Well, I've done some searching, but I'd like some input from you guys.

What would you guys recommend for my dad's truck:

'98.5 24-Valve Automatic. Currently has about 110,000 on it. In great shape. Completely stock.

Only had two problems. Had lift-pump replaced at 101K and had speed sensor replaced shortly thereafter.

For just starting off, what would you guys recommend for increasing power?

What can a stock Automatic safely hold?

 

An edge EZ would be a great add on. Adds about 60 hp and 120 or so torque. I strongly suggest getting a fuel pressure, EGT, and transmission temp gauge though.

 

Power left unchecked will be destructive. Make gages the first purchase!

Rich

 

Wow...I didn't realize they added that much power! As a big plus, it's just a simple plug-in installation!

Took a look at the Edge site, and they're claiming 65hp and 180 lb-ft of torque!

That would take dad's 215hp/420 lb-ft 98.5 Auto to 280hp and 600 lb-ft of torque...much, much improved!

 

I second the Edge EZ, or better yet get ready for the future and get the Edge Comp box and hold off on tapping the pump wire for a while.

 

Nope, won't be getting any more power mods besides a plug-in box.

Since an engine is a glorified air pump, what do you all suggest for intake and exhaust?

It's currently running a drop-in K&N with a completely stock exhaust system.

 

I second DeiselDaze do the gauges first and I think Edges #s are a little optimistic however a EZ with some small injectors is a great combo AFTER!! gauges. Also a 4" exaust and a improved air intake system will complement the package. But as you can see from my sig im a little bias

 

Straight pipe the son of a gun and put a scotty 2 on it.

 

Actually, the brother and I are trying to convince mom to let us go ahead and straight-pipe it, but she's saying no.

Need to come up with some good/solid reasons to convince her to let us do it!

I'm thinking:
Less backpressure equals better fuel economy, lower egts, and more power.

 

Bingo.

 

no need to straight pipe for Less backpressure, better fuel economy, lower egts, and more power

go with a turbo back 4" exhaust with a straight through muffler and you get all that plus no annoying drone on the highway ...........

I like my DTT duals nice throaty note around town and under load but no drone or any more noise than stock on the highway

BTW an exhaust or intake will not increase the power, only adding fuel increases power, but those things will greatly reduce turbo spool up wich means the truck "comes on" much quicker and therefore is faster...........

I also second the scotty II recomondation once you cut the hole and remove the silencer ring you'll have a permanent grin on your face from the awsome turbo whine

www.scottyairsystems.com for more info on the scotty II

 

jlells: I think that the feeling while driving is determined by rear wheel horsepower. Since the stock TC does a bad job of transferring the power you can have big gains in RWHP by getting a proper transmission. A positive side effect of doing so is that if/when you decide to go for more engine power the tranny is prepared for it
I second the notion of gauges first! As long as you don't know what's going on you don't know what to do.

AlpineRAM

 

I agree with AlpineRAM, the stock tranny leaves much to be desired. Put a TST box on my truck after 6 months, and it really worked the trans. Installed some 275 injectors, and tranny went downhill fast. Installed the full DTT in July, and truck is better then new. Add a BHAF and 4" exhaust, and you will love the outcome. I know I do, and I have the same 98.5 24v. All now.

Tiny

 

Here's another vote to get the transmission fixed. I recommend DTT. You will be able to better use the power you now have and handle any future power upgrades. I speak from experience. If I were to buy a new truck, the first thing I would do is get a full DTT upgrade.

Tom