Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) new at this, need advice

[roxieandduke]

i have a 2001 club cab, my 1st diesel. love it. thinking of a little power up grade. maybe a rip rock exhaust, power edge,e z. and a big ass air cleaner. what do i need to do to the automatic? im new at this, tdr has me a little nervous about the auto-transmission. i havent been hearing too many good things about them. any suggestions?

 

[Shovelhead]

Welcome:

There have been many, many discussions on the subject of auto transmission mods, and shops on this forum.



These are a "few" threads to get you started from the search feature. (returned 33 pages, 805 threads)



Also check the links button at the top of the page for the websites of a few of the companies of choice.







Get a REAL comfortable chair, a LARGE cooler full of your favorite beverage... ... ... . and click on the link. Oo.

 

[Charliep]

Typically, you will not need transmission mods until you reach 250hp at the rear wheels - EZ + 275's will put you there. If you are doing any towing, or want to protect what you have, I recommend a valve body such as the DTT unit. For less than the cost of the EZ box, you will increase the transmission performance and protect the tc.

My experience with the 4" exhaust was not good - too much delay before the turbo pressure starts to build - particularly with a modified TC. This and the minimal rear wheel hp gain are good reason to keep the $ in your pocket - buy guages instead. FWIW, I took off the 4" and replaced with with a 3" mandrel bent system similar to bracket drag racers.

 

[rrausch]

Here is a thread about my experience with ATS in Denver. I went there in April and had them rebuild the automatic in my 1995 D/C. They make the Triple-Lok Torque Converter which won't slip, I don't care how much H. P. and Torque you put through it. They can work with any good shop in Pa. to get you fixed up.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...?threadid=40441&highlight=experience+with+ATS

 

[WadePatton]

Two ways to save money for the real goodies. BHAF for $50 or less. And just have the stock muffler cut off and replaced with straight pipe. You really don't need 4" until you go up to 350HP or so. And pull the silencer ring out of the turbo-- while you have the turbo off drilling the manifold for your pyro thermocouple. Ain't this fun!



Gauges first!

 

[JR2]

I like the advice above... skip the 4" its not necessary yet. Get yourself an edge EZ, get a BHAF and some gauges and be happy. The transmission will hold fine, unless you tow huge loads. Now if you tow big loads a transmission upgrade would be in order.



On a side note I will say that my transmission upgrade was probably the best mod I did to my truck. It makes a huge difference in the way your truck drives. Do some research and ask questions. Be prepared trannsmission discussions get heated on here, but some good info can be found if you can ignore the passion some members have for transmissions.





JR2