I've owned my 1990 non I/C W350 for a short while now and have been lurking here from almost the get go and reading my brains out. I'm the third owner of "the old man" and couldn't be happier. I just wanted to introduce myself I suppose and wished I could post some pics but that will come at a later date. A few questions but let me back up first:
The original owner hailed from WA state and had a 5th wheel hitch and standard trailer hitch (5th wheel hitch removed before selling it to a used dodge truck lot). Standard hitch still there with hookups, trailer brake etc. He also installed a Pac Brake exhaust brake (which works beautifully) and a set of front/rear air bags. What gave me pause before purchasing from 2nd owner was the lack of gauges. It appears there never were any. I could be wrong. Anyway I need to get gauges into the old man. I've read large sections of the TDR Buyers Guide including of course the Boost Treadmill section. It makes sense but then is confusing as hell at the same time. I've spent hours here on this site. The truck is just about bone stock except for 40hp injectors the 2nd owner put in. No pump mods that I'm aware of. I don't see myself hauling cows, cars, hay bales, horses (well MAYBE one horse), or any heavy as hell piece of machinery. I do see myself, possibly, throwing a cab over camper on top, or hauling a smallish trailer of firewood for friends. I feel the 40psi would fit my needs.
But what if I make slight mods to the pump? (Even though the thought makes me very nervous). Do mods increase boost pressure slightly? Some here suggest the 60 psi so they can "grow" into the gauge. The 366 spring is an appealing mod but does that necessitate a tweek in fueling? The injection pump just seems like a confusing piece of equipment. I'd rather not be pegging a 40psi gauge after some mild pump tweeks.
For the Pyro I was feeling the 1500* would be sufficent. I do have two locations in the exhaust downpipe that are already tapped with I believe a 1/4" and 1/8"NPT, but I've learned to tap into the exhaust manifold for accuracy which is what I'll do (nervousness again).
I appreciate any responses and am grateful for this awesome community of like-minded enthusiasts.
The original owner hailed from WA state and had a 5th wheel hitch and standard trailer hitch (5th wheel hitch removed before selling it to a used dodge truck lot). Standard hitch still there with hookups, trailer brake etc. He also installed a Pac Brake exhaust brake (which works beautifully) and a set of front/rear air bags. What gave me pause before purchasing from 2nd owner was the lack of gauges. It appears there never were any. I could be wrong. Anyway I need to get gauges into the old man. I've read large sections of the TDR Buyers Guide including of course the Boost Treadmill section. It makes sense but then is confusing as hell at the same time. I've spent hours here on this site. The truck is just about bone stock except for 40hp injectors the 2nd owner put in. No pump mods that I'm aware of. I don't see myself hauling cows, cars, hay bales, horses (well MAYBE one horse), or any heavy as hell piece of machinery. I do see myself, possibly, throwing a cab over camper on top, or hauling a smallish trailer of firewood for friends. I feel the 40psi would fit my needs.
But what if I make slight mods to the pump? (Even though the thought makes me very nervous). Do mods increase boost pressure slightly? Some here suggest the 60 psi so they can "grow" into the gauge. The 366 spring is an appealing mod but does that necessitate a tweek in fueling? The injection pump just seems like a confusing piece of equipment. I'd rather not be pegging a 40psi gauge after some mild pump tweeks.
For the Pyro I was feeling the 1500* would be sufficent. I do have two locations in the exhaust downpipe that are already tapped with I believe a 1/4" and 1/8"NPT, but I've learned to tap into the exhaust manifold for accuracy which is what I'll do (nervousness again).
I appreciate any responses and am grateful for this awesome community of like-minded enthusiasts.