Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) VP44 Compatibility?

[sand37357]

I own a '02 3500 DRW automatic trans. Unfortunatley, I found out about the lift pump issues too late, and now I need to replace the VP44. I put the FASS titanium unit on it and I'm ready to tackle the big pump now. I would like to upgrade if possible while I'm at it. I have spoken to many shops, bosch dealers included. They all say that the modified pumps offered online will cause the truck to drive erratically and possibly be unreliable. So I am thinking of just replacing with a stock VP44 and upgrading intercooler, intake, exhaust, etc... My goal is to have around 500hp and still be reliable and easily driveable. Is this possible? One of the Bosch dealers I spoke with said I could put the VP from a 6spd HO motor on mine even though it is an automatic and that I could put bigger injectors along with the other upgrades stated to achieve my goal. Does anyone know if this will work without problems? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!



Thank you,

Scott

 

[ABennin]

From what i have discovered is that the HO pumps don't have the ability to flow as much fuel as a 5 spd or auto pump, but are built better for timing changes. I am sure someone on here can go in to more detail. I am running my stock OEM pump and it has been very reliable as I have replaced the lift pump a long time ago and has lived with stable fuel pressure for many years. When it dies or when I want to rebuild it I will go with a another stock pump.

 

[Midnite]

ABennin's right--the standard output pump is what you want to stick with. Anything from one of the reputable online dealers is the way to go. Companies like BD, Source Automotive, Blue Chip Diesel, and probably at least 20 other places all put out a high quality pump. Many, if not most, are also authorized Bosch dealers. Any Bosch dealer that recommends an HO pump for more power instead of an SO pump is a dead giveaway that they don't really do any performance work, and you should probably stay away from them.

500 hp is easily doable while maintaining good reliability and road manners. However, your auto transmission won't handle much more than stock power for very long. Because of that your first move should be to build up the transmission to handle your power goal. Good vendors for that would be BD, Goerend, and ATS. DTT used to have a very good reputation here, but that seems to have slipped quite a bit when Bill Kondolay retired.

Once you get the transmission built up, you can start on stuff to make power--a good set of injectors, a Smarty programmer, and a decent S300 type turbo would be a good foundation. Throw in a 4" exhaust and an aftermarket intake and you'd be there. The key to making power with a diesel is recognizing that increasing fuel delivery is what makes power, and increasing air/exhaust flow is what keeps things cool.

Mike

 

[Cowboy]

don't know what your future plans for power output, but I don't think you can go wrong with BLUE CHIP DIESEL vp44's I went the extra $ for his "X" pump (22 extra hp and 2-3 mpg) GOOD VALUE and he will follow up with great customer service. I think 5 different pump levels from stock replacement for same price as THOROBRED diesel to the "x" for about 2 grand BUT you'll never buy another pump, unless you starve it for fuel. I'd call Chip for good info and suggestion.