I just bought a '99 3500 4x4 auto, (3.55) to tow my boat. Boat weighs 12,520lbs on a CAT scale.

I completed the installation of gauges this weekend, (I didn't want to post until I new the vital signs were OK). I installed boost, pyro and tranny temp (FP coming). When towing the boat, I'm seeing what looks to be normal boost and pyro temps, (18-19lbs & 1000deg), but not much power at hiway speeds. Getting from 55 to 60 takes forever, more pedal gets nothing.

Is there a module or chip (that doesn't cost a fortune) that will get me a little more power for towing? I'm not hot-rodding this truck, I just use it to drag my boat to the ramp. I really don't want to spend the money for exhaust/intake stuff. I just need a little more oomph in case I need to get around a slower moving vehicle, and to maintain speed on overpasses...

Jim

 

i got rid of my muffler and put in a straight pipe.($35.00) at a local muffler shopit isn't deafining loud but is louder.
then went to a local parts store and orderd an aftermarket airfilter. i opted for a true flow air filter v/s a k&n on a recomendation of a local deisel shop.and have been happy with the change.

 

Intake and exhaust modifications will not result in any increased power.

Go for a used EZ or VA box w/boost elbow, or if your budget allows, a Smarty. (did you read that, Bob Wagner?) Your transmission won't handle much more in the way of power upgrades than these, without mods. A lockup switch can help the trans a bit by keeping the torque converter locked up out on the highway, getting more power to the ground.

Contrary to popular belief, a fuel pressure guage isn't a necessity, because pressure doen't have to be continously monitored. A quick pressure test at the VP44 test port, occasionally, is all that's needed.

 

I too had the same situation in my '99. The transmission is our weak link. I purchased and installed a Banks Big Hoss 70HP/180TQ box. At the time it was the only box that would protect the torque convertor from slipping. If slipping occurs it defuels to protect the transmission. It is a mild power enhancement and should give you the results you want. It does what it promises. My stock transmission has no slip and I have the extra power I need when towing my steel stock trailer. I have no high EGT's when hauling in the mountains and see a max. of 1100 degrees with the stock 3" system after removing the stock muffler and installing a Magnaflow straight thru design muffler. I also replaced the stock airbox with a BHAF.
Regards,

Soot

 

I have to disagree on that point. With the VP44 failures and damage from lack of fuel the fuel pressure guage is the most important safeguard as well as diagonstic tool you can have. These trucks have such a history of lift pump and fuel line problems that having the guage will help you see a decline in normal operation enough so it could save you from a big VP44 bill to being stranded along side of the road. Many people never knew that they had a fuel supply problem untill they went to run the LP after a fuel filter change. I will leave it at that being said.

 

I don't plan on installing a gauge, but i do have a gauge that i will test it with, probably every time I change the oil. As mine is the 99, I need to pickup a set of the fittings. My test ports are plugged on the top of the fuel filter canister.

 

See thats the problem. You check it at an oil change and you could of been driving for months with low or no fuel pressure so by then the damage is done. The choice is yours but after what i now know and have seen any 98.5 to 2002 of mine will have a guage.

 

I have to agree with nitrousn. I installed a FP gauge on the advice of this forum several years ago, and noticed it fluctuating one day while on a long trip. I was only 500 miles since oil change, and headed cross country. Stopped and had lift pump replaced on warranty in Alabama, and it's been fine since. Yes, my VP44 is dying now, and will be replaced this weekend, but that incident was 50,000 miles ago. Get The Fuel Pressure Gauge ! ! !

Lar.

 

You gotta get a FP guage ASAP.
Just checkin it at oil changes in crazy.
it is a small investment that will save you from sitting on the side of the highway with that big boat behind you.
Does your tranny have any shudder at all when locked, that's a lot of weight with out beefin the tranny. How's the trans temps while towing? I beefed mine with VB and TC.
An EZ would fill the bill for power (cheap on Ebay) and look at gettin the BHAF all the part numbers are in the tech section.

 

I'm on the fence on the "constant monitoring" theory. I did end up putting a fuel psi gauge in, but before that I would just check it once a month or so. Still on my original one at 95K.

....On your 12 K boat. Back in the day that was about the max recommended to tow with the ctd and it certainly wasn't with the 3.55 gears you have. While the EZ will bring in the timing quicker and you will notice the boost, the down fall is your gearing and increased torque at low rpm. Your trans will suffer.

 

fuel pressure is a must!

My fp was good at idle, when I bought the truck. Around 14lbs. But at WOT, I could pull it down to 0psi. I just figured I wouldnt beat on it to much... Well I just replaced the very expensive VP-$$ yesterday. And yes, I pump a new lift pump on yesterday too. Glacier Walbro kit.

 

When I pulled to the ramp last weekend tranny temp got to 180 for a few minutes, then dropped back to 170. No shudder at all, just smooth shifts.

I'm pretty gentle on a transmission, my last Dodge tranny went 217k (and is still going)... And I towed a few loads that mke this one look light!

 

My truck has 4.10's and is all stock. Anything I have pulled with the truck has never hindered my speed like what you are describing. I have the auto too, and while its not the most efficient it also has never gave me a problem. It is slower when towing but I can still pass people.

 

I know it's not the cheapest option to get some more power but I would buy an Edge Juice with Attitude. You can adjust how much power you want and you get a complete set of gauges all in one package. I wish this was available when I started doing my mods because it would have been my first choice. If you search around I think they can be bought for around $700. Eric

 

Ya the Juice with Attitude is way cheaper than what i got in guages and the Comp.
Wish they had it out back then.