Hi all,
I am looking at an 03 SO Auto w/ 69000 miles. I know it is down on power compared to the HO and later models. I am coming from a 97 so I don't know much about the programmer boxes etc ( I realize what they do). I am thinking that I would like to bring my power up a little but would like to maintain my reliability. This truck will be my daily driver and I am generally easy on the throttle. Any recommendations or things to look out for?

Thanks

 

Smarty or smarty jr.

Either will bring you up to HO power level then add from there. IMO easily the best programmer for that year of truck.

Mileage that low you should be in great shape... 03-04 gets the best mileage for a common rail and is very tunable.

The drawbacks to that year is a weak lift pump, a small turbo (he341w doesn't support a lot of power) and anything much over 100hp from stock will require tranny improvements. With that low of mileage a TC/vb upgrade should be all that is needed... however, driving conservatively as you put it, you could just put on a smarty jr and not worry about anything else for a while. Smarty jr set on 100hp on an otherwise stock 03-04 will get you close to 375rwhp. To compare, a stock SO 250 hp engine is typically close to 200-210rwhp.

 

Check out my signature. All mods done for reliability, milage then power.

 

Mods in my sig were all done for towing a 13.5K lb 5th wheel. The Smarty Sr was by far the single best investment. Could barely tow my old 8K 5er up 6% grades with just the SO horsepower output. Now cruise up the grapevine in the summer with no problem.

The other mods were for better air and fuel flow, probably only minor power gains there. The gauges are also critical for monitoring things while towing. Pakbrake keeps it all under control down the hill.

When towing I set the smarty on 5. Daily driving, Switch 1. Did most of my mods around 80K miles and truck has been perfect since, with the exception of a water pump blowing at 110K.

I'm very conservative with the right foot too.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. Thats some good food for thought.

 

I can not speak to Smarty as I have no experience. It may wake up the bottom end also. My TST does not kick in untill 12 lbs of boost and that is a little late when towing heavy 5er. Best upgrade I did was F1 flux 40hp injector tips from Don M, really woke up the bottom end. I only run the TST on 2 power and 2 torque. I get 22+ MPG empty, 15 MPG towing 5er and 18 MPG with pickup camper in bed.

 

Roost,

The first thing, while you are waiting for the delivery of your Smarty, is to get a better lift pump. Do it before you get stranded. I recommend a Glacier Diesel Walbro setup on the '03-'04 trucks. My original failed at 67,000 miles and I now have over 180,000 with the Walbro. You have a good tank pickup that I would continue to use.

A Smarty is a very nice upgrade. The engine will be much more responsive and actually get better mileage. No fuel pressure increase, just duration and timing.

The tranny is only designed for stock HP, so if you tow, keep the revs up and watch for TC lockup clutch slipping. No fair towing in OD at 1600 RPM in the mountains.

Eventually, it would be nice to get, at least, a shift kit. Or better yet, a new TC and valve body. If you want big power you'll be looking at a new tranny from Goerand or others.

A good muffler is also nice or go with a whole new MBRP 4 inch setup and use an 04.5 or later exhaust elbow.

Use Stratopore oil filters and, for starters, a Napa Gold drop in air flter.

You'll love your third gen.

 

The tranny is the best investment I've made. Everything else is just for fun.

 

check my sig runs good lol

 

Luckly I have not had to change the tranny yet. Overall I am satisfied with the mods I have for everyday driving, some towing and a little extra when I need it.

I have considered trading mine in many times but just have not did it due to all the kinks I know they are working out on all the new Diesels. Also, its hard to set the exhaust up on the new trucks to sound like the 03-04's without risking the consequences.

 

I added the Juice with attitude to mine. Any box or will add enough power to put you over what an HO puts out. My truck also has a performance exhaust and intake on it from a previous owner. So far the lift has been fine.

I built mine for towing and like the on the fly adjustability of the juice. It lacks a bit in bottom end though, I'm thinking that adding a pressure box might help that out.

 

Well thanks for all the replies. I purchased the truck. The previous owner put a flowmaster 4 inch exhaust on which really drones. The pipes are new so I am thinking of putting a donaldson muffler on it, a smarty, and maybe a valve body for now.

I have been reading about the filters and lift pump. I haven't decided on the lift pump yet but am definetly going to put on a baldwin fuel filter. The others were already changed by the dealership with mopar units.

Thanks again all.