Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fixin' her up. What injectors/box?

[mstephenson]

I just priced the 09's. After driveout and front/back bumper replacement I am looking at 50K. And they only wanted to give me 4K for my '99.

So, I just put Old Reliable in the shop and I have a few questions:



1. I'm having the coolant flushed and am not sure what they replaced it with. Is it seriously detrimental if they don't use the non-cavitiation formula (ASTM-4985)?



2. I'm having the valves adjusted. Any recommendations beyond factory specs? The valve cover has never been off.

233,000 miles



3. I'm also replacing the injectors and adding a box. Any recommendations/comments on this? I've always said the ride has been tuned back after first lift pump failure and I would like to fall in love again with the truck I married.

South Bend 0090 clutch (350 HP / 700 TQ rating)

push pump relocated with 1/2" lines

5-speed

4x4



4. Is 4" exhaust sufficient?



Thanks everyone in advance. I love my truck and love driving it! Spending the dough is worth it if I can get another 175K out of the beast.



Michele

 

[Mishkaya]

1 Not quite certain on the coolant, but I don't think it will matter that much as long as it is replaced as scheduled. The factory spec HOAT coolant can be all but impossible to find in some states now.
2 When I had my valves adjusted, I went with factory specs, although there have been discussions here on slightly tighter specs.
3 I am partial to F1 injectors myself, although others can be found for cheaper. I think the Mach 1. 6's are about ideal for a lightly bombed truck. They offer a good kick in the pants, with same or slightly improved mileage and little or no smoke. As for a box, it's a toss-up between the Edge Juice and the Quadzilla Adrenaline really. Both are good.
4 4" exhaust is plenty fine for all but the most heavily modified trucks on a second gen.
Good luck, and enjoy your new found truck!

 

[Chief USA]

I am real happy with my F1 Mach 1. 6 injectors and Edge EZ. Make PLENTY of power and more smoke than I need (if not gentle with the right foot). I went with a Farm Boy Diesel Performance 5 inch straight pipe exhause and LOVE it. Made a BIG improvement in EGT's and noticable power increase. Be sure to install a BHAF, Outerware Prefilter, and heat shield too. The box and injections combined with a bigger exhause will create a huge increase in demand for air to keep EGT's within reason.



I did my own cooland replacement and flush. I used Shell ELC (extended life anti-freeze). It is supposed to be good for 600,000 miles or the life of the engine.

 

[BDaugherty]

My $0. 02:

DDP stage 1's or Bosch RV275s. RV's will be cheaper. If I had it to do again, I would not buy the Jammer 2s.



Edge JWA for its value. ie: gauges/adjustability/cost.



FASS DDRP in place of your relocated stock pump. High flow banjo bolts or high flow fittings anywhere you haven't used them already.



Probably a stronger clutch. I'm thinking with the JWA and 40 hp injectors, you may be closer to 800 RWT... but I'm not sure on that. Better to get more clutch than you need than to have problems or have to do it again.



4" exhaust is fine for what you describe.



Air intake upgrade such as the PSM setup.



Also, this would be a great excuse to upgrade any steering components that you haven't already worked on. I'm very happy with my PSC box and pump combo. If you do a high flow steering pump, add a cooler to the return line.



I would use the "standard" green coolant available anywhere. Price and availability are the main selling points. It's great to be able to buy coolant cheap anywhere when you need to top off.



On the valve adjust: Factory spec is good. Set each one exactly to the spec. Not just within the "plus or minus". Set them right on the money.



I could go on for a long time. Spending your money is much easier than spending my own.

 

[mstephenson]

So if I get the DD2's and Edge EZ, I can only go to Level 3 (out of 5)? and #3 is pushing the limit of the torque on the clutch.

 

[JGamble]

My 2 cents... ... .



I can only speak partially on #3 and all of #4.

3. The Quad Adrenaline is the ONLY way to go. Make sure though, if you have the adrenaline hooked up to not only ECM but CAN/BUS fueling, you have a pyro gauge, they kinda soar sometimes. Best box to buy. But if you do go this route, you will want the South Bend CONO rated for 400 HP. Then your set

4. 4" is the way to be. I am currently trying to acquire a good 5"... . overkill... lol



Good luck... .



