Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Loss of Power at higher Altitude

[kingdutch]

I have recently relocated (today) from California for Denver, CO.

My truck ran well at sea level in CA, but now that I am "a mile high" my truck puts out a lot more black smoke and has a significant power loss off the line. I do not experience a dead pedal (where I hit the pedal and nothing happens), but I do experience a slow acceleration.

There are no codes being thrown and the gauges are reading normal (13-15 fuel psi, 20 boost - wot, 600-900 EGT - pre turbo). I towed a 12' loaded trailer with me and didn't have any issues at highway speeds, only coming off the line.

Any ideas? Is there something I need to do now that I am at a higher altitude? I also experienced these same symptoms in the Sierras.



Thanks... KD

 

[PC12Driver]

That's just a side effect of the higher altitude. You simply don't have as much oxygen up there, which results in a bit more lag and smoke.

 

[kingdutch]

That is what I was thinking, less oxygen getting into the engine. Is there anything I can do? would a BHAF or similar help out with this? I currently am running the stock airbox with a K&N.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

smaller turbine housing or nitrous might help



all vehicles get neutered at altitude, not just your truck



but at least you're in Colorado!

 

[RCook]

Is your K&N really clean? I run an EZ and a BHAF, and it works well for me. I do a lot of heavy towing in mountains, and do not produce a lot of black smoke. A fair puff of smoke (not very black) when I start up cold, but otherwise not much unless I get on it at too low an RPM.



I also keep the jumper in the EZ on the middle setting, rather than the most aggressive one. This reduces over-fueling at low RPM, which reduces black smoke and improves my towing mileage considerably, and it doesn't reduce peak power that I can notice.

 

[ESorensen]

Welcome to the altitude! Not a whole lot you can do about it, just learn to drive differently.

 

[GHarman]

You may do some good by advancing your timing. GregH

 

[kingdutch]

Thank you all for the suggestions. My K&N is very clean, I just cleaned it prior to my trip out here. I think I am going to put the Amsoil BHAF replacement solution on my rig. I have wanted to do something like that anyway. Also, sinnce I am new to the area; does anyone know a good Cummins shop in the denver area?



Thanks, KD

 

[tabell]

I have about the same setup as you when I moved to Colorado Springs 2 years ago. I thought I was having issues also. You just have to change your driving habits. For everyday driving turn the sub level down to 2 or 3 on the Edge and only use about half throttle until the turbo spools up and the power comes in. If you are going to race someone off the line, put one foot on the brake and the other on the throttle and bring the boost up to 5psi before you launch or they will get the jump on you.

 

[georgej]

KD



I noticed when I visited my daughter in Colorado Springs this year my truck was really smokin as compared to previous trips. The only difference was I had a SC converter & valve body installed and I guess the added bite caused some towing lag before the turbo spooled up. Colored up the front of the fifthwheel tho!!!! :-laf