alright...first off i am new to the forum and diesels...so hello.

second, i have done a lot of searches, and done some research but still looking for more thoughts and opinions on things.

i am getting ready to pick up my first diesel. picking up a 2004.5 2500 with the HO engine and 6 spd manual(he says its a rock crusher transmission with a lifetime garrauntee up to 500 horse)..quad cab long bed with 55k miles in excellent shape for $14k cant pass it up and have wanted to get in the diesel world for awhile now. it has a 4 inch lift with 35's, banks 6 gun programmer and banks full exhaust and cold air intake...now that you know a little bit about the truck...here are my questions.

1. he said it has a wastegate performance modication??? what the heck is he talking about? or blowing smoke?

2. what would be the next thing you would do for a little more performance...injectors? turbo upgrade? what?

3. would you do anything to the tranny before upgrading the engine?

4. tires and wheels...he has a set of brushed aluminum wheels with 35's but i am not fond of the wheels. when i get new wheels i was wanting to get new tires...can i fit 37's with a 4 inch lift? it wont be offroaded...i have a jeep set up for that.

thanks for your opinions and insight!!!!

 

First off welcome to the DTR. I have never heard of a rock crusher in that year truck. It should have a nv5600 and yes it will take the power fine, the clutch on the other hand may not so you might need to upgrade it. Sounds like a hell of a deal with only 55k. He probably put a boost elbow on the turbo, its more or less a plug that makes the turbo build more boost by closing the waste gate, You should be able to fit 37's with a 4in lift fine.

 

....and you could stack a smarty with the banks six gun and you be real happy.

 

awesome to hear these things....he is a great guy and an awesome mechanic, diesel guy for Cat...so i am excited about the truck and getting into diesels.

i am wanting to put 37's cause the 35's just look small on the quad cab long bed imo. so thats good news.

i will double check on the tranny and see what the word is on that..could it be an aftermarket upgrade?

and now that you mentioned the elbow on the turbo..i think that is what he was talking about?

looks like i am gonna start pricing wheel/tire packages and maybe a smarty. is there a reason you say the smarty? or preference? i read the threads about the smarty vs bullydog like twice and still confused on which is better lol

 

Most people like the smarty better. It makes very good power without overly hight egt's. As far as I know, rock crushers were 4 speed trannies in old muscle cars but Im not up to date on that. There are quite a few folks that run 37's with only a leveling kit but they kinda look to big to me. I will send you a pm.

 

I don't know about no rock crusher tranny in your truck, the nv5600 is a hard tranny to find parts for in the first place, I've never heard of no elite upgrade for it besides a better clutch. If its 04.5 most likely he has a boost elbow to allow higher boost before the wastegate opens. The Smarty or the BullyDog will give you a big difference in performance vs a Banks.

 

ditch the slow gun and if the truck has a clean title in good shape thats a smokin deal

 

SOUNDS LIKE A KILLER DEAL...remember the large tires will hurt power and mpg...as far as next mod, clutch, turbo, and +50 or +90 nozzles.

 

gauges clutch then go from there

 

Slow Gun... LOL.. have not heard that one.

I keep the "Banks Power" sticker on my tailgate... I've gotten 4 Duramax kills from that sticker! "Hey man what you got in there?? I saw that Banks sticker and knew you didn't have ----. You wasted me... What gives?" Actual quote from a a real Geico customer... Of course, Nasty Girl lives in my neck of the woods... I don't mess with him...

 

alright...seems like starting with the clutch seems logical...cause i can never leave anything alone and it is just going to keep getting modded. might follow with a smarty...than save for a turbo and injectors together.

yes, it is a smoking deal...thats what i sold the wife on lol. its in excellent shape and has been well taken care of..i am excited. sucks i have to wait 3 more weeks to pick it up though....errr...said he needs it until he leaves for his deployment april 1st...guess a few weeks for a smoking deal is worth it though.