Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Power upgrades

[CumminsPower98]

I'm from over in the 12 valve crowd but I have a customer who would like more power and mileage out of her 24 valve. I don't know a lot about all this electronic stuff since I have worked mostly on trucks with the "stupid" pump.



The truck is a 2000 24 valve auto 2500 short bed. She does pull a small 12'x8' tandem axle box trailer to haul wood to sell. She wants more power and better mileage. What I need to know is what would be the best box for this type of use without doing anything to the auto trany. I would guess that gauges are a must. Right now she has about $1,300 to spend on this. Would 280 RWHP or maybe 300 be too much? Also what about the waist gate control, how does this work or can it just be plugged off like the 12 valvers? Any help would be great.



Thanks a bunch,

Mark

 

[BFC]

Edge EZ is about all the stock transmission can take. Gauges are recommended for any power mods. Maybe air filter and exhaust would be a good idea also. Definatly would not add more fuel than this if the transmission is to remain stock. All Edge products come with a boost elbow to increase boost to go along with more fuel.



Glenn

 

[RADdodge]

I was just thinking (very dangerous, I know) that in this case, I doubt gages would be of much benefit. This looks like a person that uses the truck and has it serviced, etc. , so I doubt that the gages would really be used. After all, you do have to pay attention to the gages for them to be of much use.



I agree with the Edge EZ.



I like the feature of the Blue Chip FMS box that it defuels (and can be set to defuel or not at some set EGT), so it could minimize the danger of cooking the Cummins. Banks does that too, but the FMS sounds sweet. Probably too much for the budget though. I believe it could be setup to use without extreme fueling that would require a transmission upgrade. I don't have a FMS box - anyone that has one might want to pipe up.

 

[rhelms]

Might I suggest a 3 step approach?

1) $200. 00 put an AFE air filter on her and pull the hood/cowl gasket off. Ask her if she can handle the increase in noise level and does she notice the performance difference when towing.



Pulling the gasket allows air to flow like it would under an expensive cowl induction hood. Without the cost!



If she says there's a vacuum leak in the dash, that's the turbo noise feeding back thru the open air box.



2) $600. 00 Put a 4inch exhaust on her. Again ask customer about power and noise levels. You can run the 4" without a muffler (saving about $80. 00) if she can handle the noise.



She might be happy now, if not:



3) $800. 00 Try a small chip, EGT & Boost gauges. Superchips is cheeper than Edge and I've been told that the SC "d" box is a re-branded edge. So you gets the quality without the premium price. I've put 97000 miles on mine in about 6 months and have had no trouble with it.



If she's not happy with this she's going to need to open the check book wide to get more power.



I also recommend you make sure she understand that that transmission is going to die. I got 137000 miles out of mine and I tow heavy all the time. I changed my transmission fluid and filter every 15000 miles and ended-up driving from Detroit to Denver at 42 MPH to get to ATS. Now I'm running a stage 4 ATS transmission and would'nt give it up for anything.

 

[rhelms]

I forgot one more thing.



The boost elbow can not be installed on the auto transmission "because the waste gate has a solid line" quoted from Superchips.



So she'll only get +/- 22lbs of boost instead of +/- 28 lbs with the elbow installed.

 

[Big White Beast]

EZ would be my vote..........

In my heavy truck it worked fine with the auto. If concerned do a fluid and fiilter change, tighten the bands and raise the pressure just a hair.



The EZ is probably one that can be run without gauges if shes not interested in that. It doesn't add that much fuel and the timing some times helps fuel economy.



For around $1300 you should be able to do an EZ ($500), 4" exhaust ($350) and a BHAF ($40), (BHAF because its quiter and I don't care for oiled filters), and have change left over.



That would be a sweet combination.



And the 2000's still had HX-35 turbos so a boost elbow would work. You won't see a lot of gain because of the non-aggressive fueling of the EZ.



Garrett

 

[CumminsPower98]

Thanks!

Thanks for all the input guys. I have decided to go with the Edge EZ, 4" exhaust turbo back, Pyro and boost gauges on the A-pillar, and a BHAF. I think this will wake the truck up a bit without tearing it up or melting it and I think she will be happy.



I better check the fuel pressure while I'm in there. Do I need any sort of special fitting to do this? I have never checked it on a 24 valve. Also do I need to drill and tap for the boost gauge? If I remember right there is no plug like on the older ones.



Thanks again,

Mark

 

[Big White Beast]

Mark,

Good choice I think she'll be happy. There is an opening on the block to get boost but a few have said they don't like it. Erronious readings or something. Some have drilled and tapped the intake horn. The best is to order a Boost Bolt from Piers. It takes the place of an existing mainfold bolt and is threaded for the 1/8" compression cap to hook the line right to it.



I can't remember if the 2000's had schroeder fittings on them or not. There should be one pre filter and one right before the VP44 if it does. These are threaded for a -4 AN fitting. Just remove the core with a tire core tool and your set to go. If not you may have to get some modified banjo bolts that are tapped for 1/8" pipe thread.



I have some pics from the 01 & 02 where connections were made if you need them.



Garrett

 

[CumminsPower98]

Thanks Garrett. I got all the stuff on the way so soon I will be leaning something new in the 24 valve area.

 

[Bob Wagner]

TDR Member Rip Rook sells a package deal EZ/4" Allied system at a nice price



And he also has a newer lower priced 4" system too.

 

[CumminsPower98]

Bob, that is just what I did. I got his package deal on the exhaust and the EZ. Thanks

 

[CumminsPower98]

Update

I got the 4" exhaust, BHAF, and EZ installed yesterday and wow what a difference. I took the truck for a little drive before doing anything and it was a dog like the owner had said. 3. 5 hours later and the thing runs like a different truck with some muscle under the hood. The gauges will go in next week when they get here. Thanks again for the input guys. It was nice to get a change to do some work on a 24 valve for a change. -Mark-

 

[Sticks]

So how does one get a hold of Rip Rook? I searched the members list and could not find him.



Sticks

 

[jhurst]

Sticks,



http://www.sourceautomotive.biz is his website.



And email is: -- email address removed --







Justin H