Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Towing Power Enhancements

[Kingram]

I know this has been posted a lot, and I'm sorry for asking again.



I have searched the forums a good bit and find pieces of information that answer my questions. But, I'd like to run my entire thought process by you experts one time.



I have a stock 2001 ETC/5spd. About 50k miles.



We tow about 10-11k maybe 1000 miles per month and about 2000 miles/month commuting.



I can get my stock pre turbo EGT to 950 after a long full-throttle pull with the trailers. I can get about 21 psi max boost at about 2100 rpms.



I'd like to add some power without worring about driveline or overheating. Now, I'm aware that adding power will decrease engine and driveline life, but I don't want to make mods that will drastically shorten their life. Make sense?



I'm thinking 275's and Edge Comp (without the pump wire connected). I like the injectors because I've read they are somewhat easier on the pump than timing boxes. But, I like the power (low end) the boxes provide and the in-cab controls of the Comp.



Question:

Can I go 275's and Comp (with reasonable settings) and keep EGT's and driveline issues in control?



Keep in mind what I'll be towing and the fact that I only want the Comp over the EZ because of in-cab control.



What are your thoughts on this?



I really appreciate everyone's time!

Chris

 

[RustyJC]

Sounds like a good package. I have the EZ with stock injectors on an ETH and, using the Edge boost elbow along with a BHAF and 4" exhaust, dropped my EGT's from 1300 degF stock (21 PSIG boost) to 1100 degF (30 PSIG boost) with the current configuration. Fuel economy is as good or slightly better than stock, and no overheating problems at all.



The combination you suggest, however, is marginal insofar as the clutch is concerned for us ETH owners. Some have made it OK with the EZ and 275's - some have roasted the clutch and had to go to a South Bend (or equivalent). Maybe a 5 speed owner can comment on clutch longevity with the ETC/5 speed running the combo you're considering.



I'd really like to add DD2's to mine, but the EGT's might or might not be a problem. A clutch changeout would almost certainly be required since we tow a 36' 5th wheel at a GCW of 21,180 lbs (21,500 GCWR).



Just one question - are you sure that your EGT thermocouple is mounted pre-turbo? A 950 degF maximum reading sounds like a post-turbo reading to me. Just wondering... ...



Rusty

 

[Barry]

I'm in the RV Biz. My favorite combo is 4" exhaust, EZ, Stage 1 injectors. I sold my '01/2500 ETH/DEE to one of my church members with 94K on the odo. It now has about 110K. Still has same clutch.

I have set-up my '02 just like the above... ... ... ... ... . And I have NO temp problems.

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

I'm with Rusty here. There is no better towing combo than just and EZ with intake and exhaust. Low egt's and a flat foot uphill.

 

[Barry]

Right On! The SINGLE best thing to do on a Cummins for enhancement is an EZ. It's fast, it's stealth, and it comes off real quick for warranty work. I love em!

 

[Sixpack]

I have a 9000# 5r and the upgrades listed below and love the setup! No heat problems whatsoever! I've read the 5 speeds have more clutch disk area than the 6 speeds, so they hold more power. Should be fine! I could slip mine if I was real hard on the GO peddle, so I upgraded and now don't have to worry!

 

[jnelson]

275's and a BD PnP with in cab on/off switch, straight piped, high flow air filter.



Upgraded completely at 50,000 miles.

I now have 330,750.

Thats 280,750 pullin upgraded miles.

Loads ranging from 18-32,000+ gcw.

Pulls excellent with good fuel economy.



EGT's just tooling down the road with a loaded trailer 70 mph range anywhere from 650-900 (post) depending on grade and wind drag of load.



My dad has the same exact set up with a factory clutch (6spd)



my . 02

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

Originally posted by jnelson

EGT's just tooling down the road with a loaded trailer 70 mph range anywhere from 650-900 (post) depending on grade and wind drag of load.

900* Post turbo?

 

[Kingram]

Thanks! Parts on order

Thanks for all of the thoughts, experience and input. Based on what I've read here and talking with Wildcat, I've order 275's and an EZ.



Man, I'm as anxious as a new dad!

Chris

 

[RichB59]

You can't

go wrong with and EZ and 275s I love the set up. No EGT problems runs like a top and get good fuel economy. I don't think a 4" exhaust is really needed I did mine just to change the sound.









LOL Rich B

 

[rashwor]

You will love...

the EZ. I got mine back in February. It is really great for towing and you don't have to worry about your EGTs getting out of hand. I have towed heavy (16,000# behind a 7,000# truck (at least) = 23,000# gross) and know from experience!



My muffler fell off , but the resonator remains so the wife will ride in the truck.



Be sure to install the boost elbow that will come with the EZ. It will help on the EGTs. I ran my EZ from February to last weekend without the boost elbow and on warm days, it does make a difference in EGTs, but in the winter, I was able to get away without it.



