Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Starting From Scratch

[SPine]

Well after over 10 years of wanting and waiting (including 6 years of college when I was flat broke) I finally got my first "real truck" last Feb after a short disappointing stint with a 93 6. 2 NA Chevy. So in less than a year, with much time spent lurking in the TDR forums, I am finally ready to pull the trigger on a few mild mods. I mainly want better fuel economy (17. 5-17. 8 with 4. 10's and an auto @ 75-80 is pretty good but could be better), an increase in power and the ability to leave a smoke trail on demand, in that order.



First will be:



-4" turbo back 304 Exhaust. I have seen many 409 kits and a few 304s, anyone have preference for quality and fit of one brand over another?



-Fueling + timing box/guages. I have been tossing the Edge Comp, Quad Adrenaline, and Smarty around as options for a while and the Adrenaline is coming out on top because I do not want to have to flash the ECU when I change settings and Adrenaline is USB updatable with different performance settings. Is the Adrenaline and Pulse worth $450 over the Edge Comp? Did Quad get the surging bugs worked out and Pulse button problem fixed yet? Any others I should look at?



Later will be a set of injectors and a better fuel system, most likely 275s and a FASS.



Even though this is my first post, I already feel indebted to you all for sharing your problems/solutions/advice. Thanks folks.

 

[Desperado]

Welcome to TDR



The first upgrade I would do (and have done) is the fuel system, I put on a FASS HPFP and it works great.



Next would be gauges, or a box with built in gauges.



Then intake and exhaust.



Last injectors.



JMHO



Others may go a different route.

 

[RHestand]

Yes, I also say welcome, and ditto Desperado info.

Ray

 

[Mishkaya]

Welcome to TDR! You should definitely start with an aftermarket lift pump upgrade, then gauges as a top priority.

mishkaya

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

SPine,

Welcome to TDR!!! And congrats on the truck!

ASAP numero uno: fuel pressure gauge. If I ever buy another 2nd gen 24v I may drive it home before installing a gauge but not any further.

2. Unless the exhaust is rotted off I would not sink a dime into it. Other than looks and sound it won't help a bit with SOP daily driving. I put a Silverline on BlackSheep, got it from Scheid Diesel. Perfect fit, not too loud with muffler, looks great after 150,000 miles.

3. If you want the power mods inexpensively go with RV275's and a used Edge EZ. If not then maybe a Smarty/TST combo. Find the Smarty # you like and then use the TST for on the fly adjustments. I would buy some DDP 75's for more power but very streetable.

4. Having 320,000 issue free miles on my AirDog I highly recommend it. It is less expensive up front and the Fleetguard replacement filters and cost much less the FASS filters. PM me for a dealer contact.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[SnoKing]

You are going to need an upgraded auto transmission to do what you want. Get gauges, fix the fuel system and start saving for a custom transmission (do it once and do it right, R&Ring is 500 a pop). Bigger exhausts are fun but not required until higher HP or towing. Pick up an used Edge EZ and run that while you are saving for the transmission. Most stock transmission's will handle one upgrade, but not two. A good custom transmission and tight TC is equal to one good upgrade on the street. It also if done correctly gives you an open ended upgrade path for power. You did not say how many miles are in the truck, but being a 2001 it is most likely going to eat the VP44 if it has the one with the brass bore. If the pump has not been replaced, set aside 1200 for that when it happens.



I run fuel pressure, boost, EGT and transmission temp in two places. Forget about transmission temps in the pan and install the 96 output line with sensor port. Call DTT for it and it will come with the flex line extension.



You did not say where you are located. That might effect what transmission you get. I drove to the source and got my transmission, injectors and box all in once expensive trip. I went with the billett input and 2nd gear cage but left the stock output. It is not that hard to change with the transmission still in the truck.



BTW 2001 have drum brakes on the rear and 2001. 5 have 4 wheel disc brakes.



SNOKING