Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Looking for HP advice...

[CCCRAM]

I could use some advice...



I just recently had the transmission overhauled when we discovered metal in the pan after going to Dodge to have the oil changed. So I went with the dealership re-build, with an ATS TC, then I'm having Diesel Specialists install the ATS VB and Pilot.



With this upgrade, should I consider an HP increase (I'm off warranty now)? If so, how much? I'm not looking to bomb, just get up the hills a little easier when towing. As you can see from my sig, I only have the Edge so far.



I know if I go with more significant HP increase, I'm looking at an exhaust and turbo upgrades, not sure I want to go that far as of yet. I would like to get a FASS before the pump goes out.



With these priorities in mind... what do you think?

 

[aharman]

Probably the most effective improvement to start with would be to put on a 4" exhaust. I noticed a 1. 5mpg improvement when I installed the Bully Dog 4". It would also lower your EGT's while towing.

 

[DCreed]

yes exhaust! also intake filter,a BHAF type. I love the AMSOIL NANO myself. which Edge product do you have? and yes, the lift pump upgrade ALWAYS a good idea.

 

[CCCRAM]

Hey all, it took me awhile to get back to the forum...



I didn't really get a response to my question:



I]"With this upgrade, should I consider an HP increase (I'm off warranty now)? If so, how much? I'm not looking to bomb, just get up the hills a little easier when towing. As you can see from my sig, I only have the Edge so far. "[/I]



I have the power edge ez module. Can I safely add more before adding exhaust, fass, etc. ?



Thanks!

 

[16919]

not really..... I would do exhaust and a fass either way... . and then maybe a comp box instead of your ez... ..... or a TST box to compliment your ez

 

[Joe Mc]

tripple C there are other than FASS options out there. I went w/Glacier Diesel Performance (Walbro pump and big line kit, Vulcan draw straw) FASS had some "opportunities" and from what I read here they've corrected them. But, the customer service has been (not first hand just from what I've read here and friends have experienced) not too good. I "thought" I had an issue with my Glacier pump, I called Rich (owner) and explained what was going on and he said "I doubt it's the pump, but since you are going to the dyno next week I'll blast a new one out to you so you have it in place before you dyno, and send the other one back "when" you get a chance" !!!!!!!!!!!! Now that's customer service!!!! It ended up not being the pump but restricted inlet filter and I sent the old pump back to Rich before I figured out the filter issue. Anyhow, do your homework about LPs versus buying what's "Popular". As far as upgrades, GET GAUGES FIRST - if you don't have them already. I went with Westach gauges from Geno's to me they match the stock dash gauges and are cost efficent - had them going on 5 years now no problems - when I upgraded to Glacier LP and bigger turbo I re-sold the 0 - 15# fuel gauge no problem and likewise with the 0 - 30# combo Boost/EGT gauge. I have the following in a tri pod "A" pillar mount - top EGT/Boost, next down is the trans temp (you are an auto so get the temp monitored - went w/Mag HyTech DD pan and pan sensor) - then the last and very inportant one is LP Fuel psi. Once you can monitor "see" what's going on then you can control (lighten the foot . . . . ) what's going on as required. After I did the DTT trans I went w/Magnaflow 4" system (cut off old w/Sawsall in driveway - bolt on Magnaflow), then Mach 1. 6 injectors (90 hp) and an Edge Comp. I did 387 hp/722 tq on the dyno at Fall Brawl 06 with that set up & stock Turbo and air box. Afterwards I let loose with a 64/14 Super Street HTT turbo, Mach 5 (200 hp) injectors and an SB air box/oiled filter and spun off the numbers in my singature at the Spring Fling 07. I'm shooting for another 10 - 15 hp and should easilly break the 1000 TQ barrier when I have my comp upgraded to a drag unit.



It's easy to make these things make HP & obnoxious TQ numbers it's about $$$ and keeping it together - the weak link for us Auto Trans guys is the transmission. My DTT Builder told me I'd be fine without billet shafts etc. up to 400 HP as long as I didn't do 4WD launches and locked shifts. When I ordered the turbo and injectors from him he told me the same thing up to 500 hp and then mentioned I'd probably do closer to 525 hp with my setup. Man was he dang close. This truck is my daily driver and "What" a daily driver it is! I really want to get it down to the 1/4 mile to see what a 7000# truck with an open end rear and 522 hp/998 tq will turn the 1/4 in. I'll be happy if it breaks into the low 15's - I "think" it might do better though - of course no 4WD launches and hope it doesn't spin too much on the 1 - 2 shift . . . with ol` PEG LEG out back :-laf



Have fun, be safe, save your money and buy quality products that will last and do what they advertise, not to mention hold a pretty good re-sale value when the Bomb Bug bites you next. It is as they say here "A Slippery Slope". As the hippie dude in the head shop used to say with a bigas smile on his face (when we were kids buying rolling papers from him) "Enjoy it Man, but don't get caught by the MAN". :-laf

 

[16919]

I was just using FASS as an example... ... yes there is air dog, rasp, and glacier as well. Pick what you like, but the stock system needs upgrading before mods for hp.

 

[CCCRAM]

Thanks Mac, I'll use your reply as I move forward with upgrades. It looks like my next step is the LP upgrade, then exhaust, before more HP upgrades. Thanks for all your help!

 

[CCCRAM]

James,

I did a little research, and FASS seems a safe choice, although Glacier appears good also. Did you install your FASS? Is it hard to do? Don't know if I want to pay 250 or more for install when I could it myself. I'm not a mechanic but I can turn a wrench...

 

[16919]

I had a buddy helping me when I did mine and he knew what he was doing. The concept of what you have to do is fairly simple and the instructions are detailed. As long as you take your time and don't rush you should be okay.

The hardest part is getting to the top of the tank you can drop it down or wiggle around the driveshaft which is what I did. You can do it in about 4-5 hours but I would start on sat morning and leave sun available just in case.

The original Fass that I had used the motors with the brushes and I got it in a trade with a set of injectors so I put it in. I had fuel sys probs that weren't related to the fass... . my isolator went out on me... . I then put on the newer one that came with the 6yr warranty. At that time I also saw a demo of the fass and the glacier side by side. It showed the size of the motors, filtering, etc. I got the fass.

Just sharing my experience. In short yes you can just take your time and read the instructions.