will my 92 ctd ever be like a 2003 ctd

[1 locomotive]

newbe here guys ???///



I just got a nice 92 with banks stinger kit 125000 miles !!! my ??? can this motor ever perform better ?? more high rpm ?

should I spend $$$ on it !!! or just run it ??? @ someday buy a new one ???

 

[AlK]

1 locomotive,

First of all a big welcome to this site. This is a great resource for CTD owners. I am not familiar with the banks stinger kit so I don't know what improvements that this kit adds to the truck. There are a lot of first gen trucks that have been bombed that and a few are putting up to 450 rwhp to the ground. I would suggest that you go to the top of the first gen forum and read the threads dealing with performance enhancements. For starters you should have a set of gauges at the minimum a pyro & boost and if your truck is an auto then a transmission gauge are a must. From there injectors (POD's or PW's), smaller exhaust turbo, advance pump timing, increase the top end rpm's, turn the fueling cone to maximum fuel position, turn in the full fuel screw, etc. etc. As I previously stated read and read some more and ask lots of questions.

---

Al

 

[BCook1]

Just drive it

I have been polishing turds my entire life. My latest is a 92 w250 cummins. I intend to post a series informative and most likely controversial statements on ownership/modification of the first gen cummins. I like the truck and I like the engine but don't waste time and money on trying to make the 92 something it is not. Or, go ahead and try to do the impossible. If I had it to do over, I would buy a newer truck. This opinion comes from investing 20,000 dollars in a 92 over the past several months and realizing it is still just a 92 dodge truck, not a new one. And no, my opinion does not even resemble humble. Brennan R. Cook

 

[Tim1]

new truck

Brennan, i agree and disagree. Payments on a new truck may not be for everyone and the 92 can be upgraded as money is availabal. Sure you get more horespower with new, but you also get technology which i think sometimes is going the wrong way. The 92 will be in a class of its own. I can relate to the costs of upgrades, but 20,000. 00? Yes i would like the p7100 piston pump and the 6 speed. If a fellow can swing it, go for it, you only go around once. Just my 2cents. Tim

 

[BCook1]

The numbers are real

I can provide anyone with the receipts if they want them. I bought my 92 for 9000. A fair market price considering the condition of the vehicle. Since then, in order to make the vehicle tolerable and reliable, I have had to put in at least another nine thousand dollars. It adds up quick when you need a new clutch, trans rebuild, t-case rebuild, rims, tires, maintenance items, a decent seat, blah blah blah. It never ends. Again, I like my truck. It does good work but it most likely will never get better than 11 MPG towing a 7500 pound trailer and it will never hold fifth gear doing it. Modify yours as you can but save the emotional distress of thinking it will ever be a new truck - at least unless you intend to spend 50,000 dollars. The problem is that most people do not understand money and don't want to. They delude themselves when adding up all they really have into their vehicles. That is just a matter of fact.

 

[Tim1]

Polishing turds,,,,,,,:{ :{ :{ :{ :

now thats funny Tim

 

[paccool]

It's funny you mentioned the $20,000 number. I had another first genner ask me up at Piers if he was the only one to spend 20K on his truck. I told him that was about the amount I now have in mine and I'm still buying "stuff" for it. You are right, it will never be a newer truck but that is the reason I'm keeping my 93. I am just now figuring out how to take care of it as well as make some decent power and the first gen group is a great group without the BS that goes on in some of the other forums.





Now, having said the above, if I can just figure out how to make it ride a little better!



And the beat goes on and on and on----------

 

[jbolt]

Well I guess its different when you've owned your turd... . err... truck since it was new. I gave up polishing it a long time ago. Now all I want to do is give it more poop.



Stan- Why on earth would you want to change the fine ride characteristics of a 1st Gen?



((jjj-JJ-aaa-AA-a-yy))

 

[Greenleaf]

Newer is NOT better,,,It's just newer.



greenleaf

 

[Underdog]

Anytime I start to forget how much money I have invested in my

truck,my second wife is always there to remind me.

I wonder how many people with new trucks find notes on

their windshield,saying things like"Great looking truck! If you are interested in selling, call phone # --- ---- " It has happened to

me and I'll bet it has happened to others also.

The first gens have "personality".

 

[cerberusiam]

1 locomotive, the stinger kit is a good start for exhaust and breathing but it just scratches the surface of what the gen1 motor is capable of. With some judicious buying and the info contained in this site it is possible to put the gen 1 trucks at 350 RWHP and 900 ft/lbs of TQ with mostly bolt on pieces. These numbers are as good or better than any of the new trucks and the cost is a considerably less. While drive train improvements will make things a lot sturdier, how you drive it will determine if you need them.



As far as the newer trucks go, "better" is a subjective description. They have their problems also. Just browse the forums to see that. If you go newer and want more power it will still cost as much and probably more in addition to the purchase price. When you get done you will still have more money in the truck than its worth no matter the year or generation. What matters is will it do what you want and do you like it.



Its a zero sum game so personal preference is what matters.

 

[JLEONARD]

1locomotive,

Can we call you loco1 for short? Just kidding of course.

I agree with you that someday I will buy a new truck... one that was new later in life that is than the one I own today that is. But not because of power... this one has really all that I need with plenty to spare and it still gets 26 mpg.

