Hello members,

I recently found this website and I was so impressed with the knowledge of its members and how clean it is run, I quickly became a member. I have some simple newbie questions I was hoping that some of the seasoned vetrans can help me out with.

The forums here are very similar to my other vehicle project forums, www.clubcobra.com, which has assisted my very slow build of a 1966 Shelby Cobra replica. I have received so much knowlege there I hope I can get the same here.

My daily driver, is a white 1998.5 Dodge Ram dually with an extended cab 5 speed manual and 3.55 rear end. After buying and pulling a heavy 35 foot triple axle 5th wheel trailer in the hills of Southern Missouri, I decided to "tune it up abit." I took my truck to Jerry McClain of McClain performance diesel in Eureka Missouri about a year ago.

Jerry installed a "drop in" AFE air filter, a Bully Dog computer chip, and a five inch exhaust from the turbo to the bumper, unfornuately he left the factory catalytic converter in the exhaust system.

After a year, it has come time again to purchase some outlandish priced aftermarket items and dial my truck up to the next notch.

I am creating this thread asking if my ideas on where to go from here are right ones.

First, I am looking for a triple gauge set, including a Pyro, boost pressure and fuel pressure. I am curious what is a ballpark price for one of these set ups?

Second, a new omplete air cleaning system. I was thinking of the 2nd generation AFE, but I have seen a lot of threads speaking of the Scotty II. Is it that good?

Third, I am trying to locate a place regionally where I can get some 5" exhaust pipe installed where my converter is to be removed from. I feel going from the 5" pipe into the factory system and back out is defeating the whole purpose for the exhaust. Is anyone familar with laws regarding straight pipes in Illinois?

Thanks for all the imput here. I have all ready learned alot from you guys.


James

For the intake, I would get the Scotty Air II. It is as good as they say, it's cheaper than the aFe Megacannon and it uses an aFe filter cartridge.

Don't know about Illinois muffler laws, with the very few mods you've made the truck so far, I would think that 5" turbo back exhaust would be detrimental to performance. If you get too big, the exhaust gases slow down which affects turbo spool up. Stock 3.5" exhaust should be good upto around 350hp before you'd need look into bigger exhaust. Even then, I'd think 4" would be more in line.

Gauges should have been the very first mod made, even before the exhuast upgrade and before the Bully Dog chip. You'd be looking at around $300 to $350 for a good set of gauges and pod.

Note: these are just my opinions based on my own personal research.

Welcome procrastinator!!

I agree that gauges should be the very next thing you should invest in. It really pays to know exactly what is going on in that beast under the hood.

After that, I would think that injectors might be the next thing to look at. I don't know much about your BullyDog box, but I know with my Edge EZ a set of stage 1 injectors (Bosch RV275's for example) works well. You can go with bigger fueling boxes and injectors if you wish, depending on taste and resources. Also, you should be thinking about a more sturdy clutch because your stock clutch won't take much more horsepower/torque. I have a really interesting article written by Ted Jennety of Jennety Racing Enterprises that outlines the order for bombing our trucks. If you would like a copy, PM me or e-mail me with your e-mail address, and I'll attach a copy and send it out to you.

DeWain

Just a quicky,, You don't have a cat. it's a resonator, and *I* would leave it on, unless you are upgrading to bigger injectors, and a COMP box.

An AFE Mega Cannon is a good choice,, it's a nice filter.
I'm running a Mega Cannon on my 24V.

I can do Gauges, and the MegaCannon.

BTW,, you have the exact same truck I had when I found out about Diesel Performance.

PM me if you have any questions, and yes, I think a 5" system on a "Less than 550HP truck" is a step in the wrong direction. 4" will be fine.

Hope this helps,,
Merrick