Hey all,,, I've finally got to the point where I can start upgrading my truck a bit. First of all, I'm not looking to race it or get gobs of horsepower out of it either. I just want to be able to pull a 15k trailer with ease and efficiency and still keep the truck a daily driver that's reliable.

A quick rundown of my truck is in my sig. With my 3.73 rear end, and the 35" tires, I've cut down considerably on the amount that I can tow.

What I'm looking to do, is to compensate for the lack of good gearing with some power. My engine and drivetrain is totally stock right now. I just finished installing egt, trans and boost guages, and will be ordering a Smarty JR in the next few weeks. Future upgrades will be a better built tranny.

Now for my question. Keeping my engine totally stock except for the Smarty JR, what would be a good turbo to replace the orginal with?

I have done so many searches, and there are so many different ways to go to get to the same place that it just confuses the heck out of me.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

My first turbo was an HTB2 from HTT. It was a really good upgrade from the stocker but spooled just as good if not better with a little more fuel and cooled things down just right. Most people go with too big of turbo and then have a run away trying to feed the thing in order to get back to spooling it towing or just daily driving it. I would suggest an HTB2 for you but call HTT and ask them too and see what they recommend. They are pretty helpful over there and can offer you real life explanations.

 

I'm in the same place you are and let me say that the amount of information on this message board is incredible!!! May I first suggest doing a search on this board for "Turbo Upgrade" I have found several threads related to this and a ton of info in each thread.
In all honesty each of our trucks, engine and what we want it to do best is different so no one on this board is going to tell you exactly what will work in your situation but they can certainly advise you with there experience's and the general philosophy of what works best in our bad a$$ CTD's we love so much..

 

Thanks! That's exactly what I want to avoid - I don't want to overdo something so that I have to drop a bunch more cash to mod some more eventually making my truck not really driveable any more.

 

Yep, I've searched so much on this board, and have found so many different options that it just starts to get confusing. Tons of info here!!!

 

I just purchased an HTT 62/65/13ss and could not be happier. I can't tell that it spools any slower than the stock turbo...maybe even a little quicker. I can tell that when it spools up it feels MUCH stronger than the stock turbo. I still have not upgraded the exhaust or the intake so I hope this helps even more when I do. If you do decide to get one from HTT, get it though the DTR store(you will have to call Lary as they are not listed on the site). They had the best price.

Dave

 

BD Super B, HTB2, Garrett Stage 1 or 2, or a purpose built Bell.

 

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm looking to tow and still use my truck as a daily driver.I have a thread called upgrading turbo? check it out there might be some info there that might help you. I've called IJ, HTT,BD diesel,and engineered diesel( as of right now thats probablly the turbo i'm going with 62/68/12).

 

First Id do a better torque converter, you'll notice a lot better performance.

The stock he351 is a great turbo, and is highly under-rated. If your looking for a little more power get a smarty jr. and leave the stock turbo. While your top end wont be as good, but it'll spool better and get the air on top of the fuel, which is key for towing.

And if at that point its not enough I call up ED and get a 62/65 a 62/68/12.

A couple suggestions given are a step backwards from the stock turbo and some for the cost the results are so minimal, they arent worth it.

 

I second that last. Fix your tranny, then go with a programmer. I use Bully Dog and am happy with it. It's nice to be able to select your power level, and consequently your fuel mileage, according to the job at hand.