What are some good mods to do to this truck, and how much HP/Torque is possible with out upgrading tranny? How much usually to upgrade tranny to hold up to high numbers?

 

search it man....

 

I have an Edge EZ on mine. Edge says it adds 65hp/185tq, most dyno runs say it adds 35hp/120tq at the rear wheels. It is easy to install, and safe for the transmission in my opinion. I have had mine on 2 years now, and tow an RV that is 34' and 9000# through the Canadian Rockies. I do suggest an EGT gauge though, because there are times when I could have caused damage had I not seen the EGT rising and backed off a bit.

I have the other minor mods listed in my sig as well.

Don't bother with Superchips, I tried their programmer and it set my check engine light. No such issues with the EZ, though I have had one replaced under warranty (on my second EZ).

If you add much more than what most boxes add that don't tap the pump wire, your trans will be fine. All of the products that do not tap the wire produce very similar power. Something like the Edge Comp or Juice with attitude will require trans upgrades, and do tap the wire.

 

That will keep you busy for about a week.

 

Without trans mods I don't think you want to do more than an Edge EZ or a Smarty. If you do one of those modifications and you have an auto trans you will definatley want a J-hook for the turbo. An exhaust system and big fuel line kit are good cheap upgrades that get you started and make you a little more efficient.

 

I killed my stock torque converter lock-up clutch with an edge ez towing my RV in the mountains. I do agree for the most part its pretty safe, each tranny different. My dad kill two stock tranny using a similar box. Depends on how heavy you tow, where you tow and how hard you make the truck work.

 

I say go with the power puck man, it is way cheaper thatn any edge box and puts out boutthe same power and torque and also it is stackable with most boxes like the edge, I have the puck and hot rod vp44 inj. pump my thouhgts on the hrvp44 dont waste the money you can buy a real box like a quad box for the extra money it costs, not gonna mention the tranny don't wanna ruin my luck LOL.

 

Any number of upgrades are probably... I stress probably... safe for a stock trans... probably. That being said and did I mention probably?? there are no guarantees when dealing with a stock automatic.

any of the non-wiretap boxes... limited to around 65ponies are probably safe... after that, it's best to just bite the bullet and upgrade the trans... I won't even mention trans builders because that could become a heated discussion.

 

A lot depends on how your truck is equipped from the factory. Auto trans vs 6-speed vs 5 speed all change the combination. For example, if you have an auto trans, then you have a smaller turbo and a weaker transmission, both of which limit HP options.

A good safe starting point is small injectors (like RV275s) or mild power modules like a Quadzilla XZT+, Edge Ez, and so forth.

I've seen stock auto trannies damaged by even just the small injectors and mild power modules, so if you tow or haul really heavy, you'll have to embrace that limitation and either upgrade trans (ideal) or forsake power upgrades.


IMO, upgrading the factory trans is the best $$ you can spend on a CTD automatic.