Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Needing some upgrades

[jhiers]

Hey guys,

I wanted to get your thoughts on some upgrades for my stock '01. I would like to purchase a 4" exhaust, exhaust brake, and a tuner. I don't have any gauges, so I would prefer one with all the readings. Also, has anyone had experience with buying used tuners or chips, and is this safe. I'm not looking to spend alot of money on this truck, just need a little extra power for towing my fiver. I plan to keep it for another year or so and then trade for a HDT.

thanks

 

[jhiers]

p. s. i forgot to add signature

 

[ILIANBG]

Hi. Your truck is very similar to mine except drw and fass My mileage is almost the same as yours.
I would install a fuel pressure gauge no matter what. I don't really know much about tuner boxes with digital displays.
I, personally am a bit old-fashioned and I like the analog gauge look. There are plenty of guys here with more experience that will help and make your choice easier.
Ilian

 

[JR]

What is an HDT? If you only plan on keeping it a year, I would put a fuel pressure gauge on it and run it. Unless your towing heavy on a regular basis, you will never get your moneys worth out of whatever upgrades you put on it. However, if your dead set on purchasing something, an Edge would probably be the most economic route for you. Theres different model tuners, I think the Edge cts or Insight??? that have a screen to monitor engine parameters. Im not familiar with any of them, I run mechanical gauges and a smarty. I prefer gauges, they are more reliable than something with electric senders IMO and if something should happen to them, I can replace them individually rather than relying on a monitor for everything.

 

[NIsaacs]

What is an HDT?





Heavy Duty Truck, I think. What are you going to use it for? Just pull your fifth wheel? How about a MDT, Barry sells some good one's.



Nick

 

[jhiers]

I have a heavy fiver that i'm towing, from east to west coast and then back again. I need to keep my 3500 for a year or so until I can save enough money for a HDT (heavy duty truck). I think I want this set up so that I can tow my small car as well, behind the cab of the HDT. I have a few bucks to put into the Cummins to make it work for now, until I find exactly what I need

 

[BDaugherty]

There are a LOT of options out there. I had an Edge Juice with Attitude on my '01 and really liked it. They don't sell the old style monitor anymore, but I'm sure the new color screen is probably nicer. It will give you adjustable power increases as well as all of the gauges that I consider important for your truck.
http://www.autoanything.com/performance-chips/61A1940A0A0.aspx
They aren't as cheap as they used to be, but if you compare it to a fuel box and manual gauges, it's sort of a toss up in price and it's easier to install.
Of course, if you just want a little, get an Edge E-Z and add boost, EGT, and fuel psi gauges.
http://www.autoanything.com/performance-chips/61A1945A0A0.aspx
I haven't personally run one, but I have heard nothing but good about the Smarty for your truck. Again, you would need to add gauges.