Ok here are my questions: What is maximum number on the TST unit that I can run if my truck has elminated cat, no muffler, stock 4" exhaust system, and intake system. I plan to do no other upgrades. Just keep it as what I explained. So definitely I do NOT want to added Lift Pumps, upgraded Clutch kit, etc... I've been hearing a 5-5 on the TST would be maximum numbers I could run on my setup.

Truck: 04.5, 3500, 6spd, QC, 4X4

 

5x5 is fine as long as egt's are in check.
Your clutch will go bye bye eventually.

 

EGT's are much hotter than you think on 5x5.
The EGT Will often reach 1800 for a few seconds...
The problem is, most gauges are not fast enough to see it.

Throw it on a dyno with a thermocouple (with a good sample rate) and your eyes will pop out of your head.

 

It depends on the version program you have. The newest version is not as hot. The power is spread out more through the levels.

Yes, we used an unsheathed thermocouple in testing as well. There is a big difference in EGT that can be read quickly. They dont have the long term durability though.

Starting in 04.5 with the 600 engine, Cummins is using a very hard and durable cobalt valve seat and highly alloyed inconel valves. The days of cracked castings on just about every bombed truck you pulled the head off are over. Adding to this, the pistons are gallery cooled and fiber re-inforced. Very durable.

High EGT is murder on the turbine section though. Holset improved the bearings over the older style but any turbo will die if it is run too hot.

We have seen 1450 degrees with stock 04.5 engines while towing. Last spring when speaking to the Senior VP of the Cummins ISBe engines, he said the 04.5 will and is designed to take the 1450 degrees without a hitch.

Don~

 

thx guys..... so if i bought the lastest version what is best DON.... since it seems like you have done some extensive research along with your knowledgeable experience. Please help. looking to buy a TST soon....

would you say 6x6 since i do have the HO600???

I do not want any gauges, etc etc... I want this truck stock looking with a muffler system, 5" muffler tip and TST... That's it!!!

 

thats funny
no gauges

me thinks you better keep it stock or get deeeep pockets for repairs

 

It takes some interesting thinking to want to push a truck beyond stock limits and not monitor what is going on with it. If you add a TST box and no gauges you are asking for trouble. Surf this board and read all of the posts about engine problems with stock equipment and running a TST on 5x5. Granted mostly turbo issues but if you don't monitor egt and just run on 5x5 with your foot in it you could suffer serious engine issues. Even TST does not condone using its box with no gauges, that alone should tell you something. I hope you don't take this the wrong way but MANY people sometimes do things in ignorance and then ask why the results happened, now you will know the possible out come of your actions.
Good Luck Jason

PS Look at the X monitor it is small and unobtrusive and it will tell you if 5x5 is too much for your engine

 

would a water cooled bearing help with the turbine section, or is it not the bearings that are first to go?

 

OK so I better just get the edge box...... 50-70hp and that's it right.....

 

get a egt gauge at a minimum

 

i do not recommend mods without monitoring the fuel pressure, boost, tranny, and egts. but if that is what you want then maybe...

get a warning light (red maybe) that comes on about 1200* so you know when you are getting close. and another (maybe a green one) for when fuel pressure drops below a certain psi. etc etc. atleast you will have some sort of warning that is about the size of a penny and can be hidden from the average eye.

again, you should know the risks going into this and know no one recommends it.

good luck, Pat

 

Running without any type of gauge or warning systerm is strictly suicide.

It won't be a matter if you'll break it, its WHEN will it break.