I would like to do a few simple upgrades to my 04 2500 quad cab.The only thing i have done at this time is replace the lift pump to a carter ele fuel pump mounted on the frame.(I know i should of bought a fass system).I am not looking to replace injectors,transmission parts or do a cp3 mod so what i was thinking about is a mod chip and muffler and cold air intake.I am in Dallas and it gets hot here in the summer so not sure if a cold air intake mod will help me much.I do tow once in awhile but not alot.I do appreciate any help or advice any of the great members can offer.


Thanks,Brad

 

If you're staying pretty mild, I would skip the exhaust. The stock exhaust flows fairly well. If you're looking at the 350-400hp range, the only reason to change exhaust would be if you want it louder.
On the intake, again, stay cheap. At this point, all I've done is cut open the front of the stock airbox and put in a drop in filter and removed the rubber piece between the radiator and passenger headlight assembly so the hole I cut in the airbox can get more air.
As far as power. You can only safely add about 50-60hp for long term reliability without some minimal transmission upgrades. And you can only tow with maybe 20-30hp extra - again, I'm talking long term reliability. There are a lot of guys that push the stock trannies past that, but you are lessening the number of miles you will get before it needs rebuilt. If you want adjustability on the fly with some built in gauges, go with Quadzilla or Edge. If you want a downloader and separate gauges, I would recommend the Smarty Jr.

 

The stock exhuast does not flow very well on the 04, it has a 3 1/2" turbo down pipe going into a 4". Now I went with a full MBRP 4" and its great, but you could just simply get a 4" downpipe. Id also say the stock intake would be fine with a drop in and possilby the cheese airbox mod....drills some holes.

Id also look into a Quad X2 or Smarty for power upgrades...probably the X2 since it comes with a guage pod....I assume you dont have any guages. The 03-04's are differnt than the 04.5 and up's as they have a 3rd injection event that we dont have.

Hope this helps!

 

I just was looking at the x2 seems like a pretty good price and local to DFW.I did notice alot here push for the smarty aswell.I hope to make my choice soon.I really hope to gain mpg and some power at the same time with no tear on the tranny.

 

You can pick up a bully dog triple dog very cheap these days.

 

Do you have a 2004 or a 2004.5?

 

yeah, before we suggest what to do, pop the hood and look at the sticker on the drivers side of the "valve cover" this is where the rated HP number is, if it says 325 hp, you have a 2004.5 and different mods will be suggested for that over the 04.

 

so i have the 2004.5 with the factory 4" exhaust. is my downpipe 3.5"? I m sure i thought it was all 4" if you had a 2004.5?

 

And for good reason, stay away from Bully Dog for 03-04s, they are junk. If you tow and want the shift on the fly, get the Quad X2 Race. If you want a programmer that you cant outgrow, then get the Smarty. Both are great products w/ great customer service.

 

Build Date 6-6-2004,325 HP...

 

sweet deal bro, I found out that mine was a 04.5 about two months after I bought it brand new
Different otpins for bombing now that you know the truck has a 4 inch factory ssytem for an exhaust, a lot of folks have a great results with just puting in a muffler delete pipe and leaving everything else alone, it is stainless steel and willl last a long time.

 

Excellent. Now go back and re-read my first post.

 

I would of thought a build in date in July or after July would of made my truck a 04.5 but if 325 HP is the 04.5 ticket then i have to be very happy.I have only had this truck for a very short time so i am learning more and more each day.I bought this truck for 15k cash with right at 100k and it has 2 new batterys a new injector pump,lift pump and injectors however all stock items.The past owner had issues with it not starting and it ended up being the number 3 injector after replacing all the above.I also was gvien the old working injector pump so i have a extra.

 

Good deal!! I'm looking at another 04 right now for 11500, the price of diesel must be killing the value of these trucks. Sounds like you got a good one, fill out your sig so we can all see what you have and help you in the future.

 

Hows this..