Newbie introduction and guage questions

[Radshooter]

Hi all... ... Been lurking here for several months now, and thought it was time to thank you all and introduce myself. I have really learned a lot here and have about worn out the search engine!!



I traded a 99 Dodge 2500 LWB auto 3. 55 V-10 for an 03 CTD 3500 HO 6-spd Dually LWB with 3. 73s. We live in a large fifth wheel fulltime. This truck will be my daily driver as well as heavy hauler. The V-10 handled the trailer OK, but I never liked the way the transmission shifted in the hills. Waited too long and RPMs got too low for my liking. Not to mention 6 MPG pulling, 10 MPG empty. My CTD only has 1100 miles on it, but am already getting 14-15 mpg running around town. Probably next spring before I get to hook it to the fiver and try it out. My wife says it is a good thing we are set up permanent for now and skirted, or I would pulling the trailer all over town!!



I am a radiologic technologist, and she is an OR RN. Next spring, we are looking at becoming travelers and may be on the road a lot. The nice thing about living in a fiver is wherever we go, we are home.



OK... time for the questions... . It may be a few years before I can afford to start bombing, but want to plan it out ahead of time. I don't want to be taking out one gauge for a two gauge pod, then take out the two gauge pod for a three gauge pod etc. I definitely want to add an exhaust brake first. What gauges go with that besides the EGT? What other gauges do you guys recommend? I am leaning towards an EGT, Fuel pressure, pyro (same as EGT??) What is "boost" ? That is one thing that has eluded my searches. Do I need a gauge for that also?? What else do you guys recommend? I am a firm believer in "Can't have too many gauges or too much info. "



Thanks for your help. I really enjoy this site and the way you guys help each other out. It is also good to see that people can take a ribbing here now and then and not start a flame war!!



Thanks... ..... Steve

 

[AndyMan]

Hey Steve!



Welcome!



I'd say you're on the right track with the gauges.

Pyro (is same as EGT - Exhaust Gas Temperature)

Fuel Pressure

Boost (measures boost generated by the turbo in psi).



Try doing a search on preferred installation locations for the pyro. Since you will be primarily towing, I would suggest placing the probe pre-turbo. Everyone has an opinion on this. I'm sure others will pop up with their input.



Good Luck! Enjoy the truck! Come hang out with us in Nashville Tenn sometime when your this'a way!



Andy

 

[Radshooter]

Thanks Andy. If we ever take a travel assignment in Tennessee, we will look you up. Likewise, if you ever get towards Idaho, let us know (if we are still here and not traveling).



Supposed to get down to 26 here tonight, so plugged in for the first time. Will see if it makes a difference in the morning.



Thanks for the info...

Steve

 

[JohndeereG]

In regards to your gauge question, I would recommend the EGT and boost only. There have been improvements in the overall fuel delivery with the 03-04 from the previous 24v trucks. There isn't quite the concern on fuel line pressure and that is why I did not install a fuel pressure gauge.



A boost gauge measures the intake manifold pressure. Basically a turbo is an air compressor forcing air into the cylinders rather than a vacuum system with a gas engine. As your truck begins to "work", your intake system will build pressure which is monitored by the boost gauge. A typical stock 03 will produce a max of 23psi. An edge ez and a new wastegate elbow will produce 38 psi.



Hope this helps. . enjoy your ride. :-laf

 

[Radshooter]

Thanks JohndeereG. I am leaning towards doing the e-brake, EGT, and boost first, and see how my truck handles the trailer. If I think I still need more power, would the EZ be what I need?? I am not interested in winning drag races, just need brute power to pull the rig.



Thanks..... Steve

 

[DPKetchum]

New Generation boxes wil deput at some time. i'm waiting before buying so I haven't made up my mind on WHO"S yet.

 

[SRadke]

I am waiting for the new generation boxes with timing and pulse duration. There is more power to be had and I want it the first time.



As for the fuel pressure gauge it's not a bad idea. As a stock truck you will be fine but tests have shown fuel pressure to be pulled down very low with nothing more than a box. Pyro, boost, and fuel pressure would be my recomendation.



-Scott

 

[MBailey]

stock turbo boost pressure

I'm looking for some information on stock turbo boost pressures. I just installed a pryo and boost pressure guages on my truck, and I am only reading about 4lbs of boost at 55 mph unloaded, and 8-9 at 65 unloaded. Is this correct? 2002 3500, 5 speed, 4:10, 4X4, stock. I have a EZ on the way as we speak, and also 4" stainless exhaust. Don't want to install anything before I know if the pressures are correct, 65000 still on the warranty. Also, max boost seems to be right at 18 lbs at WOT.

 

[SRadke]

MBailey, you're numbers sound close. I expect 8-9 unloaded at 65 but a WOT run up to 2800 rpm should net you over 20 psi. With a good trailer load I would look for 22-24 psi WOT.



When I first installed my boost gauge I found that I had tightened the compression fitting too tight. It partially collapsed the hose. You may have the same problem. After fixing this problem my boost gauge became a lot more responsive. It would both climb fast and drop off to 0 very quickly between shifts.



-Scott

 

[JHardwick]

I'm thinking mine was 24-26 WOT no load pretty quick stock. and I'm also thinking that seemed to be the majic number. I'd check for leaks!

 

[rbattelle]

Originally posted by JHardwick

I'm thinking mine was 24-26 WOT no load pretty quick stock. and I'm also thinking that seemed to be the majic number. I'd check for leaks!

I see a max of about 24. 5 psi WOT in top gear unloaded.