first time poster, first time owner

[echrisman]

I bought a used 2000' Dodge 2500 CTD auto last Jan. I absolutely love it. The dealer I bought it from could not perform the necessary emissions that the state of Colorado requires. So he gave me this voucher to get done where ever I wanted. I took to this place in CastleRock CO. The boys backed her in. One of them says... . "hey you want to Dyno this also. . ?" Why the heck not... . I had 3/4 wood when that engine revved up... the whine of the turbo... . the black smoke coming out the side of the building... man o' man was it cool:--) The dyno came back with 215hp and 550 ft-lb torque... not bad for stock... I thought.

From then on I have been hooked. This site... . I have checked on since Jan is really awesome. I have already learned a ton just from reading the posts in the FNG section. I am glad I joined. I know the engine is capable of a lot more... ... the one thing that freaks me a little bit is darn warranty thing... (this is probably the MOST asked question) I know I should probably do a search about mods that don't affect warranty... but any help you guys could give me... . like even go to this section and read this... would help. Thanks in advance... Eric

 

[Pit Bull]

Welcome Eric Lets see, I think you can put almost any kind of mud flaps on your truck and Dodge will still honor the warrenty

 

[Bigsaint]

WELCOME ABOARD !!! Ditto on what Pitbull stated. If you are really concerned about the warranty, leave it stock, at least regarding performance upgrades, 'till it expires. Some of us, and I use the term some lightly, have found the 5 star service to just plain suck. Others have found great service from the dealer. Bottom line is that the truck is yours and you should be the ONLY one that decides to void the warranty. Just be prepared to pay outta your pocket if you break something while using performance mods.



If you decide on the BOMBing route rather than being concerned about the warranty, do it right the first time. There is very little uncovered groud here on the TDR, pretty much someone has tried whatever you are thinking of. Upgrade wisely and save yourself the trouble of unexpecting break downs. Gauges are a must, at a minimum a fuel pressure gauge( since you have a 24 valver) and a exhaust temp gauge. The addition of either gauge will not affect your warranty, IMHO. A boost gauge is nice to have and will tell ya when you have a boost leak as well, once you have a baseline. Throw in a trans. temp gauge if you tow, since you have an auto. More importantly, since you have the auto, think about beefing that up first, before performance mods. Us manual guys have it somewhat easier, the worst thing we can destroy, for the most part, is the clutch. Your AT will cost alot more to repair/replace if you trash it. Just my $0. 02.





Scott W.

 

[RADdodge]

Having fun isn't hard to do, but it may cost you...

Welcome! Hey, I wouldn’t think the dealer would bust you for installing gauges, but what do I know? After all, I am my own warrantee station. If it breaks, I pay to fix it (GUARANTEED!). I just didn’t feel like waiting to have some fun. Have fun!

 

[Bob Wagner]

all new owners should

bookmark this welcome to the TDR

 

[echrisman]

Thanks for the welcome, I appreciate it. Bummer about the warranty... I may have to risk it with a few minor mods. I do tow a 5000lbs boat, so I definitely planned on at least 3 gauges. . the pyrometer, boost, and transmission. I had not considered the fuel pressure gauge. Thanks for the tip Bigsaint. I had planned on mounting the 3 gauges on the pillar, I hadn't thought where to place more... are most people placing them near the cig lighter, on the steering column, or another place?

BTW, RADdodge, I checked out your pics... very nice... I esp. like that chrome valve cover. Where did you find that?

Bigsaint, I'll check out the discussions on transmission's.

thanks again!

 

[RADdodge]

Its not chrome, it is one of the “Red” Cummins valve covers that has been stripped and polished.



I have the three-gauge pillar mount. I used a SPA gauge for both the fuel pressure and the Trans temp. There are several dual function gauges from other vendors. I've seen some combo pyro/boost gauges that look good. BTW – if you don’t want to destroy your stock A pillar, you can get one for about half of dealer cost if you get it on the web from Mopar4less. I have the tweeter and so I bought an A pillar without tweeter, drilled the spots for the gauges, lined it up with the 3 gauge pillar, then glued the Autometer 3 gauge pillar to the new A pillar with contact cement. Use the Mopar paint to match. (If you need the part numbers, either do a search or ask. ) Now the 3 gauge A pillar mounts just like the original, no screws, etc.

 

[Whitmore]

welcome friend

Dont forget a fuel pressure gage too, its paramount with the history on LP failures... ... ... ... ... Dude you are going to fit in fine, I love this comment ... ... ... ... .



... . I had 3/4 wood when that engine revved up... the whine of the turbo... . the black smoke coming out the side of the building... man o' man