Would like some input on where to start on my 2003. I've installed the K&N full intake, and a Quadzilla 65/160 ZTX with their Commander and am very happy with the power/ecomony. I would like to see around 35 psi boost. Where do I go next? I have a Big Head wastegate on the bench ready to go when I get home. Thanks for any input. ~Mac

 

Welcome to the DTR!

All you need to get 35 psi is an adjustable boost elbow. About $20 on Ebay. But as a note, anything above that is pushing really hot air and stressing the turbo with very little to no gains.

BTW, I have mine set to 32 psi for a little extra margin.

MikeyB

 

The 03 mufflers and turbos are terrible. I did the muffler first and then the turbo. The turbo alone really woke up the truck and made it much better towing. Those two things dropped the max egt down to ~1000. Then it was ready for fuel. Craig

 

i recommend getting a low micron fuel filter asap. the early model cr's seem to be prone to injector problems when chipped. this will save you in the long run. went thru 3 sets of injectors on my 03 before the lower micron filters came out. just my opinion

 

Mcattk, you didn't give much detail on your truck, but if its an automatic, I'd start with the transmission. All that power wont do you much good on a rollback being towed home.

 

You might look at a Volant air box i have one on my truck it has a air Horne that goes down behind the front bumper. You can do it your self if you pull the air box out and put a 3in hole in it then run a flex pipe down. There is a post about this in TDR . It helped my truck out drooped 1000 And puled better out west last winter. Whit I pulled in 5 I pulled in 6 - 4 to 5gear so I am happy with it===

 

start with gauges.

 

Thanks for the info. It is an Auto. I've already got the K&N cold air intake, and a Commander for gauges. Sold the 25' travel trailer, so it's just for fun till I get a toy box. Talked to the local xmsn builder, and he said don't mess with it till it gives me troubles. I'm still thinking a Mag-Hytec pan. A MagnaFlow full exhaust this fall. The Elbow is on order, and I have a Quadxilla Boost Fooler on the bench. I'm looking into this low micron fuel filter. Thanks for all your input.

 

I personally don't agree with that. If you do a valvebody and converter before you fry anything the rest of your tranny will probably last a lot longer.

I've been happy with the valvebody upgrade but can't wait to do the converter. Too bad they cost so much!

Also, I would remove the K&N filter (just the filter itself) and get an AMSOIL, or AFE or similar filter. K&Ns do not have a good rep.

I also swapped to the 04.5-07 turbo and noticed a nice gain. I would recommend that. Also, 4" systems are pretty reasonable.

I would do the 4" elbow off the 04.5-07 with an 04.5-07 turbo back exhaust system. I have the AFE 4" turbo back, elbow and turbo for an 04.5-07.

I would not push the stock turbo to 35 psi. Probably not going to last. My buddy blew up his on his early 04 and the truck doesn't even have 25k miles on it. I was running 26-28 psi and was afraid to push it higher.