I use my truck as a daily driver, if I ever tow it is a very light load. I am looking to get some better performance (HP, spool time, MPG), on a budget <$2000, but am leery about adding a chip/programmer. I was thinking about upgrading my turbo, to the ATS Aurora 3000 with the exhaust manifold. I have seen various posts about the 3000 but it seems that everyone uses some kind of programmer and/or injectors. Has anyone upgraded the turbo without a programmer or injectors? What kind of performance results can I expect?
Thanks in advance-D

 

Smarty Jr. and a good turbo from II or HTT will get you in just under 2000. I was told that unless you are making stupid power you dont need the manifolds.

 

I think on a stock truck (no programmer / no injectors)....you're going to want a smaller turbo so it's easier to spool w/o the increased fueling.....i'm not familiar with the 3k...but a 62/65/12 from II or HTT should fit the bill...

How about Smarty Jr ($400) + II 62/65/12 ($1400) = $1800 + Install if your not doing it yourself....would offer great towing / cool egt's / slight mileage increase / great throttle response + 70hp (shouldnt go higher on stock auto)...would be a great all around ride with moderate perf improvements...wouldnt be taxing on your parts either as your not getting carried away with HP....

Or if you think your going to go a little more wild in the future...Smarty Sr ($700) + HTT 62/65/13ss ($1900)...use it on level 5 (90hp) until your ready and then you can add a few more parts to kiss 500hp (trans build, fuel pump)...hell, even twins with this turbo on top...set's the stage for going hog wild if you so choose at a later date.

 

X2 on the Smarty Jr an a 62 turbo also check out the BD super B its a good upgrade for towing.

 

On another note, i wouldnt be leary going with a Smarty..there are too many in operation / out there for it to be a concern...as long as you obey the rules of logic and only use what you should based upon supporting modes, there should be no concern. (e.g. Stock auto = Level 3 max) I still dont have an aftermarket turbo...and have had the smarty since it came out for the 06's....its a great product...currently running beta 4.4 Level 9 (requires beefed up auto and fuel pump at min...should have turbo, but my egt's arent bad)....it's awesome.

I drove on Smarty level 3 (60hp) for 10k miles with the same mods as you...totally different animal...just 100% better all around....you cant do a better single mod for your truck...and if you chose to go farther, it wll accomidate you to 600+hp....and drain your bank account in the process.