I've been running a Jr for almost a year now, and I'm very happy with the way it makes the truck perform. The problem is that I bought the Jr with the hope I could keep the stock clutch, and that didn't happen. Now that I've got a clutch that will hold a lot of torque, I'm getting the itch for more

My question to those that have firsthand or secondhand experience:
Should I sell the Jr and buy a Sr, or should I start working hard parts like injectors and turbo?

I know I'm quickly approaching the limit of my stock components with the Jr, but will I gain a bunch of efficiency and performance by keeping the Jr and upgrading to +50 injectors and a Garrett 3782R Stage 2, or will I get more out of the Sr software from the stock parts until the money is a bit more favorable and I can upgrade hard parts at a later time?

I eventually want a cam, but that's more to kill the in-cylinder EGR and gain mileage than it is for performance, although the performance is a nice benefit. I was already planning on injectors but not for awhile, and only after (or with) a turbo, and that's quite a bit more expensive than a Sr. Valve springs are on the bucket list, as is an exhaust manifold and bag of parts for the CP3, but that's not going to happen anytime soon (especially if my 401K keeps tanking).

Sooo....what do I do to keep the addiction progressing?

 

I would sell the jr and get a used sr. You can get them reasonable now that the SSR is out and EFI live. That way you can save money. I have had a sr on mine for a long time. Even on SW 9 I had reasonable egt's with the stock turbo. I now have the garrett stage 2 and egt's are a bit lower but not much. If you really want lower egt's I would go twins. I have tried 3 turbos and I can live with the stage 2, but the turbos I have tried were just laggy and not much cooler if at all.

 

I also say go with compound turbos first. After that go with a CP3 upgrade and 50HP sticks. Still good mileage, and great performance and the Jr. on SW3 will support it well. An air dog (or other) would be a good addition as well along with a 2micron fuel filter set up.

the above are my bucket list plans. Truck will be paid for middle of next year and that is when the fun will begin All that AFTER I upgrade the clutch

 

I'm not considering twins at all...just not interested in that level of performance (or cost) and I won't need to keep a 900hp engine cool while towing 20K lbs. I'm pretty sure I'll top out around the 500hp level as I'm just not willing to spend the money required for supporting mods to keep more power in-check.

My biggest goal is reliable, consistent, safe power. I know I could stack a MP-8 and Smarty and end up near 500hp, but it would eventually melt a piston, score a cylinder, break an injector or drop a valve. I've always liked to balance hard parts with software.

 

Twins don't mean 900hp and the loss of drive ability! You are already considering a new turbo, why not use yours in a compound set up? CD in NM on here is running compounds (not sure which ones) and the Jr and hauls trailers. Compounds and towing is VERY doable. Your EGT's will actually be lower.

I know others here are towing very heavy loads with compounds. Not trying to argue, just saying it can be done for basically the same cost as you are looking at and give you the power and performance you are looking for. I am actually looking at the very same thing. I drive mine daily and do some towing (will tow more in the future) and for the power and performance, this is a great option.

 

No worries about arguing here, I'll listen to anyone with experience or solid insight. I hadn't considered twins because of the hassle installing them, adjusting them, and working around them. That and because I didn't think I'd have anywhere near the performance level that makes sense with twins. I've always considered twins the answer to high HP and high EGT, especially when towing heavy...I don't have high horsepower, and towing heavy is a very infrequent event for me.

The Garrett is about $1800, bolts-in with a few minor mods to the cooling system and I retain all my current CAI equipment. I hadn't considered using my stocker as the small piece in a set of twins, but I'm still fairly certain I'll be in the $2500 range and the plumbing work will be rather extensive.

What setup are you looking at? Aren't you concerned the stock sticks won't have enough fuel to spin them effectively?

 

My plans will be stock and another smaller one. Just not sure which one yet. Stock sticks will work if you are not looking for high HP gains which I will not be doing. I will eventually go with some 50 HP sticks or possibly 90 at the absolute most. You are right about the hassles of installing and working around them, and that is one thing to consider for sure. The price would be close but going to a bigger single would be cheaper for sure and no doubt a good way to go.

 

Knowing what I know now, I would stay with the Jr and get the stage 2. I have had a 341, 351 and the stage 2 on my truck and the garrett is a dream! I tow heavy (20K trailer) and this thing is just so nice to tow with, when I 1st installed it, I kept looking to see if I had my puck turn on (I usually don’t). I just could not believe how much power got freed up from lowering the drive pressure.

Yes my EGT’s did drop, but to be fair, I did add a “spool aid” 3 days before the turbo swap.

Joe