I’ve got a 2007 3rd generation 2500 6 speed manual. Truck has 150K and needs a clutch and exhaust. I’ve lingered here a bit and have read a good deal, but still not sure how to proceed. Not looking for a ton of power, but would love some additional to be there when I want to play a bit and would love better mpg’s on a regular basis. Also don’t want to do anything to shorten it’s life.

This is my daily driver and I figure as long as I need a clutch and exhaust anyway, why go stock. Take the opportunity to add a smarty (jr or sr), a decent exhaust, beefier clutch to handle the power, something on the intake side, gauges to monitor it all, etc. Not sure if I need to do anything on the fuel end?

As I said I’m looking for some advice from those in the know. Additionally, although I have the ability to do the mods myself, I don’t have all the tools or time so I’m looking for a reputable shop to work with. I’ve heard good things about MassDiesel, but they are about 4 hours from me. I live in NW CT and work in Westchester County NY. As I’m not looking to build a monster, I figure there must be someone closer that can do the job right, no?

I appreciate your time and look forward to your replies.

Thanks

 

As far as mods, I would suggest the Smarty Jr. Leave the exhaust but maybe change or remove the muffler. Stock exhaust is good for at least 500HP. If you just stay with the Jr your fuel system is fine. You may look into better filtration but that is it.

 

^^^ reasonable advice above. I would say about the same things.

I wouldn't remove the muffler, I hate drone, but I would look into a better perfoming one. Not that you necessarily need it.

I like the smarty jr in that application and then a fuel upgrade is not needed. The jr was designed with the "stock" truck in mind.

I think, the manual guys can chime in here as I am an auto guy, the south bend con ofe would work for you.

 

I hear the can of worms opening up.... once you start there is no going back

 

Smarty Jr

 

smarty jr would be a good choice for now. But once you start that hp bug bites you and you better hold on. Your money leaves your wallet faster than you can imagine. I don't regret anything I have done to my truck just didn't realize how quickly everything adds up.

 

Ok, so the Smarty Jr. seems to be agreed to by all. But what about the exhaust? I need a new one so it seems to me that I might as well go with one that will give a bit more performance. I don’t want drone, so what do you guys recommend?

Also, how much HP can I expect to gain from the Smarty Jr. and an exhuast?

Fellow 6 speeders? What clutch do you guys recommend? Southbend, Valair?

And gauges? Even if I’m just going to go with the Smarty Jr, and exhaust, shouldn’t I still be monitoring the fuel pressure and exhaust gas temps?

Thanks for the help.

 

I have a large 4" donaldson muffler that I installed myself. A different muffler only yields small hp gains. My truck only had 3.5" exhaust so I upgraded it. Your G56 has the dual mass flywheel which is problematic. South bend has a good retrofit for that application. Boost and egt are a must to monitor. A lot of CR guys monitor rail pressure too. Your low pressure fuel pressure you good do too if you like. You can add a intake horn for a bit more performance too, better bang for your $ than exhaust.

 

OK. I appreciate the feedback I received, but was hoping for a bit more. I’ve done quite a bit of research on here and there is a great deal of info. Hopefully I’m making some informed decisions. Please chime in and let me know if you think I’m heading down the wrong road...

I decided to go with the DD Valair Clutch with Organic Facings and am hoping for little to no noise.

Also ordered ISSPRO gauges - Boost (60 lb), Fuel (30 psi), and Pyro with the piller mount. Is rail pressure a must to monitor as well?

I’m planning on going with the MBRP 4 inch Dual Exhaust (T409 SS) and am undecided about which intake at the moment.

Also going to go with the Smarty POD. All I’ll probably need is the power of the Jr., but for about $200.00 more, I figure I might as well have the extra in case my plans change later on.

Going to install the gauges so I can get a good feel for where things are stock. Once the clutch arrives (2 week back order), I’ll have a local shop put that in for me, and then I’ll install the Smarty and start playing with the tunes. Once I’m comfortable with the settings and the readings from the gauges, I’ll go with the exhaust and intake.

Am I missing anything? Any and all feedback is appreciated.

 

The Valair DD with organic facings is an excellent choice, when my clutch needs replacement Valair DD is the direction I am going.

I have the ISSPRO EV2 gauges, mounted mine in a dash pod that fits over the instrument cluster, holds 4 gauges, the same as you have selected plus rail pressure.

I went with the single flo-pro 5" turbo back exhaust, good sound, no cat, min size muffler, it is actually pretty quiet in the cab, can runble a little when you really get on it, but it is mostly quiet, sounds like a 2nd gens sweet and mellow tone.

I ultimately went with the Smarty Jr, I had the Sr but really didn't need all the bells and whistles the Sr offers, so I stepped down to the Jr. Once you get away from the stock programming your truck will be a whole different critter. I mostly use the tow setting, get better mpg's, and noticable power. Occasionally I run the top setting of 100hp, it is more than enough for my needs. Kind of a set it and forget it thing in the way I use it.

There will probably be other stuff down the line that you mod/change. Gauges are the best first choice, get to know your truck. The Smarty will make a huge difference, much better programming over stock. Have fun, enjoy your truck.



CD

 

Good luck friend. Looking forward to hearing about your build.

 

Sounds like a sensible build that will make you smile. You should consider better fuel filtration early on as well. If nothing else a Baldwin PF7977 in the stock canister is a big step up for real low cost.