Reliable Horsepower?

[Big P]

The goal I have set for my truck is 350-400hp and I'm wondering if this hp level can still be considered very "reliable" as long as the mods are done correctly, like upgraded clutch, upgraded fuel delivery, etc. To get to this level I'm thinking of using DD2's or possibly DD3's and a fueling box like an Edge Comp or one of Blue Chips boxes, and possibly a different turbo. BTW this truck is my daily driver/work truck, and I only tow a snowmoblie trailer in the winter. TIA

 

[Wiredawg]

Hard To Say...

From what I've read and what I know (and what I think I know), you should be able to have reliability along with power. How you drive and maintain your truck are big factors, but there's always the lift pump and potential VP-44 problems. A few precautions can minimize problems.



First upgrades I recommend are fuel, EGT and boost gauges. In installed pre and post turbo pyro probes. The pre pyro gives more accurate (IMO) readings while running and I switc to the post turbo pyro for cool downs. These gauges will help you track the health of your truck. After that, baseline your truck (HP, TQ, fuel mileage) before adding anything. Add a fueling/timing box next and check performance. Then injectors. I installed my exhaust brake at the same time I installed my 4" exhaust.



Hope this helps. BOMBs away Oo.



Wiredawg

 

[Steve Campbell]

I agree with wiredog...

... yet, what is behind the 350-400 HP in the drivetrain may not be sooooo reliable. A good preventative maintenance program and perodic oil samples of the various components will allow you to stay ahead of the breakdown curve.

 

[Diesel Freak]

358 HP and usable!



see sig

 

[HiPerf360]

I drive mine every day, 35k on the clock in 13 months with no majior problems that werent caused by my stomp shifting the truck.

 

[Big P]

Thanks so far, I don't know why my sig. won't come up but, I already have boost, pyro-pre-turbo, and fuel pressure guages, JRE cold air intake, ATS 4" stainless exhaust, and a BD PNP 2.

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

I was talking to Keith L. at deisel dynamics the other day and he told me that Joe Donnelly is running around with upwards of 600 HP and has been doing so for about 130,000 miles. I have also been told that I don't have to run around with the comp on 5x5 all of the time. The truck runs great with just the DDII's...

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

There are two basic limitations to the amount of power that is usable. (1) drivetrain strength, or fixing the weak links--clutch, 5th gear on 5 speeds, automatic trans converter, line pressure, etc. ; (2) air system to keep egt down. Folks seem more willing to spend money on fuel upgrades as they see large hp gains per $. Air + fuel = hp, as I said in TDR#23. If you will upgrade the air system with things like head porting, proper camshaft (I like, use, and have installed for others the one Lawrence at DD and I developed), turbocharger and size-matched exhaust system, ATS exhaust manifold, you can run well over 500 hp for brief times with safe egt. I can't say about long durations, as Sickly gets into trouble too fast at that kind of power level.

 

[Diesel Freak]

Originally posted by Joseph Donnelly

proper camshaft (I like, use, and have installed for others the one Lawrence at DD and I developed

Wow, you mean one actually exists? I would love one once DD gots off their butt and offers it "MAIL ORDER". untill then I will just get out my welder and die grinder and make my own camshaft. I wonder what a little less overlap and a little more lift on the exhaust lobes would do.