i just bought a 2001 dodge 3500 dually with a cummins 24v its 2 wheel drive and a manual tran. im only 16 and need help deciding what to get on it first. everything is stock on it. im gonna use it for towing. just need help deciding what to get on it performance wise.

 

First thing would be get a decent fuel pressure gauge on that thing. Not enough fuel pressure, will cause the VP44 to fail (Injection pump).
Also might wanna look into Boost and exhaust temp gauges.
A lift pump upgrade is always smart when it comes to reliability too.

How many miles on the truck?

*It would be helpful also to fill out your signature*

 

it has 210,xxx miles. i was looking at some of the qzilla or edge products, are those programers any good? pros/cons would be nice.

and yea i havent got to that yet sorry.

what intake would be the best for my truck?

 

Definitely the first thing you should do is boost, egt, and fuel pressure gauges. The fuel pressure is a must. Honestly i would upgrade the fuel supply also with something like a fass or an airdog. Intake wise, you could do just about anything. Volant makes nice box systems but they are expensive. The cheapest and most effective way would probably be to go the route of a BHAF (Big Honkin Air Filter). Just do a search for part numbers and such. Programmer wise i have a quadzilla XZT+. I like it because it works good and it was cheap and i already had gauges. If you want to do one stop shopping you could look into an edge juice with attitude monitor which is a perf box and gauges all in one. Enjoy your new purchase and Congratulations. I purchased my truck when i was 16 also.

 

Ditto on the lift pump fuel pressure gauge.

Looks like a good place for:

The Son of the Return of The New Guy Info

Welcome to the site ,
Your Dodge/Cummins has fuel milage and power capabilities far beyond a basic gasser but it isn't gas-n-go like a gasser either...it's a bit involved but not difficult to manage.
Obtain a repair manual at your favorite auto parts store so you can get up quick on your truck. You also need gauges to get info from your truck but more on that later..
Your 24 valver has a Lift Pump that takes fuel from the fuel tank and delivers it to your Injector Pump(VP44). This VP44 is the weak link and because it's so expensive, it deserves extra consideration.
For years the guys here have been trying different things to get the VP44 to live and through basic R&D, they've discovered a few things that help most and are running up the miles.
Fuel lubes and cools the VP44 and we watch that with the Lift Pump fuel pressure. We generally like to see 13-15psi idle, 12-13psi cruising hwy speed and no less the 5-7 psi at wide open throttle(WOT). A pressure gauge installed in the cab, connected by pressure line to the Schrader valve on your injector pump will get you lift pump fuel pressure to watch.
Pics in my gallery.
Diesel fuel has very little if any lubricating abilities so fuel treatments like Power Service, Howes, Lucas and Stanadyne add lubrication to the fuel. I use the MFG's recommend on dosages.
There is fuel returned to the fuel tank from the fuel system and because some of it comes from a passage in the cylinder head of the motor, it's hot. This is fine in the winter because diesel fuel can gel in very cold temperatures BUT in the summer, it can get hot enough that it won't cool electrical components in the VP44. Most folks are keeping their fuel tank 1/2 full or better. We're currently looking for an end all fuel cooler that does not restrict flow or pressure.
Many folks have found that they had no lift pump pressure after they install a gauge or change the fuel filter so be ready for that.
Type "lift pump" in the search box for lots of info.


I bought a Haynes repair manual #30041 at the local auto parts store to get up quick on maintaining mine.

 

thanks guys. really appreciate it! would it be better just do buy an edge programer that has all the gauges on it? or go with standard auto meter gauges? would edge juice with attitude be good for my truck? whats so good about the BHAF? i was looking at the afe stage 2 air intake kit. and probably a new manifold. and some stacks. but first ill probably get a better lift pump. does that sound good? or any changes to it?

 

The first thing you need to do is set a game plan. I know it gets exciting to want to put big chips and stacks and all that stuff on it, but if you don't address the fuel issues first, your gonna have a dead truck anyway. Get yourself some regular gauges like Isspro or Westach or something. Then put your money towards a good lift pump like an Airdog, Fass, Raptor or something. IF you don't address that first, any chip you put on it is going to starve your VP44 for fuel and then your looking at $1000's to replace everything. DO NOT put an oiled air fiter on your truck, turbos don't like oil (IMHO) put on a BHAF or AEM Dryflow, but honestly your stock airbox is fine for what you have right now. There are a lot of people with a lot of experience on this site, listen to them anf they will steer you right.

 

ok so i was looking at the air dog100 and the raptor lift pump and then a egde juice with attitude. so i dont have to get all the gauges, ill just have them on there. and a BHAF air filter..

 

congrats. on the truck! i am 17 and just got my first one.for sure get a fuel press. guage. just had to put a new vp44 on dads truck thats $1500 that can be spent a better way!lol anything you need some of these guys here can help you!

 

look for package deals aswell some shops offer a lift pump with a programmer

 

If the injectors haven't been done maybe put some in and do a valve set. 65hp injectors wake up a truck well. A FASS or Airdog and gauges would be first on my list. Have fun. Can the muffler but leave the resonator on.

 

Look for package deals for sure. You can save hundreds...
http://www.sourceautomotive.biz/shop..._packages.html

Congrats on your rig and welcome to the diesel nut club.

 

I am also new to the diesel world. wondering what kinda injectors to go with? something with good power gains but nothin crazy. I have a FASS LP that delivers 15psi cruising and about 10 WOT. any ideas would be appriciated. My clutch is a Luke Gold Series.

 

IMO (in my opinion) I would go with the Mach 1.6's. There 90 hp sticks.
Although, They might be a bit big for your stock turbo with comp box. Ive heard they burn pretty cool and clean but your HX-35 might not be able to keep up with the chip AND injectors.

Welcome to the site. Be carefull.. Once the moddin starts, its hard to stop!

 

NO KIDDING!!! Love the Site. whats your thought on the Comp Box? I dont' see too many guys with it....