I'm sure it's been asked here before but I'm new and wouldn't know where to look.

I have a 99' 2500 SLT Automatic Extended Cab Short Bed.
I was wondering what are some cost effective things I can do to improve performance(i.e. power, fuel mileage, etc.)? I use it for work and as a daily driver and sometimes on trips. I will be buying a small trailer soon to carry my tools in so will be towing that around on a regular basis.

I'm slightly mechanical but am still learning to understand how diesels work. I don't have a lot of time to spend on it and don't have much time for it to be out of commission. I could park it for a weekend or two and just do everything at once.

I'm thinking things like air filters, computer chips, turbo mod kits maybe exhaust, etc.

If you make suggestions be specific about good quality brands. Vague suggestions won't help me.

Thanks, Dogfish

If you're going to be dumb, you better be tough! -- Ancient Southern Proverb

 

Welcome to the site and i'd suggest getting gauges before you mod. Boost, Pyro, and Fuel Pressure. And you can add a trans temp gauge too for towing. The Big one is the FP, that'll tell you if you have a weak Lift Pump. I put my FP guage in and found out that i had a not so great LP but it wasn't dead yet. I'd rather replace the $150 LP instead of a $1200+ injection pump. After that i'd go intake and exhaust. I'm sure someone else will chime in with more info.
matt

 

Like stated above.......GAUGES are a must for your first mod!!! They may seem kinda silly but they can sure save your butt!!

But it all really depends on how much you wanna spend really.

1. I'd get an Edge COMP box.........absolutely LOVE mine!!

2. Get a different intake, the stock air box is extremely restrictive......something like and AFE or a Scotty intake would be a good choice.

3. Get some exhaust to let her breath......4" would be perfect, no need for the 5".

Those are gonna be about your cheapest mods to get some power. With that setup you'd be extremely happy with performance and mileage.......and still be able to keep your EGT's in check.

THEN...if you have the cash, you can upgrade turbos ( endless options there ) and throw in some bigger injectors..

But one thing to keep in mind, is you can only do so much performance before your tranny starts to fail on you. The stock tranny's don't hold up to a whole lot of power, so that might be something you might want to look at first.

Really any mod you are gonna do to your truck is gonna cost $$$, there isn't really anything cheap about these trucks.


~Nick