Love my Cummins Diesel
2003 2500 QuadCab 8' Bed 2WD 6Spd 3.73
Silver

What can I do for free or cheap to get more power.
Want to be sure I do all I can free or cheap before I start spending money.

I know a 6spd is not the fastest thing on the planet but there has got to be more in there some place.

I have a friend that drives a 99 ford 350 srw crew with an 8' bed.
He has a chip and a K&N. I am tired of getting passed by him.
Yes I am pushing the gas.

Any help to the newbe would be greatly apreciated.

Teachwood

 

Open your wallet and then hold on!!

 

http://www.edgeproducts.com might be a good starting point.... I wouldn't do any power upgrades until you install pyrometer and boost gauges.

 

Cheapest would be delete the muffler for resistance and weight. You wont pick up any miraculous power but your EGTs will lower a bit which allows you to make more power.

Next would be get a good drop in filter. K&N makes one if you want to go that route. HOWEVER i think the PG7 has a drop in that would provide similar flow with better filtration. Not sure about the PG7 drop in or if they just have the cone filter. Check some of the sales companies links in the link section --- performance.

Both of these will allow the stock turbo and engine to breathe easier and lower EGTs then you can build power with some safety in mind. I also removed the baffled section of 5" cylindrical piping in the middle of the intake tube and replaced it with 5" straight PVC.

Now you can think about spending a little money with EDGE, PDQ, VA, BANKS, TST or one of the other boxes. Check for Dougs "box matrix" for some info on the different available boxes...

 

Unfortunately nothing is really free that produces power. You should pretty much figure its going to take a Scotty-III air intake, 4" exhaust kit, gauges, Turbo Air Guide and a box like Banks Six-Gun to get the performance you are looking for.

 

ALSO:
http://www.edgeproducts.com might be a good starting point.... I wouldn't do any power upgrades until you install pyrometer and boost gauges.

Amen to the gauge part I installed my gauges after the edge... WRONG way to do it... GAUGES first then mods. I didn't hurt anything... I DON'T THINK but was surprised how high the EGT does get. Now I'm after the improved Scotty III and a full 4" exhaust, not sure if I want to spend the big $$$ on the Banks or one of the other reputable manufactures yet, but it will be soon. Probably stop there (for a while)... after all I do have other toys that need attention !!!

 

My story:

I told the wife I was JUST going to upgrade the intake and exhaust.

I don't know how many THOUSANDS of dollars I have in this beast, as many others here can attest to the financial difficulties in owning one of these money pits.

I have got to get with my UPS driver, his name is Lee. I need him to hide the boxes behind the barn.

I hate it when the wife asks, "What's in the box!?", as the "Man Song" starts playing in the background, and I start tucking tail. Years of female "conditioning", tight wads.

I pay ALL the bills, she buys the groceries. We have seperate checking, but file jointly. She squirrels money away, I spend it.

"You got another BOX!!!! MICHAEL...........!

Congrats on the CTD, but if your married, I feel your pain.

Why do I feel so GUILTY?

Mike

 

Localnet! I do the same thing except my boxes get delivered to work. Heck, your whole scenario looks pretty close to mine. My wife doesn't work except for a part time job so she doesn't say too much. What I always tell her is that I could have a big block Dart GTS sitting in the garage that I'm working on so this is cheaper!!
Teachwood, once you start you can't stop so be prepared!! Check the classifieds here. There's a lot of good stuff that's cheap.......

 

I wish i could have my "boxes" sent to work. But I'm self employed, truck driver. I miss Lee, my UPS driver, by a couple hours. He is always getting me in trouble!

Debating on getting a new turbo/manifold for the Dodge. Got some bad news though, my big truck needs an in-frame rebuild. I thought I could hold it together till spring, wasn't in the cards. Just got the lowest quote, $6700.00! Thank God the truck is paid for.

I guess I could put it on a CC, the Dodge stuff, but I don't like bills. Cash is KING!

Mike

 

Ya, I try to only spend cash too. I just have to wait for bonuses or tax return. My last bonus got me the converter and valve body..
Sorry about the big truck. Just put a fifth wheel on the Dodge and pull that trailer around..

 

Yeah, I know how you guys feel, everytime I see that big ol brown truck comin down the road I feel like a kid at christmas time, now if I could just get him to wear a red suit!!!!!!

 

I've been getting the cold shoulder the past few days since UPS pulled up and unloaded 5 big boxes all with Bank,s name in big print. I was at work so UPS asked wife where she wanted them put. When I got home she told me where to put them. Anyway, a mans gotta do what a mans gotta do. Trucks in the shop getting Stinger system,with Ottomind, Ebrake, Pillar mounted EGT, Boost and Fuel Press, and leveling kit installed. She keeps asking where the truck is and I say it's just getting a new exhaust pipe honey, geez you look nice tonight. My real anxiety is hoping this system works well and is reliable. Truck runs so well as is although underpowered when towing etc. The old saying "if it ain't broken don't fix it" keeps running through my head. I think it's just some buyers remorse cause of all the bucks spent and my newness. Sure helps to read your posts.
Thanks all.

 

Techwood,


There is no such thing as cheap up-grades on these trucks. Just empty each pocket, oh that stands for jeep but applies to the CTD as well. Enjoy the truck and join the rest of us in trying to finance all the up-grades we want!