Alright. Well after reading this board for the last few weeks, I finally decided to give in and buy a diesel. Friday, I got a 2000 Dodge 2500. I love it. It's 4x4 with a regular cab. I was thinking about starting slow and mild on the upgrades, so I would appreciate any comments. I'm thinking about getting a K&N soon because I've heard so many good things about them. Thanks a lot for the great info and pics guys! -George Bruner, Tallahassee, FL

 

Welcome to the site,......
Welcome to the Dark Side.

Diesels are the way to go.

Start by driving it, to see any quirks that might arise.
Then I'd go with gauges to get a baseline on what readings your stock setup will produce.

There are much better choices in the aftermarket marketplace now than the K&N.

Then the only limits will be your imagination and your credit limit.
Gentlemen, start your charge cards...............

 

don't start out slow if you plan on doing bigger upgrades don't buy stuff your gonna replace a year down the road or it'll cost you alot more than buying what you wanted in the first place.
get either a scotty or afe intake system and get an exhaust. you don't need gauges until you start adding programmers and injectors

 

How is he going to know if the LP is running okay?

Shovelhead has it right. First order of business is to install gauges so you know what "normal" is before you add stuff. Information on what the engine is doing is critical with these diesels. Fuel pressure first, EGT's, then boost. IMHO.


BTW Welcome to the site!

 

I will second the recommendation for gauges first. Always a good thing to know how the lift pump is performing. It's a great first bomb.
Mishkaya

 

Thanks a lot. Another question: who makes the best overall gauges, and which ones should I get (ie: boost,pyro...)? Thanks, George

 

You will get many different opinions in answer to that question. Personally I think they are probably pretty much all equal in reality. Just pick the ones you think will look best in your truck. Do a search on this site and you will get many answers to your questions.
Mishkaya

 

Do lift pumps get weak? I thought they work or they don't???What upgrade can be done?

 

Lift pump Number 1 (sitting on top of my garage 'fridge) was changed @ 37,000 miles when my reading fell below 6 psi at WOT . Idle was ~12psi, truck ran fine.
Pump number 2 now @ 74,000 miles still 15psi at idle, 10 WOT

 

There are several options for the lift pump issue. FASS, Airdog, and RASP to name a few. Do a search and you can make your own decisions.
Mishkaya

 

Pyro and Fuel pressure are the most important guages. You dont want to cook anything or lose fuel pressure which will cause injection pump failure. If you are on a budget just make sure that you get an a pillar or whatever guage mount you chose to fit all the guages you plan to have. My 01 has boost 0-60, Pyro, fuel pressure and trans temp. I use a 3 guage a pillar mount and a single steering column pod. Those should be your first bombs then intake and exhaust, once those things are done then start adding fuel.

 

sorry bout that, i have a good pump i forgot these 24v have junk pumps.

 

Welcome!

First up grade definitely gauges!

 

Gauges are important. I like Isspro and Autometer, but look around and get what you like and think would look good in your truck. I have the XMonitor from BD Power. It is nice and gives a sharp look with a digital readout, but it tends to cost more than the analogs.

George, welcome to the site. Could you fill out your signature so eveeryone can know what you have? It makes it much easier for others to offer you suggestions and help.

 

Thanks everyone. Okay, I'll get the gauges first, then go to intake, exhaust. -GB