The newer ones are nice as far as comfort goes, but nothing beats a first gen for simplicity, ease of repair, difficulty in finding parts, and oh yes, the fear factor at a 4 way stop (where the biggest ugliest, loudest gets the right-of-way).

Actually ugly is an endearing term in this sense because it sets these trucks apart from the more common newer styles... . we have that "brick" look.

As far as cost goes, I have not started to amass large sums into my truck at this time... . everybody needs to find their own breaking point here.

I would suggest cleaning her up, making some well though out tweaks, and enjoy the ride for a while... when it's time to sell, you'll be able to get rid of her quickly.

Jay

 

[AlK]

I purchased my 92 brand new and after 11 years it has proved beyond a shadow of a doubt to have been the best vehicle that I have owned over the last 40 plus years. There are two reasons that I will consider replacing it, one to get a quad cab and second get an automatic.

Other than oil changes, lube, fuel filters, fuel and bombing costs the following are the costs for running my 92 over the last 11 years.

1 set of tires $860 Can

1 battery $95 Can

2 rear axle seals $30 Can

1 steering box $325 Can

1 borgerson steering shaft $325 Can

1 rwal valve $300 Can

1 valve adjustment $153 Can

1 replace rear seal on transfer case $14 Can

1 replace of rear brake shoes and turning drums @ 107,000km front pads still have 60% lining remaining $118 Can

1 serpentine belt $32 Can

1 drag link $139



$2,391. 00



And besides if you look after your first gen these trucks hold their value. I have been asked a number of times if I want to sell this truck and have been offered a couple thousand dollars less than what I paid for it.



That has been my experience and I know every case is different and everyone has to make the decision that they feel is best for them.



Just my two cents!

---

Al

 

[rlyons]

I don't know about you but I like driving my First Gen due to the fact that everyone has a truck that looks like a second Gen. On a trip through the Southwest this summer I only saw a few 1st Gens and not many pulling a fifth wheel trailer like mine. I mean who wants a truck just like a million others on the road? Mine is comfortable, dependable, looks great, has all the power I will ever need,drives like new has very little electronics and sensors and I can adjust the fuel any way I want with just a screw driver. How much better can you get? I know some of you love your newer trucks and I can't blame you but call me strange but I would rather keep my 1st Gen as long as possible.

Roy

 

[DPKetchum]

My 93 w250 with 4. 10 gears,tci converter,high rpm turned up,Banks exhaust,Banks inter-cooler,14. 2 turbo housing,42 h. p. injectors from ADT was a little faster. BUT the 2003 out tows it 10 to 1 out stops,handles,better fuel mileage,quieter,PULLS MORE weight without a grunt!Holds it on hills like 10k isn't behind it. Pulls 5% grades in 6th cruise on with 10k at WHATEVER speed you want!Huge difference in trucks. I miss my 1993 it did have character. But yet I don't.

 

[1 locomotive]

loco 1

I like the loco 1 !! you guys are great !!!you are right about the brick look ,but with the ctd you can move anything !!I like my truck ! the getrag works great , for now ? but since I started reading the post about it < I know I need the $3000 nv4500 up grade ?? which would really make this truck a tank !! I have a4x2 club cab I have a ????? which back issues of tdr would be good info for me to get ??? thanks loco !

 

[MMiller]

Hmmm, I must be doing something wrong. I tow 25000 to 30000 lbs regularly, run it in overdrive, with the cruise on a 70-75mph through the hils of Iowa and it gets 8-10mpg. I can run with fully load semis with ease. Don't know why yours will only pull 7500 and not hold overdrive. Mine has been getting 17 empty and prolly more if I could keep my foot out of the smoke!



All in all its all about preference. I wouldn't consider replacing mine because I almost have the way I like it. I like to drive something differnt. And I guess I like doing things the hard way. You know bombing a first gen, finding aftermaket parts for a first gen, truck pulling a '75 dodge with a 440. If I did things like everyone else I guess I would have a 2nd or 3rd gen but then I couldn't afford to go truck pulling, or bomb the diesel truck!!



Been trying to talk the wife into building a first gen crew cab, but I am not winning she likes the 3rd gens better

 

[paccool]

Well, let me see - I have done the following



New (rebuilt transmission)

Rear end rebuilt

New brakes, drums, rotors all the way around

New wheel bearings all the way around

New U joints

New seats

New paint

New turbo

Rebuilt injection pump

New injectors

New water pump

New air intake system

A little chrome in the engine compartment



When I got the truck, the following was already done

Banks Exhaust

Aluminum wheels

US Gear exhaust brake



There are probably a few items I forgot about.



Heck, a few more things like rebuilding the front end and the truck will almost be new! yep, going to keep it!

 

[skobylenski]

MMiller - where is Stockton in relation to Ames? I'm at ISU - for now - and it would be nice to get to know some other TDRers out here in case I need any help.



Keep the shiny side up and the dirty side down! Scott

 

[MMiller]

Stockton is out by Davenport IA. Near the I80 Truckstop. Adds up to about a 2. 5-3hr drive. I got a couple of friends that live near Ames too.



Michael