Ok so I have had my 2003 2500 since it was new and have always been happy with the performance but this weekend I was pulling my 29 ft 5th wheel with my four place atv trailer behind it like I always do when we go camping, I start to climb a pretty steep hill and behind me is this powerstroke who has been behind me for awhile when we get to the middle of the hill he pulls out and passes me as he goes by he has pretty much the same configuration with a 5th wheel and a 3 place atv trailer.I saw him at the next gas station and he said he had a cold air intake and a 4" exhaust with the cat converter taken out and that was it. Lets just say I was imperssed how he pulled up the hills. Would a exhaust and a cold air intake help mt truck that much? What size exhaust should I go with and will a chip help me out?Thanks for all your help

 

Ya, you need all three. Just call quadzilla, you need a Quad intake, quad race box or less, and mbrp muffler. That will do ya! I have had all of this on my truck for quite some time and it hasnt hurt a thing. The race box will give you 60-140hp, the intake 30hp or so, and a muffler will give you some too. Quadzillas prices are really good for the money. this would of course be a one stop shop type of purchase as there are many other combos to choose from.

I just think for the $ you could get this stuff and be happy! Plus your truck would haul

 

welcome to dtr.

I have alot of quad stuff(if you go that route, buy it at DTR Store).

with your auto tranny, it wont take too many mods to hurt it. keep that in mind.

the first mods to be done whenever increasing power are gauges. boost,pyro,and trans temp. which all can be taken care of using the quad commander.
just my $.02,

 

I ve heard that with the chips you really need to watch exhaust temps? I pull 99% in the desert is this going to be a concern? Also what size exhaust should I go with? Thanks again

 

The biggest thing as far exshaust is not having a cat or muffler those things are heat traps. I would get a 5" a little loud but that dosen't bug me. You will not have any problem runnin a chip with a exshaust while pullin.

 

I would recommend getting gauges prior to adding any chip/programmer due to possible harm you may cause with adding the additional fuel.

There are several things you can do to aid in better performance....such as

1. Modify your stock air box/inlet tube to allow additional air for the motor. Of course you can also purchase aftermarket air intake systems. There are many out there for the 3rd gens.

2. Change out your stock exhaust for a better free flowing one. You should have 3 1/2" to the muffler & then 4" out to the tip. You could either purchase an entire 4" system or just eliminate your current muffler & have an aftermarket one installed. 4" exhaust should be fine until you reach around 500 horses unless you want to go with 5" (basically for the looks, lower EGT's & deeper sound)

3. Chips/programmers will absolutely get you additional horsepower. You need to decide if you want a plug & play type module/chip or do you want an actual programmer that "reprograms" your computer. Once you decide that.....then do a little research on here & you will get all kinds of opinions.



HUMP

 

If Sandslinger where driving a 2006 would you guys still be advising that he change the exhaust or is the stock 4" system on our trucks up to the task for the other mods you have suggested? I am adding gauges to my 2006 next weekend and the mods you have suggested are pretty much what I have planned along with a Goerend T/C and VB.

 

Sandslinger,

I also recommend gauges especially if you are towing. I am not sure exactly wht your budget is or how extensive you want to go but, I will make a recommendation based on what I have seen.

Part# DXZT-REC

This is an XZT module (65HP) and it includes the Recon XZT Gauge kit. Basically this is an economy set up that is easier than anything else to install at a VERY reasonable price. This kit is targeted at people who want more power and want gauges but, do not want to mess with wiring everything up and having to buy different mounts for the gauges.

You can read about them here:
http://www.quadzillapower.com/xzill_xzt.html

and

http://www.quadzillapower.com/prod_recon.html

Also take a look at the installation instructions for both of them to give you an idea of what is involved. You can also look at the pictures of the Recon to see it is really compact.

Now there are fancier ways to do this but, I was not sure of your budget or what you wanted exactly.

Of course and intake will always help and on your truck a 4" exhaust is nice to have. The main gain from the exhaust is going to an exhaust temperature drop by probably about 200 degrees peak on your particular truck.

Now if you get the gauges you can get away without an intake or exahust as you will at least be able to monitor what is going on. Then when you get an exhaust you will physically be able to see the difference on your gauge.

I would call a few of the vendors or send some emails out and give them these part #'s

DXZT-REC (XZT plus Recon XZT Package) or DXZT just the module
MAID (Intake)
C/D-PREFILTER (Sock to keep large stuff out of the filter like bugs and rocks)
S6104-409 (Stainless MBRP Exhaust kit, Turbo back)


Skydiver41,

On the 04.5 and newer trucks I would just recommend doing a performance muffler kit. The rest of the system will be fine unless you are going for something extreme.

Part# MK96116

 

A 2006 already has 4" exhaust therefore the better solution would be to "open up" the factory exhaust. A better aftermarket free flowing muffler & lose a few other things within the exhaust system & you will be just fine.



HUMP

 

you guys didnt even read all of the post did you?