Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Modification question

[GWHaley]

I need some info from some of you learned and experienced CTD owners. I recently purchased a 2001 QC 4x4 w/ auto and 4. 10 gears. I want to make some power improvements and was thinking that I would start with a 4" exhaust system. Any ideas or suggestions out there? Is this the best place to start? Wouldn't running a 4" from a stock turbo kind of defeat the purpose? Thanks for any help, Gordon

 

[RColston]

4" Exhaust

There is only a small HP gain from changing to a larger exhaust. Most important improvement is reducing the EGT by increasing the ability to flow more air. Hmm, if I remember some of that important menusha from the respiratory therapy days, if you double the area of a tube you increase the flow potential(reduce resistance) by 16. Don't hold me to the exact numbers but it is an exponential improvement. More important on a modified truck. More important is that wonderful sound.



Rick C.

 

[RColston]

Post Script

Invest in gages. Then you can see the improvement in your mod's as well as protect your investment:-laf .

 

[Sticks]

Run a search on BOMBs and you will have enough reading material to keep your brain and your wallet occupied for a long time.



Since you have an auto, you woun't be able to go nuts with the power. All Exhaust and a hi flow air filter are going to get you is lower EGTs. Welcome to diesel ownership, we have to add fuel to the mix for more power.



275 or DD1 injectors will get you 35 - 60 RWHP

Gauges (EGT, transmission Temp, Fuel Pressure) to keep an eye on the trucks vitals

Edge EZ will get you another 40-60 RWHP



Much beyond that you will need to upgrade your transmission to the tune of $1000 - $5000, depending on how much you want to do and who does it.



Do yourself a favor and get a BOMBing virus inoculation now while you have time.

 

[csevers]

When moding your truck start were you want to! I don't think you can go wrong with most mods but you can save money with the advice of the group here as far as most bang per dollar spent. If you want good sound the exhaust is a good place to start if you more power NOW then look at smaller boxes or injectors( till trans is squared away) then you will have alot more choices. Gauges are important and if done first you can get used to watching them and see normal reading are for future comparison after each mod. Good Luck and have fun.



Craig

 

[Mark Craig]

1st Mods

GWHaley,



Your on the right track! Get gauges and then exhaust before you decide on the fueling performance modification. That way you know stock egts and boost levels are, then you can see the decrease with the exhaust and also see what happens when you add the fueling device of your choice. It also makes it more fun to se the changes thru several levels and makes the Bombing last longer!!!!



Mark

Diesel Performance Parts, Inc.

 

[pwr2tow]

With a stock automatic DO NOT exceed 60 extra HP or you will fry your transmission. Yes, some have gone over the recommended 60 HP but you really have to baby it to get a long life out of the transmission and in my opinion if you have to baby it why bother with HP enhancements if you can not use the HP.



If you only add 60 extra HP you should not have to worry about EGT. With that said, I would still recommend gauges as you can then monitor your performance gains and enhancements.



Ron

 

[JR2]

Here ya go, follow this list till you are happy...



1. Gauges

2. RV275 injectors

3. Air Filter (BHAF/AFE)

4. transmission -TC/VB

5. Edge Comp

6. Fuel system upgrade

7. Bigger Turbo with 4" Exhaust

8. Bigger injectors

9. Nitrous



Want more??

 

[willyslover]

Gordon. . you need to be very aware of one thing. . [if not already]

On our rigs injector pumps are fuel cooled and the system that supplies fuel is the lift pump aka transfer pump... they have a very suspect life . . some last and last others fail frequently... test often and if you can install a permanent fuel pressure gauge very early on [get it tested now then gauge as you can]. . there are several guys local who might have a test gauge. . I'm sure they will show here soon...



as to Bombing lots of ways to go however the exhust you have is good thru 350++ HP so no hurry there unless you want improved sound. .



do your home work on mods... ask questions . . what do you do with your rig. . Do You... ... . tow / pull trailers, just a HP junkie , want to compete at the track / sled, are you going to be satisfied with lower HP mods or want an all out type rig... . if you select correctly you will not be buying the parts twice IE small injectors now and then wanting large ones, a little fuel now and a bunch later [boxes are not cheep so buy it once and adjust it down for starters]. .



after an additional 60 HP or so as stated before you'll need transmission help. . also do your homework there ... don't ask advise before you do a bunch of reading of existing threads as you will see when you do a search.



Fuel is the secret to HP and air to control EGT's



Performance Diesel [HVAC] is in Half Moon Bay, Extream Diesel [Brandon] is in Modesto, both have parts and install available, also Imler [sp?] Diesel in Sac... . and there are tons of other suppliers also when you start looking. .

 

[gregdoerfler]

Just my opinion but i agree with mark that is how i did my mods, gauges and 4 inch exhaust. my thoughts was put those on first so when you get fueling box or injectors you wont have to worry about your egts and have to spend more money right away to keep them in check. also i could not decide to go with the ez or comp but believe me go with the comp and dont hook up the wire till you transmission is ready that way you wont have a box that you will have to get rid of, also i like to be able to change settings from inside the cab whenever you want.

just my . 02

 

[GWHaley]

Thanks for the reply, as you say, every bit of info helps. The first things I have planned to do are install a set of gauges and moving the fuel pump near the tank probably with PS Diesel's remote wiring kit.

My aim with this truck may seem pretty sedate to some of you, but oh well, I must be getting old.

I am looking for better fuel economy, increased engine life and if possible a little more power (even though I'm pretty happy with the way it runs now). The truck only has 12,000 mi. on it and I think it should last a loooong time (500,000 mi. or more??).

I will be using Amsoil products and if there is anything else out there that has been working good, let me know and I'll check it out.

By the way, my background is two years of night school for heavy truck mechanics, and about five years working on the big trucks and three years working on Cat backhoes. This is my first diesel pickup though and alot of you guys are more experienced than I on the CTD.

Gordon

 

[OL RATLR]

modification / ?

Just go ahead and do it but it's like sex once you start you just want to

keep on doing it. Oo.

 

[Mtngoat]

Do gauges and transmission first, you won't regret it. Then you can bomb to your hearts content!



Robin

 

[Sticks]

NOOOOOO!



Get your inoculation first!!!