I am sure this has been asked and answered a 1,000 times before, but I am new to the list. So hear it goes. I have a 2000 24 valve with 210,000 miles. I had the FASS system installed awhile back after learning an expensive lesson about the stock fuel pump. Other than that pretty much as it came off the lot. I used to use the truck mostly for highway driving to a from homes while working as a veterinarian. The truck is retired from that duty now, but hauls around a 3 horse gooseneck with 3 big horses in the mountains of Montana. I wonder what is the best way to now start bumping up the horsepower. I read about chips, exhaust, tranniies, rear ends, turb's and so on. If you all had to do it over again where would you start. The truck needs TLC now. I will be working on the starter next week when parts come from Larry B's. I am pretty sure I have U Joint problems in the front as the passenger side "pops" when turning right in 4 wheel drive (doesn't do it when in 2 wheel). Tye rods may need looked at too as steering has become a little loose. Oh yeah, I had a leveling kit installed by Les Schwab and that is when the steering seemed to loosen up. So, the common thread is I need to do some work on it, need some horsepower increase, but alas, I am not the US government and can just print my own money when I need to bail me out. (sorry, little tired of the economy) Where would you guys start?

 

Oops, suppose to say Turbo, not turb's

 

To me the cost of getting a dodge cummins where it needs to be is not worth "starting" at 210,000 on the odometer. I may get some grief on this but it is my humble opinion. HOWEVER, a used Edge EZ chip or quadizilla and a torque converter would get about 60hp to the ground. You should be able to do both for about a grand. Get into major upgrades and you are putting alot of money in a vehicle that is going to start needing alot more tlc on other things besides the power train which is expensive.

 

I tend to agree with Cumalong. The cost of keeping this truck going could really add up without even considering upgrades. We are real hard on our vet trucks here in PA. My 06 Duramaxx work truck (crew cab w/6ft bowie insert) already rattles all over with just under 50,000 miles. My 02 Cummins with 120K has enough problems. I can't imagine what you'd have to deal with on the truck you described.

Then again, your highway miles there could be much easier then our mountain and rural road miles here.

Best of luck with whatever you choose.

 

I agree with others, but if you have already made your mind up, how much power do you want. I had quite a lot of fun with just my quad race chip, and it would not slip the clutch. At over 200K, whether you have a stick or automatic, you could be about to spend money on it anyway, so think about where you want to end up power wise. That is where I would start, after the other thing you mentioned. The Quad ran hot for me so I am sure others with your model truck could tell you a better box. If you just want to have a little fun, fix your auto or clutch whenever it goes out, get it breathing better and get a downloader or box that you can adjust, in case it gets too hot towing. Then you will get the HP bug and will need a bailout or stimulus package. Hey, if it were up to me, I would give you some of our soon to be worthless money. ACORN got a few billion, and over 250 of these bottom feeders had their office in one closed down funeral home in New Orleans, so you are much more deserving in my opinion. Bottom line, think long and hard where you want to end up with your truck, that way you won't be wasting money, and at least you have a chance of ending up where you want. Can be expensive proposition as you know. I want twins ultimately, but will wait a couple more years unless I can open an ACORN office or something like it in my barn. BTW, do you treat or seem many mules out there. I love Montana, course I have only been out there a couple times in summer on my MCycle. HeHe, one morning I got up real early in Cutbank, was going to ride thru the Glacier National Park, and was topping off my Road King, got nearly full, and I looked at it and said to my self, Crap, that stuff is green. Full of diesel. Let us know what you decide. Good luck

 

Auto... 5 sp....or 6 speed?

Either way....Start with a Smarty! Best first move and biggest bang for your buck out there.
Only adds about 60 hp but it's all about the drivability....not just power.
Tell us your location and chances are you can get to try a members Smarty before buying.

Anything after that may require additional investment in trans or block.

RJ

 

Thanks, I do realize I am probably throwing good money after bad, but I am not too sure buying a new truck is the best either and I could use a new truck. Couln't care less if the government backs the warranties of a bankrupt auto manufacturer if the government is going bankrupt also. Anyway, I am in western Montana enjoying as much fishing as I can get in, which is not as often as I would like.(Yes, I will work on mules). She is the first truck I got out of vet school and there is some sentimental value I suppose.

I remeber one time when I was filling the truck with fuel, got 2/3 of the way full and started to smell gasoline. "Oh s___", I said to myself. Siphoned it out and gave it to a guy who was filling plastic tanks for a fire her was starting, what luck that was. Then filled back up with diesel. Did not live it down for awhile, as the wife was with me. I always reminded her every time she filled it up to use the right pump. Then I go a mess it up myself.

 

So - - - - how you gonna mod it? (I do love to ride my saddle mules, and so far they seem healthy, knock on wood)

 

I will probably start with the smarty. Seems that is a consensus. I don't want to do too much. I figure if I get crazy now with its years and miles I might end up replacing the entire under carraige and every other part that isn't the block or head, but what the heck its paid for. It is a 5 speed, SLT short box that up until the recent problem with the starter fuse has treated me well. I have a new "whine" in the turbo that concerns me a bit. Started a month or so back. Only hear it when giving some throttle to pass or get up a hill.

 

For better power and mileage some injectors that are 50 hp increase are a nice addition. Smarty is good too.
Check the play in the turbo shaft by removing the hose on it and wiggling it.
Since you have a 5 speed you have a good set-up. 5th gear may come off but that is common. The mileage isn't a concern to me. She has a lot left!!!
Get a boost elbow to increase boost, but you need a boost fooler which is built in the smarty.
You will really wake the Cummins up with these changes.

 

I'd think about a larger exhaust and some guages before doing any fuel mods. 4" should be fine unless you decide you want a lot more power. Check out the DTR classifieds for 2nd. hand goodies: I found my injectors and chip there. ($400 for both)

 

Thanks. I am looking into the classifieds. Will be spending tonight rebuilding the starter solenoid with the LarryB's kit.