Just got an '01 2500, ho, 6 speed. Is it true that I'll need no extra guages if it's stock? I tow a light trailer(6000). Also, if I add an AFE intake filter and 4" exhaust, will I really gain anything without some sort of programer box?
thanks,
steve

 

Plenty of trucks out there are doing fine with no gauges. I like to know what's going on under the hood but some people don't wanna know. It's ok to make airflow mods without gauges because the EGT's are going to go down with more air. You won't gain any power from freeing up the intake and exhaust. You might notice less turbo lag, and you will pick up a little fuel economy.

 

with more air and the same injectors, is there a danger of being too lean? Sorry for the dumb questions, not sure if these engines are affected the same as a gasser.

 

You can't run a diesel too lean. Engine speed on a diesel is controlled by the amount of fuel injected, so at idle you're looking at like 40:1 A/F ratio. Full power on a stock engine is still up around 20:1. The leaner you run 'em the cooler they run, very different animal from a gasser.

 

I would most definately get a fuel pressure gauge to monitor the lift pump.

 

You don't really "need" gages. I would strongly recommend them though. It is possible to suffer some form of meldown even with a stock engine. Try reading this: https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...n&onlynewfaq=1
Tom

 

Thanks for all the help, I'll be getting all 3 guages this week. Do I have to drill and tap threads in the manifold to mount a pyro?

 

I did. Didn't take long.Took me longer to find my 15mm wrench to get that bottom left mounting stud nut! (I pulled my turbo to the side, covered the turbo inlet with cardboard, and stuffed a shop rag into the manifold.) The cast iron drills easy, just step your way up in increments and you will be fine. When I finished tapping, I used a cardboard guage to set the tip halfway down the port before tightening the t-cop locking nut. I then pulled the rag out and started the truck, which blew out any remaining chips. Stopped it, then bolted the Turbo back in place (after pulling the 'board .) The whole operation took maybe 20 minutes, minus the wrench hunt.

 

I'll bet it sounded strange running it straight out the manifold!

 

If you have the bucks go for the gauges. One thing they won't hurt you. Personally with no bombs I do not have gauges. I tow 6300 lbs regulary and no problems. I think dodge would have put in the gauges if they though they needed them in a stock motor with a 100,000 mile warranty. I will put in my gauges at about 95,000 miles and then do some mild bombs. Just my .02 good luck.

 

sure wish I had put a FP gauge in my '00. wouldve been nice to know when the lift pump is about to die and leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere

 

Just LOUD! Actually sounded cool. Didn't rev at all, just let it blow out the chips.

BE SURE TO SHIELD THE AIR INLET!!! Last thing I wanted was to blow the chips out of the exhaust just to suck them back in through the intercooler!

 

Good move getting the gauges. The 2nd generation HO's are hot-running beasts, EGT wise. Mine would hit 1300 degF pre-turbo EGT stock when towing our previous 13,500 lb 5th wheel! Should you have an intercooler boot leak, a bug-fouled intercooler, etc., you could be in trouble and never know it without a pyrometer.

Rusty