Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Turbo upgrades?

[rdd4x4]

I'm new to TUDOR and to owning a Cummins. After the last 2 Powerstrokes that my family has owned I thought that I should buy a truck with a real engine to work with. So here's the questions, first what can I do to the stock turbo to make it perform at it's max? I bought the truck while I was home on leave and I'm trying to buy all that I can for it before I get back. I am stationed in Iraq so I can't report until I get home in a couple of months. Second, I just bought a TST PM3 unit from TST, does that control the fuel and timing? Or just fuel? I took it to the mountain's with a 33' prowler (9,500lb + -) and it needed more umph. It's already tapped for gauges curtesy of the previous owner. Sorry for the lack of more info, but I didn't know if yall could teach me a little of what I need to buy while I can afford it here. Any suggestions on what I need to buy/install would be helpful. What I am looking for over all is as much usable power as possible to use on the farm, with spending money as wisely as possible. Thanks in advance, Rookie

2002 Dodge 2500 4x4 Ext. Cab Cummins HO 6-spd, TST PM-3, 4" Hi-flo exaust, K&N

 

[rdd4x4]

I meant that I am new to TDR. . sorry.

 

[J.Keith]

Welcome to TDR and Cummins ownership!

The TST PM 3 is a fueling only box I believe, however when stacked with an Edge EZ I've heard that it is a very good combo.

I think you would have an HY 35 turbo which is good for about 22 psi boost.

If you try to squeze anymore than that out of it, you can have a negitive effect due to increased backpressure.

I take it that "tapped for gauges" means that the fittings and wiring is there just no gauges right? I would get a Boost, Pyro, and Fuel Pressure gauge on there ASAP. Probably before you put the TST in.

Good luck!

Joe

 

[rdd4x4]

fittings and wiring are both there, just no gauges. thanks for the welcome and info, Dale a. k. a. Rookie

 

[AKAMAC]

Welcome and thanks for your service to our country Dale!



With your HX turbo you can push 400 HP. This is a dangerous # but has been done.

Your clutch will be the HP deciding factor. Call SBC, tell them what you want to end up with.

I'm not familier with the TST box so I can't comment. I'm a Catcher (MAD ECM) guy that sold his EZ.

If you look at injectors, go EDM. I "had" DDII's and am waiting for delivery of Mach 1. 6's.

Also read (ie; search) about the ETH VP44. I understand that the Hot Rod VP44 is kind of a hybred of the ETC/ETH VP. There might be some data about performance with injectors and the ETH VP.

Again, welcome aboard. Mike

 

[PC12Driver]

The TST box controls fueling only. And with the stock turbo you have the ability to torch the engine with that box on the higher numbers, especially if a "boost elbow" isn't installed (a boost elbow will bleed off some pressure going to the wastegate actuator to delay the opening of the wastegate to a higher pressure - one probably came with your TST). Towing in the mountains with the box on high will quickly turn your pistons into liquid. Get some gauges back on that thing!



Egts were very controllable for me with the stock turbo up to about 320-350hp (with a timing box - an EZ or a Comp will decrease temps 50-100*) and 34ish psi of boost. Any more fuel would cause egts to increase, and any more than about 34 psi of boost from the HX35/12 (stock turbo) would send it out the top of it's efficiency map and turn it into a blowdryer, again increasing egts.



Add some mild injectors (80hp-100hp) to the TST and you can get your HP into the 400s and still dial it back to keep egts in check while towing. I've squeezed out about 440hp with my stock turbo (boost below 35psi), and it got HOT. But on lower box settings (350hp ish) it ran great and egt's were easily kept below 1250*.



And keep in mind that boost is used to keep egt's cool. Fuel is what makes power. If you want more power, add more fuel. But then you need more air to offset the extra fuel and keep egts in check.



But definitely get gauges on that thing. The HO's ran hot from the factory (egt wise), and adding fuel can cook things quickly. And absolutely add a fuel pressure gauge. A modded engine can pull the fuel pressure down into the danger zone (about 6psi depending on who you talk to), which can cook the high pressure pump (uses excess fuel for cooling and lubrication). Even in an unmodded truck, the factory lift pumps are notorious for failure.



And like AKAMAC said, give South Bend Clutch a call, since the stock 6-speed clutch won't hang much above 300hp (some more, some less). Unless the previous owner already put one in?



Welcome aboard!

 

[rdd4x4]

I want to thank you all for your information and help. I'm going to get shopping for gauges, EZ, and Injectors. ... Or at least that's my to buy list for now. . 3 months left until I get to leave this big sandbox and play with the toys! So far that's the only thing that I've enjoyed from being deployed, having more money to make the truck work better. Thanks again! Dale



2002 Dodge Quad Cab 2500, 4x4, White, Cummins H. O. , 6-spd, TST PM-3, 4" high flo exhaust, K&N Air, 35" AT

 

[rivercat]

Im in the same boat. .



I have the ho or eth motor and my power puck acts like an EZ, adds timing i got it for free so I cant complain.



I have a boost elbow but I cant get boost over 22 lbs on my hx-35w



is there any way for me to run over 22lbs or does the ecm defuel at 22 lbs without a real EZ or other "boost fool" box could my MAP be bad?



I can live with the codes but I want to see how the truck runs with high boost before I change boxes to get rid of the codes



And how exactly does the elbow work ? closing it or turning set/screw in raises boost? or the other way around?

 

[PC12Driver]

Yep, it'll defuel over 22psi-ish without some sort of boost fooler. It's the ECM's way of limiting boost in the event of a wategate failiure on a stock engine. To run over the boost limit, you'll need a box with a boost fooler circuit or a stand alone boost fooler.



Who's boost elbow do you have?

 

[rivercat]

dave's that sells in the classifieds for $15



Catcher on the way but have a smoke prob with just the puck and wanted to try higher boost before i get catcherized



On a seperate note I really want to ditch the K&N drop in and stock box



Should I go with BHAF or AFE ST1 or ST2 or scotty 2

 

[DCutler]

Welcome aboard!!!!!!!!!! I dont know how your budget is but get gauges and see how your egts are, then I would go turbo and injectors etc, I dnot know to much about the tst I have a comp box !! BE CAREFUL OVER THERE!!! Thanks for serving our country I APPRECIATE it take care!! Oo. I also have a cousin over there And I Miss him thanks>