noticably better fuel economy. Stock head gasket is good for around 16 degrees without power mods? May be too hard to start in cold Colorado winters with more power & timing though, right? If i'm making around 400 hp & have my timing around 20 degrees, will i be safe with the marine gasket & studs?
The marine head gaskets are thicker, so as i understand i may loose a tiny bit of compression & 1 or 2 psi boost. Doesn't raising the timing also decrease maximum boost? The turbo has some play so i'll be looking to upgrade soon. Figuring Stage 4 injectors within the next couple years as well. I'd like to put down at least 300 hp. Not sure if i should mod the pump or just wait & buy a good 215 later on.
As far as drivability, i'm after as much snap & response off idle as possible. Power at the low end for acceleration. Also wanting to get at least 20 mpg on the interstate. Most of my driving is very short trips, only 1-3 miles a few times a day. Not even enough time for the engine to warm up but i will have it plugged in over night.
Most folks have said the main bearings are probably fine. Oil pump was suggested, but most folks have said that is probably ok too. Are there any other mods i should go with while everything is accessible? Should the oil pan have a new gasket put in or something? The engine & truck are still in Missouri. Are there simple things any machine shop can or should do? I don't know any good diesel shops in the St. Louis area.
Thanks,
Matt
