Houston - I'm Cumminsoon.....

[Archive]

Well, I've been hiding behind the scene trying to learn from the wealth of expertise on this site. Thanks in advance!!!

My baby is on the way (within a week) and there are a few things I want to add to it(BD Exh. Brake with switch on the shifter, Pyro and Boost Gauges). I'd like recommendations on where I should mount the gauges. I will also be adding a trailer brake controller so I need to take that into consideration.

Also, do you believe I'm adding the right gauges for the type of towing I will be doing?

Is there someone in the Houston, TX area you can recommend that does this type of work?

Looking forward to your inputs.



------------------
2001 2500 ETH/DEE, QuadCab, 2WD, LWB, SLT+, 3. 54, Tow Package, Camper Package, and more...
Pulling a 30', 12. 5K lbs Alpenlite 5th Wheel

 

[Archive]

Welcome Scott, You will find this forum to be very addictive for info on your new Cummins. Cannot make any recomendations on install locations on your side of town (I live on south side, Clear Lake) but maybe we could have a Monthly gadget install with the Lone Star Rammers. I know we have some members from the north side who could help. Watch the Local events thread for the next meeting in Houston. Again, Welcome.

------------------
92 Ext. Cab, Auto trans. , 3. 54 Non-LS, Isspro Tach and Pyro (pre-turbo), 210,000+ miles, straight pipe,old and abused but still running strong!!!!

 

[Archive]

Scott:
I presently am driving 92 D-350 5. 9L Cummins but will be ordering 2001 HO ETH/DEE, end of November. In my continuing search for dealer in Galveston/Houston area, would like to know who you are getting your truck from and with regards to dealer invoice what the price was, and any good/unfavorable comments regards your relationship with the dealer... sofar
Thanx

------------------
92 EXCAB 176k miles DRW AT 3. 5 Firestone Air bags, 3 extra rear leaf spngs, no overloads. w/Sunline 9. 5'camper(my home).

 

[Archive]

Scott:

Welcome to the TDR Website! I used to
live in Humble, Texas not too far from
where you are at. Left there in 1995.

I have a good friend that lives in
Kingwood, Texas who used to own a
Dodge CTD. He did some modifications
to it and told me he was using
"Greenspoint Dodge" on I-45 near
the mall. He met a Dodge technician
there that he said had a diesel
background and was very good!
I will try to get his name for
you. When I lived there I owned
a 92'Dodge CTD and used the
Cummins Southern Plains shop
off the 610 north loop. They
were very knowledgable and
helpful to the work I had them
do. (i. e. valve adjustment, pump
adjustment etc. )

As far as gauges for your truck
I recommend "Isspro. " Gauges are
a "personal preference" thing so
look around and get in touch with
the guys in the Houston TDR. In
addition to the pyrometer and boost
gauges I would add a transmission
temperature gauge since you will be
pulling a fifth wheel. You may hear
some owners say that the "stock"
trucks with "stock" transmissions
won't get hot, but that is not true.
Especially with the heat in Texas.

As far as where to get the gauges
let me give you a couple of
suggestions. For "Isspro" gauges
"Scheid Diesel" has both the analog
and new digital models. Their phone
# is 1-800-669-1593. I originally
ordered my analog "Isspro" gauges
from "Precision Power" at 1-800-432-
7269. BD Diesel Performance also has
them at 1-800-887-5030; ask for Piers
Harry, he will DEFINITELY help you out!
Really a great guy.

I hope this has helped you Scott!
Good Luck!

---------
John_P.

------------------
Red '96 4x4 2500 Auto 3. 54, TST #5, Pump Mods, Banks Exhaust, Prime Loc, Cummins Chrome Kit, Pro-Torque Converter, BD Valve Body, Sendel 16" Alum Wheels w/ 33" BFGs

 

[Archive]

Welcome Scott! Good to see local people come aboard.

Concerning a Dodge Service Dept, I have used both Greenspoint and Demontrond in Conroe, and found both to be lacking. If it's a non-engine related problem, then you will be ok taking it to either one. However, Demontrond is the worse of the two, and they are supposedly a "5 star" dealer. What a joke!

