need modification advice

[XJSuperman]

I have an '04 HO (305/555). I am not wanting (well I want to but probably won't) to have any monster performance gains with this truck. It is plenty for everything I'll ever do with it. I doubt very seriously that I'll ever tow more than 10,000 lbs



With that said I intend to purchase and install a TAG and a Scotty III in the near future. I have been wanting to go with a full 4" exhaust BUT having done some reading here and other places I am wondering if I really want to or not. I know the TAG and scotty will give me a little more HP and TQ plus a little bit more economy... . but with what I have read it seems better for me to go with just a highflow muffler rather than a full 4" exhaust since I plan to retain the stock turbo and don;t intend to add any 'boxes' or other power addons.



Any and all info/suggestions/advice is welcome.

 

[RDietze]

sounds like you have a great plan to me. getting a full 4" would be more of a WANT than a NEED. i would replace the muffler, although i don't have any recommendations -- a trusted muffler shop will hook you up. look at getting some gauges as the 03/04s run on the hot side especially when you USE your truck and at altitude. if you get gauges (pyro) before you do any mods, you will see your relative gains prior to your mod installs.

 

[ThomasLawrence]

XJ,



I can tell you that my '03 HO/auto, now with about 18K on the clock, a Scotty RA3, TAG, and an Aeroturbine in place of the stock muffler runs much better than it did when it was new. Some of that is related to the break-in of the engine, but I can say without a doubt that the intake and exaust mods have allowed the turbo to spool up quicker, and my truck now feels like it can get out of it's own way.



In short, you've got the right ideas... go for it



-Tom

 

[TCDiesel]

mods

Mods depend on mostly cost VS benefit= personal preference.

Now if you stay under 390 hp, the stock setup on the engine only needs minor changes ,The stock air box is good,you will have to upgrade to a better filter Air-aide/K&N,whatever you like. Some do increase air flow-age better although allow more contaminates.

Stock exhaust is OK, again cost VS benefit = personal preference,Now the transmission is a area that you will spend thousands on,the TC/VB seem to be the weakest link it is subject to damage even with mild HP gains.

Gauges are a must on any diesel with mild HP gains over stock,also in the future will help with trouble shooting.

I hope the mod bug does not bite you to bad. it"s a nasty pocket book eater.



GAINS ABOVE 390+ WILL REQUIRE MAJOR CHANGES TO STOCK SETUP FOR DURABILITY AND LONGEVITY.

 

[XJSuperman]

I appreciate all the info



So here's what I'm looking at in this order:



guages ... EGT and boost? Any others?

TAG

Scotty III (w/AFE)

Aeroturbine (just replaces the muffler???)



Does this seem ... for lack of a better term... . appropriate?

 

[TCDiesel]

mods

Originally posted by XJSuperman

I appreciate all the info



So here's what I'm looking at in this order:



guages ... EGT and boost? Any others? TRANS

TAG

Scotty III (w/AFE)

Aeroturbine (just replaces the muffler???)



Does this seem ... for lack of a better term... . appropriate?

Definitely get the gauges.



I would try the E-Z on level 3 , The items above are not going to improve performance much and can be added later. maybe 11-14 HP.

This would be the best , Cost=performance/HP gain.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

XJ, the Aeroturbine is pretty loud by itself. It helps make it sound good but needs a muffler with it if you want quiet. If you are on a budget get the Ford PSD intermediate pipe and 4" straight thru muffler from Diesel Power Products and that will essentially give you a full 4" system for fairly cheap. Then add the Aeroturbine to this for improved sound if you want (I started with just the 4" muffler but didn't like the sound so added the Aeroturbine).



Vaughn

 

[DPKetchum]

Air IN/AIR OUT. I did the complete BANKS exhaust and AFE PRO GUARD 7. About a 2mpg increase and LOTS smoother running. Next is GAUGES and a BOX. Then thats all for me.