First time CR 5.9. What are the do's and dont's?

[Lumpy]

I'm Kevin, New to TDR, known about it for a while, figured it was time to join. I'm a heavy equipment/diesel mechanic by trade. Just bought an 05, details are in my sig. This is my first CR 5. 9L. I've had 2 2nd gen 24 valves and two '93 12 valves. Just wondering what the major issues are with them, besides the black as tar oil right after a change due to the cam, pistons, and rings they use. I'm looking at modding it some. Lookin for 4-500hp. Already have intake, exhaust, boost, pyro and fuel psi gauges lined up. What other gauges might I require? Plan on a clutch and fuel system before I do any major mods. What are your opinions on programmers, injectors, turbos and such? the truck has 58k miles on it, and I plan on driving it until it wont go anymore, so im looking for reliability and fuel efficiency.



I appreciate any and all input!



Thanks!

 

[Prairie Dog]

Welcome Kevin. It seems like the biggest threat to CR's is dirty or water contaminated fuel. You'll wan't to go to a better fuel filter system if you make any fueling enhancements. I'd suggest at least a 2 micron system from GDP.
Good luck!
Scotty

 

[Motorhead]

Welcome! I second Prairie Dog on the filtering. With living in Alaska, I would install an exhaust brake with an override so if you have to prolong idle the truck in the cold, you can have the brake on too. This will keep the cylinder heat up by loading the engine. Get the high idle enabled too if not already done.
Go Smarty jr or sr for a programmer.
My BEST opinion is BEFORE you mod, ask QUESTIONS here first. A lot of guys here with a lot of knowledge AND experience.

 

[AH64ID]

Congrats I really like my 05.

Fuel filtration needs to be your first upgrade. Then I would look at a tuner, clutch (especially if you have a 05. 5 with a G56), and to get to 500 from 450 you may need a lift pump.

If I turn my Jr on the 100 hp setting its about 430 (corr) to the ground, and runs great. The Garrett turbo works very well on these trucks, even at the stock fueling I am running now (clutch goes in this week).

Be sure to check and see what intercooler you have, metal or plastic end caps.

 

[Lumpy]

Thanks guys! Fuel is always an issue up here. I'm planning on a fass system in the near future. I hear the smarty programmers are the ticket with these trucks. I imagine I'll find the transmission info stamped into the case or on a tag? I work at a remote gold mine for two weeks at a time, so gonna be a bit before I can check it all out. I imagine with the plastic intercooler end caps, they have issues with high boost levels? Also planning the exhaust brake. As far as high idle, will i have to take it to dodge to get it enabled?

 

[jhenderson]

Do a search on high idle threads. There is a pin on the ecm that, when grounded, enables the high idle. The pin adapter kit is available from Cummins.

 

[bheiting]

Howdy Kevin, welcome. I'd read the Buyers Guide of the home page. You can drag the file to your computer desk top for quick reference. It covers many suggestions and maintenance issues. I would question a 2 micron filter in sub zero temperatures. You don't want to be starving your injection pump. If you do, install a fuel pressure gauge.

 

[AH64ID]

I would question a 2 micron filter in sub zero temperatures. You don't want to be starving your injection pump. If you do, install a fuel pressure gauge.

If the fuel is properly does then it won't be an issue. The only time I have had fuel gelling issues it was my 20um filter that plugged, not my 5 or 2 um... fuel never made it that far!

 

[Lumpy]

I'm not too worried about my fuel gelling. Around here, the fuel companies blend #2 and # 1 together in the winter months, and I use Howe's fuel treatment in every tank. On my 2nd gen, went through and ran 1/2" Parker arctic insulated fuel line from the tank, to the engine, and on the return lines. My dad had some left over from when I replaced the lines on his KW a few winters ago. With that and the treatment, I was driving in -50 farenheight up north and never had a fuel problem. Looking at the Fass 150 I believe. Do you guys know the fleetguard cross reference for the filters on those? And what micron the filter to?

 

[BIGNASTY]

Moved to MT this year and added one of these to my 04 I dont know how people live without these. This is hands down the best thing I have added to my Dodge. Starts easy its warm when we get in its got to be better for the motor not starting a block of ICE and the fuel consumption is nothing. The most important thing is although I have the elect. block heater I dont need to use it. Elect. power is something that we dont have allot of because we live off grid. and to use the elect block heater would be almost impossible for me. Espar HeateR Systems | A World of Comfort | Coolant Heaters I am very interested in your comment about 1/2 in Parker artic insulated fuel line I looked at their website and couldn't find it

 

[Shadrach]

I second the Espar. I have one on my 03 and love it. I use it all year round. The kit is designed for the 3rd gens and wasn't hard to install. Shadrach