Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) turbo and head gasket

[MD500E]

I have two quick questions. I just hit 400 hp with the stock turbo. EGT's sky high! I am thinking about going to the pdr hx-40. I am wondering about smoke control for normal driving, even more so if i go to bigger injectors with this turbo. I get enough attention from cops with strait piped stacks .

MY second question is at what hp level do we start to question the head gasket holding. I would like to bomb up to 450-475 hp. Would I have to really worry at this level? I do all of my work myself but I am not sure that I am up to the task of pulling the head

My friends think I am sick at 400HP, but after hanging out with some of you guys last weekend at Kauffmans, I really think I have room for improvement! !!

 

[Jetpilot]

You should be able to have 500 HP with the stock gasket and no O-rings. You will need more air to make this happen though..... If you run one of Piers 40's, larger injectors, and a more aggressive fueling box you will have 475-500.



Doug

 

[MD500E]

Doug, Thanks for the reply. I will sleep better at night not worrying about the head gasket as much. Last weekend was the first time that I have seen your truck run... compleatly amazing!!!!! You guys did a great job putting on a super event!!



Anybody have any input on being able to control smoke in normal driving conditions with a PDR HX-40 and DDIII's or bigger?



Thanks guys,

Kevin

 

[Jetpilot]

Press lightly with your right foot



Doug

 

[Snow man]

Kevin, I just went from dd3's to the BD7's. Like Doug said,you need to do the majority of control with your foot. I feel the edge Comp helps a lot,with it i can tune out 99% of the smoke with dd3's,and actually stomp the truck,and not get any smoke,unless its 95 out with 90% humidity,then it puffs a tad. Now with the BD7's, i do have to be gentle with the pedal,at times,mainly when leaving from a dead stop,once i roll out in 1st gr,I hardly get any smoke on 1x1,unless i lug the engine,which i never do,I always keep the RPM up. If you let the truck lug,and/or are aggressive with your foot,you will have constant smoke with bd7's. If you want to drive with using your foot for smoke control,I would stay with the the 3's or super mentals for daily driving,especially if you dont have the comp box. The PDR 40 should be a great turbo for daily driving,and spools great considering its airflow capablitys. Put the 40 on first,then see if you still need more power.

 

[Bigsaint]

The biggest concern with the headgasket is not necessarily your HP level, but your boost level at the top end, IMHO. I try not to push mine to 45 psi's everyday anymore, too many have lost theirs at that level when it's done on a constant basis. Awhile back another member stated that it may also help to keep your boost low until you are up and running at the normal operating temperature. I think it's good advice and never push it before the coolant and oil temp are in the sweet spot. Just my $0. 02.



Snowman... step 7's... you are a mad man



Can't imagine what the smoke is like with a heavy pedal at low boost, the 5's are more than enough for me, especially in the summer.



Scott W.