Kind Regards,

John

 

[GDMRTN]

I'd say 4" exhaust, quad adrenaline, and rv275 injectors. You'll be more than happy! You'll need to do something for a lift pump too.

 

[DIESELWRKS]

ask your self actually are you going to get more of the diesel bug. dont down grade when later you will want to go bigger. any of the mach injectors or ddp injectors will be great. get some air moving in and out with this. a smaller box or larger pending what your going to do. your clutch has a slipping point. I have a set up 75 hp edge jammers nozzles. if you want i would ship em to you you could try them if you like them buy them cheap. other wise I would find someone else that wants them. Source Automotive Performance Diesel - Home has always been good to me with knowledge and getting the right set up the first time. they will beat prices and the best part they are very well known and not pushy. ask for Rip the owner. let me know on the nozzles I dont have them since i have gone above and beyond on the diesel bomb bug.





2002 HO 6-SPD LB 4X4 QC HTT 62/14 SB-FE TST PM3/*REVO-BETA*SMARTY MACH 4'S, RINGED AND STUDS, AFE/2 " FTE 6" STACK D/PRICOL GAUGES, FASS 150, VULCAN 1/2 DRAW-STRAW, 3/8 FUEL LINE, DSS-TRAC-BAR STEER-BOX, AIR BAGS,17'' KMC BLACK HOSS, 315/70/17 MICKTHOM MTZ'S 6" RCD LONG ARM LIFT. :-laf... THANKS RIP Source Automotive Performance Diesel - Home

 

[mstephenson]

I guess I have more research to do.



Thanks to everyone for their opinions and experience. That's why I come here.

 

[Joe Mc]

Michelle,

At your present numbers, 350/700, I'm wondering how your truck is set up now? Before I went to my present set-up (Mach 5's and 64/14 High Tech Turbo) I had Mach 1. 6, Edge Comp and stock turbo and made 387/825 numbers. So. I'm thinking if you go w/Mach 1. 6 you may not see anything? I understand with an automatic I'd put less HP/TQ to the ground than a stick but, I don't think your truck is stock with the close to my previous set-up numbers that you have now ? ? ? Please advise as to what the set up is.

I'm kind of old school and like my 3 pod gages so, I'm sticking with my ol Edge Comp and Westach gages. If I had to guess on what to suggest to you I think if you went with Mach 4s (150 hp sticks), a power box (I'm partial to my Edge), an "other than stock" air filter, a bigger turbo and 4" exhaust you'd be pushing mid 500 HP and 1k + TQ. I'm not sure how the present clutch you have will hold up to an extra 200 HP and 300+ TQ though.

My buddy has an 01, with 4s, a 62/16 turbo, Edge Drag Comp, 5" with 7" stacks and put down 535 with water meth, but we're pretty sure his clutch was slipping bit. When he lays down the go pedal around 1500 RPM in 3rd gear that thing is a BEAST I'm in the passenger seat and feel my feet start to come off the floor until he hits the next gear.

The Mach 4s (and the 5's I have - 200 HP) are very drivable and don't smoke a great deal, unless you want it to and have the Comp cranked up. For regular daily driving (my truck?) w/the Comp at setting 1. 1 or 1. 2 there's literally no smoke unless you start out heavy, then there's a bit of black smoke that clears up rather quickly. Now, if the Comp is at 5. 5 and you come out heavy, it's "out go the lights" for anyone behind you until you let out of it.

As for setting the valves, I did mine at 100k (presently 177) and went with the stock 0. 010/0. 020 lash, going tighter or looser "could" not be of any benefit, and depending on how far either way you go has been know to damage things. So, I'd recommend sticking to the stock lash.

Hope this helps a bit. And congrats on re-finding your 99 - love mine.

 

[mstephenson]

OMG You guys are maniacs! I understand the bug as my bro is a drag racer and he's never done improving on his setup.



I actually have not modified anything over the clutch and bigger fuel lines. The valve cover has never been removed. I have all the gages and plan on adding the 4" exhaust.



This is my dream: 1) do nothing that would damage the truck's power plant. 2) I would like to drive down the road in 5th and put my foot in it and have my passenger's head hit the back of their chair and think they are riding in a crazy gasser like I used to. 3) I would like to be in 5th cruzin in the Rockies and be able to pass up hill like I used to. 4) I would like box that doesn't trip check engine light at every turn.



