Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Towing turbo (turbos)

[moparguy]

Hello all, I've been away for a while with life and other projects....but I still have my little 95 truck with a 35/40 Hybrid turbo, #5 plate and 215 injectors. I've lived with high temps and an easy to bark turbo (when towing in the mountains) for the past 10 plus years. Now at 250,000 miles my stock HX35 center section has a worrisome amount of slop and I'm considering a turbo upgrade.

So, the question is....whats the latest greatest towing solution for quick spool, no bark (in the mountains at 10k feet with a 15k lb load) that'll support a mild 300hp setup.

I always said I'd eventually go with BD's towing twin setup, but it looks that option is now over $4,000.00 and I'm just not sure I can justify that.

Oh, It'd be great to retain my PacBrake that's in place with 4" exhaust.

Thanks in advance. Ron

 

[GAmes]

I'm no turbo expert, so bear with me. If it just the HX35 that you want to replace, and not the exhaust housing, I use this one.

http://www.pdrdiesel.com/shop/products/PDR_HX35_Turbo_Dodge_Cummins_1991_98_12V-481-139.html

 

[ewcmr2]

At 350k my original Hx-35 started leaking (soot on exterior) so it was time for the upgrade I've been wanting. I went with a HX-40 replacement in the BD super B line (S-300). I already has remote mount 4" exhaust brake so bigger exhaust flange wasn't an issue for me.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bdd-1045221?ibanner=MobileSwitchNo Has good info, I saved some money buying from Stranoparts.com

 

[moparguy]

ewcmr2, do you or have you towed at altitude, say 7k plus? I've gotten to the point I don't mind so much backing out of the fuel to keep temps in check....but keeping the potentially turbo fatal barking under control is a pain.

 

[ewcmr2]

I don't spend a lot of time above 7000' but I did travel I-70 over the Rockies four times last year. No barking and a big EGT improvement. With Hx-35 and my fueling using cruise control while towing was never an option. With new turbo as long as I'm not pulling in the hills the cruise doesn't add enough fuel to exceed 1200*.
From low rpm there is more lag. I did a 1000rpm roll on test on a hill near home. Hx-35 took 10 seconds to hit 20psi, BD took 12 seconds. Cruising down the highway I don't notice any difference in lag. Short shifting (dropping rpm's back below 1400ish) with trailer isn't a good thing.

 

[bigceltic]

ewcmr2, do you or have you towed at altitude, say 7k plus? I've gotten to the point I don't mind so much backing out of the fuel to keep temps in check....but keeping the potentially turbo fatal barking under control is a pain.

I added the BD Turbo Guard to prevent barking - works very well.

 

[SSage]

HX35/40 is probably what you want to stay with for the quick spool. The next step to a tougher turbo would probably be a super B type. Like this one here: http://www.htturbo.com/SUPER-B-STYLE-TURBO-S300G-p/174430.htm

 

[moparguy]

Thanks all, SSage the HX35/40 surge/barking problem is a real deal killer. If HTT has solved that issue then I'd be open to a new version...looks like a phone call is in order. Shame the BD Towing Twins haven't come down in price.

 

[SSage]

I've only used HTT S300 turbos since stock, but I can say they are tough. I've beat on my street stock when it was a play truck with a hot tune. The 62 spools quick enough for me while towing heavy. Actually, while towing I don't have any lag, its when your solo around town you notice the slower spool up. The larger turbo lets me stay around 1,000 egt when pulling at 25 psi or better, the 14 housing helps on the interstate, but I have plenty fuel to burn though.