Looking for Performance Advice

[DougJones]

I'm a new member with a new (to me) truck. It's a 03, std. cab, auto (47 or 48?), 3. 73's, with BFG 315's on aftermarket wheels. It has around 5000 miles on it now. Except wheels/tires it is all stock. This truck is used for mostly commuting, but I do occassionaly pull a 9000 lb trailer, and a few 4000 - 5000 lb trailers in mountainous country.



I'd like to increase the performance and increase the mileage, but nothing extreme. Basically I'd like to make what we used to refer to as a "sleeper" when we were hot rodding cars from the 60's or early 70's. I'm prepared to spend some money.



I know the first thing is gauges. Unless someone has better ideas, I plan to get the autometers that fit in the cubby hole (unless I end up with a TST box with gauges). I'd like to keep the the truck interior as clean/stock looking as possible.



I'm really confused with what do with a chip/box, and what to do with exhaust.



I'd like the truck to be quiet, at least during normal driving conditions. I'd rather not increase tailpipe noise by much, if any, in the cab under these conditions. I read one post talking about cutting a 2" diameter hole in the resonator plate inside the stock muffler, actually making the truck quiter while at the same time reducing restriction. Really? What off-the-shelf exhaust system is good without making a lot of noise? I'm OK with making noise when I get after it, just not under normal conditions.



For the box, I think I need something that gives me increased torque and horsepower in the 1700 - 2500 rpm range for pulling, and the same for occassionally for showing off. Right? At the same time, I'd like to increase my fuel mileage in this same rpm range. I see that some vendors advertise a 10% gain in fuel economy. That would be good. My first chance with hand calcs adjusted for tire diameter gave me 16. 3 mpg. I am hoping to eventually get to 18+ mpg freeway. I am clueless on what box gets me closest to what I am looking for.



I can tell from reading posts that you guys know these engines/trucks. Most of you are working on extremes. I like that. It's just not for me right now. I'm hoping to get some advice on what would help me get what I am looking for.



Thanks in advance for any advice.



Oh, BTW, where can I get Wet Oakle (sp?) seat covers, and you guys that have them, do you like them?

 

[BRayls]

welcome to the forum,look around everything you ask is here already,I think the ez is the first mod after gauges

 

[WPeschel]

I agree with BRayls the Ez sounds like what you would want... The TST is very extreme... . Your best bet is to get a K&N drop in filter also after the guages and chip...

 

[DGibbs]

Got my Wet Okole's at www.wetokole.com

 

[WPeschel]

what did your seat covers cost???

 

[DKiesewetter]

I got my seat covers from www.camotruckseats.com. I get nothing but compliments on them... even from peoplewho don't like camo. They fit tight, are VERY durable, and hide dog hair and such in my dark interior.



I got the Wetlands camo ones, but every guy I have seen that has taken my advice and gotten these has liked them. They fit WAY better than Wet Okoles.



Doug

 

[DGibbs]

Approximately 300 bones.

 

[Car_nut57]

For the exhaust the Banks Monster exhaust is one of the best. It quiet, and has the performance advantage of the down pipe replacing the cast elbow off the turbo with a true 4" down pipe.



Gauges of course are a must before installing any fueling box. We have the Di-Pricol that are made to match the new dash of your truck. However your fueling box choice may effect your decision on the gauges as well. When it is released(Not released yet) the Edge Juice with Attitude monitor will incorporate the gauges in the display. Also the Banks Six-Gun with its new programing work very well and have optional electronic gauges that plug into their module.



Another item which you may want to consider is a Turbo Air Guide (TAG). We are seeing very good results with the TAGs on the Dodge Cummins trucks in the form of mileage, EGTs and throttle response.

 

[TDragna]

Doug Jones

Look at my profile for what mods I have done. The TST box is only as extreme as you want it to be. You can run it on 0 setting and it is stock and then go up from there. On higher settings you can break your turbo if you lose control of yourself. My mpg has increased to almost 20 mpg, from about 18. 5, and around 14-15 towing 7 to 8k. I'm pushing 70 years old , but I feel like a kid again driving my truck,Its awesome. Here is the order that I did the mods, drove to Colorado to ATS transmission,FASS fuel system, A-pillar gauges,DDair box, ATS exh. manifold, took truck to Diesel Dynamics and installed their turbo and 4"exhaust and then the TST box. (PS-Be prepaired to spend big bucks)

TDragna

 

[lil red cummins]

D. J.



i love my TST PMCR. there is nothing extreme about it unless you want it, as TDragna says.



i run normally on 2,2 and it is very controllable and does not throw codes. it is only a problem when the pavement is wet! then you have to pay attention.



the rest of my truck is stock also, other than drilling some holes in the bottom of the air box. the stock exhaust is more than sufficient for me, for now.



by the way, when i installed the TST and did all the "testing" as it were, my mileage only dropped to 18. 5 overall for that tank. now that i have eased up a little, it is back up to 20. 2 give or take, calculated mileage, not the overhead.



jim

 

[DougJones]

Thanks guys for all your advice. I've at least narrowed it down to either an Edge or TST for a box. Also ordered my wetokole seat covers last night.