I know this has been asked before but I've spent 2 hours reading old threads and can't find all the answers I'm needing. I have a 2004 305hp, auto, 4x4 CTD that has a smarty, edge ez, 4" exhaust and drop in k&n air filter. I've got $3000 to spend on upgrades and I'm wanting to to get up to the 500-600 hp range.

Questions:

1) Do I need a full replacement tranny or can I get by with a torque converter and valve body upgrade? If I can just upgrade the tranny than what all needs to be upgraded and where and what is the best replacement for the money? Are the torque converters on ebay good?

2) What gauges do I need and where is the best place to buy them?

3) What type of fuel delivery system do I need?

4) What hp is the stock injectors good to? If I'll exceed the rating, then what size and brand injectors will I need?

5) Whats the best air intake system?


I think thats all the questions I've got right now. I'm sure this budget will be busted but I've seen most of these parts online for pretty close to what I'm looking to spend as long as I don't need to drop a new tranny in.

 

The only information I feel qualified to provide is about gauges. I use Autometer electrics in my race/street car. Inexpensive, dead on reliable, easy to install. Some of the new full sweep electrics look really good, although more expensive.

Another good choice is Speed Hut. You can get them custom made to look pretty much any way you want them. www.verycoolparts.com

 

I just barely ordered a full set of Auto Meter guages (boost, egt & trans) from Geno's 2 days ago. These are my first step towards bombing...
Next step for me is intake, and exhaust mods.

 

500 to 600hp is quite a spread..., do the tranny first, call Dave Goerand(sp), or DTT, they both can offer good advice and TC/VB kit upgrades without a fully built unit.

I like the new Isspro gauges.

Quite a few choices for lift pumps, I would call Richard at GDP, and listen to what he has to say, I recommend additional filtration(2 micron) along with a lift pump.

Stock injectors will get you to 500hp.

Your stock intake is better than most aftermarket units... the Icebox would be my choice.

At 500hp, your stock turbo will not keep your egt's in a safe zone, in fact at 400hp it will be questionable. A PS62, or SPS62 will handle 500hp as long as you do not tow really heavy on long pulls. 600hp... your going to need twins.

 

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll invest most of the money in the tranny for now and possibly look into twins in the future.