performance upgrades

[GStead]

I have a 2002 Dodge Cummins , 4x4, automatic with a 410 rear-end. I tow an 8,000 lb fifth wheel about 10% of the time. The truck sure seems to bog down on long steep hills, particularly at high elevation. I'd like to hear from other TDR members who have enhanced the performance with after market accessories.



Gary Stead

-- email address removed --

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Check my sig for what I've done, and the results - has worked extremely well on a 5er a little lighter than yours...

 

[boonsur]

Welcome!



You'll find a lot of information in the 2nd generation forums. Although, many of the people there are into much higher horsepower than you'll probably need.



On my last truck ('99), I went with the Edge EZ box. Made a lot of difference, and I'd strongly recommend it for you. It is very easy to install (2 plugs and a boost elbow), and quite "safe" for your engine. It increases boost and changes the timing of the injection, whereas many of the bigger boxes do things to the injection pump, causing it (and other components), more stress. The engine is "de-tuned" by the factory for emissions. Changing the timing will cause more smoke, and higher EGT's, but they should be safe with just the EZ box. I say this, but be sure to get an exhaust gas temerature gage, so you can monitor it.



Now that you've paid the money, you can use the search function. I'd start by searching for EZ, in the 2nd gen forums.



Trust me, your engine's got plenty of unleashed power available to tow 8K with total ease! Good luck, and enjoy.

 

[GStead]

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. You've got a good looking truck. Was the Edge Comp a plug-in computer module?

I thought about a "Banks" performance upgrade, but 2900 bucks seems a bit steep. I thought about larger injectors but they require specilized tools and my local dealer refuses to give his tool supplier.

Did you retain the stock 3" exhaust?

 

[amillstream]

Special tools to change injectors? Any decent craftsman tool set is all you need. Diesel Dynamics has instructions on their web site. (I think thats where I got them from) There isn't much to changing injectors. Should take you a couple of hours if its your first time. Experienced guys can do it in 45 min.

 

[amillstream]

Oh yeah I forgot about the torque wrenchs. You could probably find someone to borrow them from. Thats what I did.

 

[GStead]

Thanks for your help and quick response. what brand of gages do you reccommend ? Boost pressure & etg, perhaps a trans temp gage ?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

FIRST and foremost, a FUEL PRESSURE guage, then a EGT and boost guage - those will be neccessities for towing anything after that is a luxury!



As to brand, mine are fairly inexpensive Westachs, pillar mounted.



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[GStead]

will the Edge Comp void the remainer of my warranty, or is it if it thought to be directly related to a problem ?

 

[GStead]

excellent site, members were very helpful.

 

[boonsur]

I still say, get a box before the injectors. The bigger injectors will be more taxing on your fuel delivery system (although mild ones aren't too bad). However, they will also create more heat & boost. This may set engine faults, or worse. The remedy is to use a boost module (part of any box), which will fool the computer into thinking things are fine (intercepts the MAP sensor, and gives a revised signal to the computer).



Also, it's a bad thing to be discussing performance upgrades with a dealer. Any (and many) of them will completely void your warranty (and rightfully so, if you melt the cylinders, or destroy the injection pump). Yet, that's another advantage to a box - easy to remove when you need to. Granted, the dealer may not easily notice the injectors are different, but they should be able to see the increased smoke, etc. It's slippery ground, and a lot depends on the individual person at the dealership.

 

[GStead]

one dealer mechanic I spoke to recommended the "Banks" performance upgrade, but $2900. is alot of money.

 

[boonsur]

Banks & Dr. Performance are "curse words" around here. Way, WAY overpriced, and poor customer support (and don't ever be mislead by claims that a product won't void the factory warranty). Again, try a search. Go back a couple of years and you'll have months of good reading. Gotta get into the 2nd gen forums. These questions are covered to death.

 

[GStead]

thanks for advice .