Im new so i apologize for probably asking the question that has been asked too much, but im going to anyways. I just bought a 1998 1 ton dually QC with 111000. So far i have cut the muffler and cat out for a straight pipe. Sounds great, but still not as peppy as i would like. Unfortunately my wallet is shallow. so im looking for some performance upgrades that are cheap or free and dont kill my fuel mileage. Anything you guys suggest?!! Can i up the boost or do i need to up the fuel first? how about something to get the turbo to spool sooner? Timing? Let me know! Thanks!

 

El cheapo

MY KINDA UPGRADES! How bout forget cheapo? and do free -o? The most basic thing you can do is push your plate forward slightly, you already have no silencer ring, and are straight. Now just either turn up your starwheel SLIGHTLY (only cause u dont have any gauges) and play a lil more. Remove the airbox connection to the passenger fender for more turbo whistle too! it sounds sweet! Anyways, if you are gonna push the plate forward you can expect about 30 hp, BUT YOUR EGTS WILL BE HOTTER! especially with a stock turbo.. I would suggest look for some gauges, AT LEAST a pyrometer to monitor your exhaust gas temp, that shouldnt set you back too much, and is good insurance for tinkering with the plate and starwheel.. thats a start.. Best of luck!

Tx

 

I would not do any until you get a pyro & boost gauge.

 

Yeah, i know i need some guages. unfortunately i want to keep this truck looking good (unlike my last) and put guages in the dash nicely. That also costs money. i will be getting the basics though.
How about putting a valve on the wastegate line which wont bleed any pressure to the wastegate until a desired boost is reached? would that help spoolup?

How about intakes? Are those expensive "airaid" style filters with the box enclosing them all that, or can you get the same performance from just sticking a K&N on the turbo? Does that box help breath cold air?

Not too savvy on the cummins stuff yet, so your help is GREATLY appreciated!

 

Forget the expensive airraid stuff. Get a scotty air II, best bang for the buck as far as airflow, that will be the route I take.

 

You guys are all wrong.

Cheap upgrades can make BIG differences in performance.

1) the stock airbox is a huge restriction. Take it off, tubing and all. There's not that much dirt in the air anyway. Old cars didn't even have filters, so they're not that necessary.

2) Your OEM tires and wheels have a lot of unsprung weight, which is bad for performance and acceleration. Replacing all four of them with the limited-service spare tire from a 1988 Subaru Justy will increase off the line accleration and reduce rolling resistance (which should help mileage). Try not to tow.

3) The bed adds a lot of unnecessary weight and drag. Just take it off. This will shave about 400# or more off the weight of the truck, and should help 60ft times.

4) Your stock exhaust system is pretty restrictive, especially if you have a cat. converter. If you just disconnect and eliminate the exhaust right after the turbo, retriction is zero. As a useful bonus, it's easier to tell if your truck is smoking. No more adjusting the mirrors. This makes it easier to be a good citizen.

5) Injectors are a horrible limitation to fueling. You can increased fueling for little money by just bypassing the injection pump. Feeding the cylinders directly from the lift pump just involves some creativity, a couple tees, and pipe plugs. Watch for high EGTs. Also, extended idling might wash down the cylinder walls so be careful. Best of all, bypassing the injection pump means no more pesky p-pump tuning or VP failures.

Let me know how it goes... The Justy spares are hard to come by, but you might be able to use substitutes.

Justin

 

Get boost and pyro gauges first. Then Pull out your plate and cut it flat to a #0. Slide it all the way forward, and adjust your starwheel as loose as it will go, and you will be very happy with the increase. Just watch EGT's. You wont get much(if any) increase from an airbox except cooler EGT's so you dont have to do it as long as you can watch you pyrometer.

Eric

 

Hohn, I disagree about eliminating the exhaust right at the turbo.
I've found that if you aim it straight out the back of the truck that the added propulsion is worth 26 hp. It will cause it to pull a little to one side though, correct this with dual pipes.

I'm also a firm believer that gauges add too much unnecessary weight as the does the extra battery.

 

i would also just lose the cab and in its place just strap on a couch, or lawn chairs. you could make money on that mod coupled with removing the bed by selling them.

 

At that rate why don't we just pull the engine and trans and hook it up to a go-kart! Lot lighter... You will have to get creative to bolt it in...

Seriously,

You need guages first off! (Pyro & boost)

Then start playing with setting on the fuel plate and star wheel.

BHAF is a good way to pick up a bit of HP...

 

Well now you are at the point Jesse James got to on Monster Garage when they put together the trike bike! Nothing but an engine, tranny, and the rear diff was attached directly to the tranny output. One tire up front, and a seat mounted off the side. I'd hate to see what happens if anyone really got after that thing though...WAY too much power with too little weight keeping it on the road!!! Fun though...

Jim

 

Ah, like the guys who built a trike, using an 855 Cummins as the powerplant.

http://www.cumminsracing.com/racecar...d%20trucks.htm

 

Good one... I would mine to own that... It would need some stacks though!