Anyway, I have the ISSPRO gauges on my truck, and did the install myself. Fairly easy job, as long as you have the right tools. I like the ISSPRO gauges just fine, but my only complaint would be the lighting. I bought them from DIS in Dallas, and got the best price I could find anywhere.

I used to live in the Woodlands, but the congestion and construction has gotten so bad I had to get away. I now live out by Lake Conroe, and like it a whole lot better. Every now and then, some of us Houston area TDR members get together on a Saturday. It's usually organized by 243 or TXRam, hope you can make it once or twice.

Congrats on the new truck!

 

[Archive]

Scott: I wouldn't buy any guages until you get the chance to see TxRam's SPA digital guages(bought it myself).
If you guy's from the Houston area would check the Local Events forum we are trying to get a dyno day going Sat. 21st but we need more participants.
I will be Bombing this weekend if anyone wants to help #ad
#ad
#ad

TxRam & 243 are someone you should meet before spending your hard earned money.
I have seen isspro guages didn't care for them myself, not to say theres anything wrong with them.

------------------
95' 2500 standard trans. 2wd reg cab 125,000 miles.
To be installed, TST #4 plate kit, 370 Diamond B injectors, Afc spring kit, Gov. spring kit,TST's fuel pressure adapter and 2 guage pillar mount, SPA EGT/Boost guage.

 

[Archive]

I'd push my RAM a hundred miles to avoid the DEMONTROND dealer in Conroe. They reflashed my ECM during a routine oil change and I lost about 15 to 20 % power. I bought my truck there , but will NEVER go back.

My $00. 015¢

 

[Archive]

Bob,
I agree 100% with you about Demontrond. I also bought my truck there, but will never again use their service department.

 

[Archive]

Wiesner Dodge in Tomball has been good so far.

 

[Archive]

Try to avoid Kingwood Dodge. Service manager has a very bad attitude, and takes offense to any questions asked. Talk to Harvie, At the cummins service center. He is an excellent mechanic, and goes out of his way to be helpful. He is very knowledgable about BOMBING. This service center is at 610 North Loop East. At Homestead. I think it might carry a Homestead address. Harvie can steer you to a good location to have the work done, even if you dont use him.

 

[Archive]

AK John,
I ordered mine through Demontrond in Conroe. From some of the information here it looks like I should avoid their service dept.....

In pricing the truck, I first identified everything I wanted and didn't want. You know they will want to sell you something from their inventory ;-) but I think if we are spending this much $$$ we shouldn't be settling for what they happen to have.

With my specifications in hand I went to 3 dealers in Houston and had them give me their best price (I refused to look at what they had and did not fool around with test drives because I knew what I wanted). I feel they take you more seriously with this approach. I also called a 4th dealer in Houston and one in Ada, Oklahoma who is known for catering to RVers and got their prices.

Well, all prices were within $50 bucks of each other. I think if you are ordering they know the competition is tight and they will not be making any real money on the deal. But don't feel sorry for them, they do get credit for making the sale which is very important to them. I ended up paying about $100 over invoice.

The worst part is the wait after you order the damned thing!!! As I was driving up the Hardy Toll Rd. last night I thought I saw my baby in the train depot area so maybe it is at least in Houston now...

Hope this helps,


------------------
2001 2500 ETH/DEE, QuadCab, 2WD, LWB, SLT+, 3. 54, Tow Package, Camper Package, and more...
Pulling a 30', 12. 5K lbs Alpenlite 5th Wheel

 

[Archive]

Hey Scott-John why don't you come to the dyno day sat 21st and meet everybody?

------------------
95' 2500 standard trans. 2wd reg cab 125,000 miles.
To be installed, TST #4 plate kit, 370 Diamond B injectors, Afc spring kit, Gov. spring kit,TST's fuel pressure adapter and 2 guage pillar mount, SPA EGT/Boost guage.

 

[Archive]

I'll be out of town then. But I will be keeping an eye out for future Houston meetings. Looking forward to meeting you guys one of these days.

------------------
2001 2500 ETH/DEE, QuadCab, 2WD, LWB, SLT+, 3. 54, Tow Package, Camper Package, and more...
Pulling a 30', 12. 5K lbs Alpenlite 5th Wheel