This stuff is addictive. I am thinking about DD1s next. I have to keep my truck to where it can tow and I think the DD1s and an EZ will work very well for towing heavy and still no EGT problems. Over dd1s and I think I would be looking at investments to fight the EGTs as they would get to be a problem.







Sorry for the long post, but I love my truck with the EZ! Oo.

 

[Kingram]

EZ adjustment

Hi all,



I just received the EZ today. It is used, so I don't have any docs. I downloaded installation instructions from the Edge website. No problem there.



My question is, isn't the EZ adjustable?



If so, how? I don't see any dips on it. Do I disassemble the box?



Thanks!

Chris

 

[Mundgyver]

The end of the box comes off and you will find a jumper pin that can be moved to one of 3 positions. 1 is mild with 3 being the most aggressive. From the factory they come on level 3.

 

[Sixpack]

After you pull the end cover off, looking at it with the circuit board on the bottom, the far right set of jumpers are the most aggressive ... . Have fun!

 

[Kingram]

Just wanted to update everyone on this.



I finally got around to installing the 275's yesterday. Followed the service manual and other various install instructions I've downloaded from other sites. Everything went just as described. No problems (that I know of).



If anyone is considering installing 275's or above and concerned about the procedure, it really is easy and straightforward. The biggest problem I had was dealing with the #6 fuel line. Kinda hard to get to and break lose and tighten.



A few things I noticed. My injector hold-down bolts were WAY under 89 in/lbs from the factory. Between 40 and 50. Just above finger tight. So I re-torqued to about 75 and split the difference.

The intake bolts were all under-torqued from the factory also (or just got loose over time). On the other hand, that stupid lift bracket was at about 120 ft/lbs!!! Gotta love those 24" breaker bars when dealing with this!!



Also, the intake tube is very grimy. I can only image how bad the IAT is. I'll be replacing it soon. 40k miles using the exhaust brake must help contribute to the build-up in the intake.



Fuel pressure has dropped now under a good pull. I have the original lift pump and can pull it down to 8 psi, where before I couldn’t get below 10psi. Since I’ve up’ed the duty cycle on the VP44, what should be my minimum fuel pressure be?



The combination of the EZ and 275's seem good. The truck seems to run quieter and has much more pull through the entire RPM range now. I’m very impressed with the low end pull now. From just above idle on through 2000 rpm now feels very strong. My truck (ETC) was weak in the low rpm range before. Smoke is there before the turbo spools up, but not too bad. I can live with it plus it helps with those pesky tailgaters…. I'm anxious to check mileage over the next month or so.



My boost with the EZ and elbow and stock air box went up about 3 psi over stock. After I added the 275's, the boost is up about 6 psi over stock and may spike higher when I'm towing. I'll be towing the 5'ver about 400 miles over the weekend and will be anxious to check EGT's. Just playing around yesterday I could get to about 1050 pre-turbo, but under a hard pull with the trailer, it might go higher. I could never get above 975 before I started the power mods.



Since I can't torque the HP fuel lines, I'd like to check to see if I have a high pressure leak in the head. The truck runs and idles just fine and restarts easily after sitting for a while, so I don't think I have a leak. But, I'd like to be sure. If I send my engine oil off for analysis, can I tell if fuel is getting into the oil? That and fuel pressure are my only concerns right now.



Thanks again for all of the help!



Chris

 

[RichB59]

If I were you

I would consider turnbuckling the turbo waste gate. I think it would help with the EGT. I get about 34lbs of boost with my 275s and EZ it really helps with the egt. JMHO.



RichB

 

[Diesel Nut]

an 1/8" pipe plug will net you about 37 - 40 lbs boost and really help get those egt's down. Just pull the boost elbow and plug the hole. You shouldn't really be running enough boost to hurt anything I would think. My egt's dropped about 100* pulling when I plugged my wategate.

 

[JNeiman]

Just adding an EZ is a significant gain on its own. I would love to do more, but I don't want to be overpowering the driveline until I am in need to rebuild the transmission anyways. I just towed 10,000lbs 800mi and was very impressed with the power. Held 70 no problem, hills and all. I got about 12. 5mpg towing, and 21mpg coming home unloaded. That was between 65 and 75 (2000-2200rpms). The unloaded milage increase is up from 17/18 from before the EZ. Its a great product and highly recomended.

 

[Kingram]

Thanks for the suggestions on the wastegate and more boost. I may give that a try.



I just towed the 5ver for the first time. I'm very please with performance. EGT's never got over 1000 and boost maxed out at about 28. Rear diff temp just reached 200 on a 4 mile up-hill pull. Much more power over the old stock truck/smaller trailer.



One question, regarding the EZ I think. At low RPM's and under a good pull, the injection sound will change to a REAL LOUD, low growl. Much louder than other times and I can feel it in the truck. Sounds ugly. Once boost and RPM's build, the sound changes back to normal. It only occurs when I'm under a decent load.



Is the normal?



Thanks!

Chris

 

[Sixpack]

Yep! Mine does the same thing. I've read here that it is the EZ changing the timing ... .....