Staying stock or modifying?

[1weldit]

Doing my own survey! What are you guys and gals doing to your Cummins engines in your daily drivers and tow rigs? Are you primarily keeping them stock or modifying to suit your personal goals and desires? What modifications are you doing?

 

[rynosback]

I'm staying stock on my 2015 3500.

 

[Jim W]

If you buy a 2013.5 with DEF and up truck I would leave this truck stock. Now if you have a 2007.5 to 2012 truck; you might think about modifying the truck depending on where you live. Either use a Smarty or EFI Live for a tuner with a DPF delete.

 

[jgillott]

My last modified truck was my 2001. I tried to daily drive it, race it, etc. By the time I sold it, it was broke more than it was on the road. My 2 current 3rd gens are bone stock and have almost 500K miles on them combined. And, there hasn't been much to fix beyond routine wear parts.

I'm not saying that I will never modify another one. But, I will not do it with the intention of it being my daily driver.

 

[RustyJC]

My current truck (see signature) has all the power I need to hold 65 MPH towing our 19,000 lb GVWR 5th wheel through the Ozark Mountains. Because of the complexity of these new trucks, I purchased the extended warranty out to 8 years and 120K miles. With the exception of a Titan 55 gallon replacement fuel tank, it will stay stock.

Rusty

 

[KenHwy61]

If you buy a 2013.5 with DEF and up truck I would leave this truck stock. Now if you have a 2007.5 to 2012 truck; you might think about modifying the truck depending on where you live. Either use a Smarty or EFI Live for a tuner with a DPF delete.

I would agree. Staying mostly stock. I did unplug the EGR valve on my '12 which made very noticeable improvements in MPG and the way the truck runs. I am happy with the performance and it is still under warranty so not doing anything else. If the DPF gives me out of warranty trouble then might look into some changes.

 

[1weldit]

Thanks guys! Mine is a '07 5.9 6-spd. It's got 128k on it now and having some fueling related issues. I installed a South Bend dual disk at about 85k (3rd clutch) due to the loads I occasionally pull with this truck. I've thrown around the idea for a while about upgrades when something went wrong with it, but wanted to increase air when or before I increased fuel. My thoughts were replacing the injectors with a max of 100 hp, and compound turbos, but I don't know anyone personally running compounds to know how much headache they could be in the future or what it would do to engine life expectancy. I'm not racing this truck or competing with it in any way, I just would like to have more power on tap but not the typical heat that comes if air is not added.

 

[AH64ID]

On your 5.9 a good Smarty UDC tune would get you some added hp, better mileage, and cooler EGT's... but in the end it's still modified and modifying can be a headache.

My 05 5.9 is modified and it's been worth it to me.

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

Keeping it bone stock. My truck has more than enough power, its quiet,smooth,gets good fuel mileage, and doesn't get hot while towing my 18,000 lb 5er up any grade, in any weather. I'm very happy with it.

 

[Wayne M.]

Still bone stock, except for my 2u fuel filter. I watched a good '03 get a taste of power, and things went out of hand. Wound up dropping some valve seats. I just can't afford even chancing that. I also firmly believe that stock= reliable. I really think even the small issues of things like fuel lines rubbing through brackets and such go hand in hand with modding. It's the increased rail pressure that causes issues. JMHO.
As things do wear out, like injectors and the turbo, I will research a good stock or first stage replacement from the aftermarket.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

Bone stock on my 2013 48000 towing miles and very happy with the stock performance.

 

[Regcabguy]

My 5.9 has an upgraded clutch and suspension. Additionally,power and drive ability is enhanced via EFI Live by Anarchy.
The power curve is much more linear with the tuner. I've got additional fuel filtration also.
I run the mildest tune.

 

[Wayne M.]

Bone stock on my 2013 48000 towing miles and very happy with the stock performance.

Is that 48,000 or 480,000?

 

[samsonite01]

I have a 01.

Its not what mods i want to do, it what mods that need to be done to keep her on the road.

DOR track bar and crossover steering
The whole transmission
The whole fuel delivery system
Little wiring issues

These trucks where underpowered to begin with. A set of rv275s, intake and exhaust, and edge juice/attitude give her enough power. The problem with those mods is they lead to other mods in order to stay reliable. First is the transmission, factory units were a joke. Then its feeding her fuel, the edge needs more and the vp44 is happy with more. The rv275 injectors were my most recent upgrade and im really happy with those. The steering was something to be desired. Pillar gauges fore shure. And bunch of small things like trailer brake controller, cool looking rear differential covor, leveling kit, rims/tires, etc.

I love my truck. Always room for improvment.

 

[Bob4x4]

I would agree. Staying mostly stock. I did unplug the EGR valve on my '12 which made very noticeable improvements in MPG and the way the truck runs. I am happy with the performance and it is still under warranty so not doing anything else. If the DPF gives me out of warranty trouble then might look into some changes.

no dpf on a 12

 

[MConyers]

no dpf on a 12

no DEF on a 12, DPF since '07.5, love my '16 with DEF (so far, 'til it gives me problems; better mileage than my '11 or '04.5)

 

[samsonite01]

And honestly if i were to buy a new truck..prob wouldnt do any thing to it.

Wait.......mabey.......and then.......awww forget it!

I got the diesel bug

 

[KATOOM]

I have an '01 and any modifications I've done are for added reliability, usability, and towing ability. I can tow my 14k 5th wheel in the mountainous northern CA far better than it could have stock. But that said, yes, if I was ever to the point where I dropped $65k for a new truck, I likely wouldnt touch anything.

 

[SnoKing]

I have an '01 and any modifications I've done are for added reliability, usability, and towing ability. I can tow my 14k 5th wheel in the mountainous northern CA far better than it could have stock. But that said, yes, if I was ever to the point where I dropped $65k for a new truck, I likely wouldnt touch anything.

You would most likely touch the 8.4 touch screen from time to time. Or all the buttons on the steering wheel - front and back!!!! :-laf:-laf:-laf

 

[KATOOM]

Duly noted.....