The 04 Cali truck has a CAT, but it doesn't need to be removed from my experience. I only added a 4" straight though muffler (in my sig) and that is enough to keep the EGTs at 1200* in the toughest conditions.

Since we're talking about a truck with a 5 speed manual, a tranny temp guage is not needed. EGT, boost, and lastly a fuel pressure if three guages are needed.

 

Yep, I agree... I seen where he said that, too...

 

Glad to hear I don't need replace whole exhaust, I had not done any research on exhaust yet. This may be a little easier to get started than i had thought.

I will start shopping for gauges, egt and boost first.

What will monitoring fuel pressure tell me?

 

Big problem with the 03-04.5 trucks (I think that's the year range) is that they have filter mounted lift pumps. They are pretty well known for taking a poop. Better to catch the LP dying and replace it instead of ruining your CP3 by running it dry.

You can go with a cheap aftermarket pump, like a walbro, or go for a fass or air dog if you want to replace it. Or, leave it, and the dealer will replace it under the Cummins 100k warranty when it dies.

Plus, later, when you start bombing the truck, watching the FP will help you out when stuff ain't working right...

 

Ok... a set of of gauges in order first, to keep a eye on things, even while it is stock.

I seem to like the pillar mount, is there any real disadvantage to putting them on pillar?

Thanks Guys for the help, This forum is Great.

 

You loose your grab handle, that's the only thing that I can see...

There are dash mounts, steering column mounts, only 2 guages, so you'd have to get a SRT A-piller, it has the handle and the pod hole... Or there is the cubby hole mount, the over the rear view mirror mount.... or a custom mount... Couple of our sponsers make them.

What ever makes you happy, man. I like the piller mounts, don't get me wrong. Just presenting all the options that I know about...

 

The more I read, I seem to have more questions.

Which boost gauge 0-30 or 0-60psi? also Fuel gauge 0-15 or 0-30psi? Will lower pressure gauges be ok.

After gauges, air, and exhaust mod, plan on adding a smarty jr. will that push limits on lower gauges?

Also I did look at other gauge mounts, may change my mind on pillar mount.

 

Get the higher limit guages.

I can hit 50 lbs on my stock turbo...

I wish I had the 1800* pyro, but I already got one, and I'm too cheap to get another one...

 

This setup leaves the grab handle....good for 03-04.

 

Where did you get mount? and how was install in dash to do?

 

I'm going with the smarty jr and they say you don't need an exhaust gas temp gauge. But with my auto I'm installing a trans temp gauge.

My mods will go as follows:
Smarty Jr. $500
Full 5 inch exhaust $350?
free flowing filter/pull out the silencer ring and muffler thingy (already done) $50
Trans temp gauge/srt pillar mount $100
Custom Valve body $500

I think that's it, best bang for the buck.

I guessed on the filter and exhaust price but that should get me close.

 

Who says you don't need an EGT?

I think that's probably the most important guage you can have when moding a diesel.

Just MHO...

 

Smarty says it, says it runs lower EGTs than stock too.

Gauges add up . If I don't need em I won't have them. They do look cool though!

Just an SRT pillar gauge and trans temp gauge is all I'll get for the Jr.

One thing I will keep an eye on is bogging the motor though... I seem to do that around town with the 315s and 3.73 gear.

 

You're right, it does...

That's cool.

Learn something new every day, huh?

 

Yup that's why I'm going with it, but do note they say under normal conditions... I'd guess that means no hot lapping or sleds.... and back it off if towing heavy.


I added prices above and they got to about $1500. That's honestly all I wanna spend.

If I go with the big stuff I'll have to start doing fuel mods and eventually a turbo... Or both really.
Then a billet input shaft and new converter.


With a good valve body my stock converter shouldn't slip much and the clutches should clamp fine with that additon 100+ hp.


People seem to report better MPG with the Jr... that and freeing up the airflow some should net some increases in MPG. I'm not expecting miracles though.