Questions by and for newbies

[jeepullr]

I've spent the last 7 hours reading posts, doing searches, reading more posts, following links, ordering books and trying not to pull my hair out... Though I've learned quite a bit, there is still much I either can't find, didn't find, or still don't understand. I thought with this thread we could get some direct answers to the simple questions that we New To Us Cummins owners have...



Engine oil-

Does the CTD prefer Dino Juice or Synthetic? (weights and brands of both have been exhaustively discussed/argued already elsewhere)



Does the 12v prefer a different oil than the 24v?



Transmission-

NVG4500, Never keep it below 1500RPM ever? or just in 5th gear? Is there a fix for the 5th gear retainer bolt issue? Is there a "name" for this... I've found very little on it...



Is there an optimal shift RPM? As in 'always try to shift at 2200 RPM' or 'always red line that puppy!'



Down shifting, with the quality of syncros now a days, is double clutching neccessary? desireable?



One of the P/O's of my truck wrote on the cover of the owners manual, "to adjust fuel mixture back to normal, turn cog toward driver side" Ummmnnnn... Cog? Do I want this adjusted?



Tailgate- Has anyone done any real testing to see if running with it down actually helps? (I know on some trucks it does... and some it doesn't)



Is there an optimal water temp range? Mine didn't move from 160* all the way from OKC to home (1200 miles)



Order of mods... I realize that modifications are of personal opinion... but I'd like some more power, and some better mileage. It would stand to reason that IF someone could only do one mod at a time... there would be an order. Putting on a giant intake will not really do any good without a big exhaust...



So, is the exhaust the likely first mod (after guages)? Then the Intake? What next? throttle plate?







There will be more...

 

[RAJohnson]

Thought these might help you with some of your questions.



www.dodgedieseldatabase.com



http://www.dodgedieseldatabase.com/bombing_options.htm



Things to do first before Bombing:

1) Gauges, boost Pyrometer, optional transmission temp, or fuel pressure.

2) K&N air filter in the stock air box or a JRE Cold air Kit with Heat shield.

3) 4" exhaust turbo to tail pipe, preferably mandrel bent aluminized.

4) Then some sort of fuel enhancements, i. e. Van AAken CPC or larger injectors, but not both at the same time until upgrades to the torque converter and valve body on Auto's, or a clutch on a manual

5) High quality low stall converter, preferably 1600 rpm, and a valve body modifications to recalibrate to handle the extra power.

I prefer the Star performance clutch on the manuals.

6) Depending on what you choose on #4 finish the job with injectors or Box.

7) 1/2 inch fuel system to feed that hungry powerhouse, and keep that injection pump cool and lubricated.

8) 7psi 100 gal. hr. pusher pump at tank.

9) 15 psi 100 gal. hr. lift pump on engine.

10) US Gear 20% Overdrive auxiliary transmission so you can use all that new found power.

How's 1800 rpms at 75 mph sound?

11) A BD turbo mount exhaust brake to slow her down.

 

[SRadke]

One step at a time here I'm a slow responder :-laf



NV4500, tough as nails in 4th, lousy in 5th. Heep it above 1800 in OD if you expect it to live. The best answer to the nut backing off is a fully splined mainshaft with the new lock mechanism. Unfortunaly they require a compleete trans tear down to install. Syncros live longer than bearings, don't sweat the downshifting.



Engine oil..... don't ask, many heated debates. Search on that one. 1st, 2nd, 3rd gen's all the same oil.



A/F mix ratio... . The PO just tweeked your starwheel for more low end fuel. If the smoke is bareable leave it alone.



Tailgate up. Looks ghay down and milage is no diffrent.



Water temp... . warmer is better but if it aint fluctuating I'd leave it alone.



Bombing order... . Gauges, plate, exhaust/intake, turbo, clutch/trans, injectors, DV's, another turbo..... as again when you get that far



Welcome to the boards. It's all downhill from here.



-Scott