Am just girl with a dream? or can this be achieved?

 

[darkhorse]

Am just girl with a dream? or can this be achieved?[/QUOTE]



Mach 4's with a Smarty would do it. You will have to upgrade the clutch no matter what SB's con ofe would do.

 

[darkhorse]

If you are willing to tape the wire, a Comp or Adrenaline would do it too. All of these will push the limits of your stock turbo.

 

[Joe Mc]

OMG You guys are maniacs! I understand the bug as my bro is a drag racer and he's never done improving on his setup.



I actually have not modified anything over the clutch and bigger fuel lines. The valve cover has never been removed. I have all the gages and plan on adding the 4" exhaust.



This is my dream: 1) do nothing that would damage the truck's power plant. 2) I would like to drive down the road in 5th and put my foot in it and have my passenger's head hit the back of their chair and think they are riding in a crazy gasser like I used to. 3) I would like to be in 5th cruzin in the Rockies and be able to pass up hill like I used to. 4) I would like box that doesn't trip check engine light at every turn.



Am just girl with a dream? or can this be achieved?

Yes you can, See my previous post and the two that followed your post after mine. That otta get er done for ya. :-laf

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

2. I'm having the valves adjusted. Any recommendations beyond factory specs? The valve cover has never been off.

233,000 miles



Michele

I always like to adjust intake to . 008" and exhaust to . 016 - . 018"

Gives you a skosh more lift and air flow.

 

[mstephenson]

The specs say I should have 215hp for a 99 5-sp, but I got on it in 4th yesterday and my boost only went to 18. There are no leaks in the system. It has ran like this since I believe it was tuned back. This would equate to around 180hp right?



So... for the sake of example if I got an Edge Comp. At level 4 it says 100hp/300#tq. Would that mean 100hp + ~180hp existing estimated OR 100hp + 215hp original ECM setup?



I think this is why I am somewhat confused and undecided. I am not sure what happens inside the ECM when a box is plugged in.

 

[Mishkaya]

The specs say I should have 215hp for a 99 5-sp, but I got on it in 4th yesterday and my boost only went to 18. There are no leaks in the system. It has ran like this since I believe it was tuned back. This would equate to around 180hp right?



So... for the sake of example if I got an Edge Comp. At level 4 it says 100hp/300#tq. Would that mean 100hp + ~180hp existing estimated OR 100hp + 215hp original ECM setup?



I think this is why I am somewhat confused and undecided. I am not sure what happens inside the ECM when a box is plugged in.

If you don't have a boost fooler, boost will be limited to 18-20PSI. Once you have a boost fooler, the sky is the limit (or the engine components). The specs advertised on a fueling box are in addition to whatever HP you already have. In your case, for a 215HP at the flywheel, you probably have around 170HP at the rear wheels, give or take a few. The fueling box just fools the ECM into thinking the engine is getting less fuel and boost than it really is. They also change the timing as well, which usually will help mileage a bit with the same driving habits.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

1999 engines are 235 HP, the 215hp engines were '96-'98 12-valves. 18psi boost is about right for a stock '99.

 

[Jefff929]

It sounds like you got your original questions answered.



Some place in all that someone said something about a DSS. If your pocket can handle it, add a DSS.

 

[Joe Mc]

1999 engines are 235 HP, the 215hp engines were '96-'98 12-valves. 18psi boost is about right for a stock '99.

Vaughn, Not to argue but, my 99 engine plate reads "HP 215". Of course if you deduct the 15 - 20 % loss for drivetrain that's around 175 ish. So with the edge setting at 4 (as mentioned by Michelle) that's about 275 RWHP.



My ratings w/the Edge Comp and 1. 6 Mach sticks, boost foller that comes w/Edge and stock turbo I was making around 387 and 720 or so TQ.



Michelle, if you want: 1) do nothing that would damage the truck's power plant. 2) would like to drive down the road in 5th and put my foot in it and have my passenger's head hit the back of their chair and think they are riding in a crazy gasser like I used to. 3) I would like to be in 5th cruzin in the Rockies and be able to pass up hill like I used to. 4) I would like box that doesn't trip check engine light at every turn.



The Edge Comp, 64/14 HT Turbo, Mach 5's and a good clutch will give you all this. Just be prepared for a bill of around 3 1/2 - 4k to get there.