Newbie with some questions

[CClements]

Last week I decided to look at trucks and left with a Patriot blue 03 2500 SLT HO 4x4 with the 48re. It’s the first Automatic transmission I’ve owned as well as the first diesel. I would have stayed with the stick but the price (31. 500) was just to good to pass up. I really like the 3G Dodge; although, I think they missed the mark on the seats, lights and fog light installation.



I bought the truck because I plan to put on a lot of miles in some pretty bad weather. I will haul very little compared to many here but I look forward to learning from everyone’s experiences. And I could use a little help getting started.



1. Having never owned an automatic transmission before it all seems weird. Any dos and don’ts I need to know?



2. When I drove for a living we used nothing but Wix filters in our fleet. What is your opinion on WIX?



3. I’d like a little more oomph out of the hole. My friends all have PSDs



I was thinking



Air box improvements? Suggestions please



4” exhaust



Edge EZ



Thanks for the help



Carl

 

[PaulG]

i'm kinda new to all this also but from what i ready everyone has things in their truck they like so i'll give you my end of things and what i like

as for the chip i went with super chip cause of one reason the edge chip is just one setting where the super chip has three (banks makes one to but much more money) stages i can set

1st is 40hp and 70 ft of torque to the wheels



2nd is 50 hp and 90 to the wheel (what i have set can tow up to 6k like this

3rd is 70hp and 150ft to the wheels.

i just like to know i can adjust it if i have to.

I have a K&N air box kit coming that should help it breath abit and exhaust is always a good way to make it break and get some more FT pounds out of it but sometimes at a price of resonating on the highway or under loads.

well thats my two cents and oh ya the super chips programs are super clean i never get smoke at all when on it the gas or letting off!

Paulg

 

[Rosco]

Welcome to the TDR, I will try and answer your questions.



1. Just drive it normally. The only exception would be if you tow heavy and find the trans hunting between 3rd and overdrive, then just lock out overdrive.



2. Dodge only recommends a select few oil filters for the Cummins because of reported failures with certain filters that led to engine damage. The most widely used approved filter is the Fleetguard. In case you don't know Fleetguard is a Cummins subsidiary and is the "factory filter" for all non Dodge Cummins engines.



3. Give your truck some time to break in. They loosen up with a few miles and seem to get more "powerful"



I suggest going to the "First time Cummins owner" forum and do some reading. Also, use the search feature as there's a ton of info in the archives.



Good luck with your new truck.

 

[Rosco]

One more thing. Before you go out and buy power upgrades I suggest spending some serious time on this site "digesting" what is said/posted.



For example. I am not picking on PaulG, but their has been a lot of discussion regarding K&N airfilters. Personally, after reading many different opinions I WOULD NOT TOUCH ONE. That is strictly MY opinion but I came to it after a lot of reading.



Basically, don't jump the gun and buy some well advertised gizmo or gadget. Guy's here will tell you what works and what doesn't.

 

[SRadke]

Welcome to the site and the Cummins world Carl. You're gunna love that new truck. I personally don't have a lot of advise to offer but there is TONS of it out there if you do a few searches. Like Rosco said, give it all some time to soak in before you spend a lot of money. There are many great products available from multiple manufacturers that can help you.



On a side note I'm not sure about the "Edge chip" that Paul mentioned but the Edge EZ has 4 suggested setting. Some units have six but Edge doesn't recomend using the top two. Happy Bombing!

-Scott

 

[rbattelle]

I don't mean to bash Wix, but I used to use them on my gassers. I stopped after I encountered the second filter that was defective from the factory.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Gauges!

CClements, welcome to TDR



Before putting box on I strongly recommend gauges first (Exhaust Gas Temp and Boost). That way you can monitor your temps and not get it too hot with a box. I'd suggest getting it broke in a bit and wait about 10,000 miles before throwing on a box.



Air filters. . . go with AFE. Amsoil has a good drop-in reusable filter that goes in the stock airbox but doesn't flow as well as the AFE but definitely better than stock. I agree with Rosco. . . stay away from K&N!!! I had a bad experience with one on my 2001 Cummins.



Have fun!



Vaughn

 

[AndyMan]

Greetings Carl! Welcome to the TDR!



As others have said, LOTS of great info to be had here.



As to my 2 cents in response to your questions:



I love the Fleetguard Stratopore filters. If Cummins likes them then so do I.



EdgeEZ is the most popular box out by far. It's also one of the the only ones available. One thing that no-one has mentioned is getting some gauges installed. Running a box without being able to monitor the engine is a big no-no in my book. I have been reading/discussing fuel pressure issues with the EZ on the 3rd gens, might want to do a little research here on the topic of fuel pressure before adding a box.



I like the look of the AFE proGuard7 filter kit. It's supposed to flow massive ammounts of air and do it within spec required by the factory for filtering out particulate.



As for 4" exhaust. My money will go to Diesel Performance Products.



Good luck, and enjoy the truck!

Andy