Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Turbo Change

[JSchenck]

I currently have a 2001 H. O. running a 6 speed with Gear Vendors O. D. and 3. 54 gears. I have the engine tuned with Smarty setting #3. I am running a 4" exhaust from the turbo back with a BD exhaust brake at the turbo outlet. When towing my 5th wheel my GVCW is 21,000 lbs. I live at 5600 foot elevation and when towing I can be anywhere between sea level and 8000-9000 foot elevation. I generally only tow the RV during the spring, summer and early fall season, and even then it is only a week here and there. The rest of the year I don't tow or tow lighter trailers occasionally, i. e. car hauler, utility trailer etc. When towing heavy, my only limiting factor, especially when pulling grades and/or warm ambient temperatures is my EGT's. I was thinking of changing the turbo to a Holset HX35/40 hybrid, which if I understand correctly, will allow me to keep my existing BD exhaust brake set up, but at the same time allow the engine to breath a little better on the exhaust side. On the intake side I was thinking of going to the BD intercooler upgrade and also changing to a Banks or similar hi flow intake system. I run a Walker Airsep (which works great) and would like to keep it so twins is not something I am interested in. Any thought from anyone in "the know" about whether or not this is a reasonably good set up for my use???or... any other ideas???? Thanks

 

[rotohead]

I also would like to hear about the hybrid turbo pros and cons. I'm a auto transmission and want to retain the exhaust brake too. While I was doing the turbo I'd do the exhaust manifold then too, probably the BD model. I've been told that engines with lot's of miles on them may be able to remove the stock manifold but it doesn't line up on re-install.

 

[JSchenck]

Good point. I didn't even think of that. I talked to a friend who said the BD Super B is the way to go, but still curious about anyone's experience with the hybrid.

 

[rotohead]

Good point. I didn't even think of that. I talked to a friend who said the BD Super B is the way to go, but still curious about anyone's experience with the hybrid.

Can you retain the exhaust brake with the Super B?
I've talked to Rip at Source Automotive who sells the hybrid. He's a solid guy and doesn't push anything on you. He said the hybrid is fine for engines with minor performance upticks. I bought a set of Mach 2 injectors from him in anticipation of changing my turbo and VP44 in the near future. I've got 137000 miles and would rather replace parts a little early rather than stand on the side of the highway somewhere along away from home waiting on a tow truck.

 

[DIESELWRKS]

with the area your at with elevation try and get some feedback from people that are pulling at those elvations. Rip is a great guy and could also point you out to the right people to talk to if he couldn't help you. with a 6 speed your going to need to balance how much lag you want on the bottom, but maintaining good pull through the rpms with not choaking out on mid to top with you pulling. so that your egts are not a havoc when you need it the most at those elevations. . not sure what turbos would be able to use with your brake, but 62/68/14 may be a good option. there are alot of turbos that are made close to those sizes the question is how those perform at those elevations. may want to post in the Towing/Rv thread to get some feedback on this. good luck may even want to look at towing twins... :-laf $$$$ of course what isn't now days. .