A DTR tuning Guide
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,498
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From: Aurora, Ontario
A DTR tuning Guide
I was thinking of a tuning guide something like what I will post to explain to new CTD owners where to start. Maybe seperate a couple guides one for towing one for performance etc...
Step 1:
Intake System
A performance intake filter will help throttle response and help all future mods achieve maximum performance. A high quality one will also help out greatly with EGT reductions when towing heavy loads with modified trucks.
» Shop for Intakes
Step 2: Aftermarket Gauges
Are required when increasing the engines output. To avoid severe engine damage when increasing fueling levels, an aftermarket unit is mandatory. The standard recommendation is Exhaust Gas Temperature(EGT) a Boost Gauge usually 0-50 or 0-60 PSI for the Cummins and a Fuel Pressure Gauge are minimums. Also recommended is an Trans Temp Gauge for the Automatic.
Step 3: Fueling Box
The Fueling boxes are used to increase the amount of fuel and duration and also timing of the engine. The net gains are anywhere from 60 HP to 120 Hp respectively. Some newer boxes that edge and TST are coming out with have gauges built in as well to save on step 2. Also please note that the stock automatic transmission will be stressed to its max after the 65 HP box Is attached. The stock manual truck may handle more up to 100 HP but after that you will have to start shopping for a clutch or trans upgrade.
Step 4:
Transmission Upgrade
In order to raise power levels the transmission must be prepared at this point to handle a further increase in horsepower. There are a very few reputable names in the transmission business when it comes to handling the power of the Cummins I will list the 4 big ones here. Diesel Transmission Technology, Suncoast, ATS Diesel Performance, and Goerend Bros.
Step 5:
4 or 5 Inch Exhaust
A 4-5 inch, high flow exhaust system will help remove restrictions in the stock exhaust system providing a more free flowing system. The larger exhaust also helps evacuate hot exhaust gas temperatures more quickly. You also want to look for mandrel bent systems.
Step 6: High Flow Injectors
Replace your stock injectors with a larger fueling injector. Sizes range from about 60 hp to 210 HP. Extrude honed injectors are how things were done in the past and there is nothing wrong with them but the new style EDM injector is able to produce more power with less smoke per power level of injector.
Step 7: Turbo Charger
The factory turbo charger at this point depending on your injector choice may have reached the end of its time. At this point if you have chosen to go beyond a stage 2 injector its time to look at a turbo if you are going to be towing. You maybe able to get by with the stock one depending on your load but a higher flowing turbo is now recommended. There are many turbo chargers out there to choose from the B series the Holset series and now even twin turbo systems.
Step 8:
Fuel System Upgrade
The factory fuel system will now be running at its maximum potential and depending on your fuel pressure readings you may need an upgrade you bought the gauges in step 2 right? Depending at your fuel flow at idle and WOT idle being about 15psi and WOT no less then 7PSI you may be in need of a fuel system tweak. There are a few setups readily available at the moment. The wildcat highflow system. The FASS and the pusher pump setup. All can be found searching the forums.
I have it all layed out in article format with pics if any mods would like my idea emailed. I can do so. Each article above also has a pic to accompany it. Please concider this as I think it would be very useful to new members.
Step 1:
Intake System
A performance intake filter will help throttle response and help all future mods achieve maximum performance. A high quality one will also help out greatly with EGT reductions when towing heavy loads with modified trucks.
» Shop for Intakes
Step 2: Aftermarket Gauges
Are required when increasing the engines output. To avoid severe engine damage when increasing fueling levels, an aftermarket unit is mandatory. The standard recommendation is Exhaust Gas Temperature(EGT) a Boost Gauge usually 0-50 or 0-60 PSI for the Cummins and a Fuel Pressure Gauge are minimums. Also recommended is an Trans Temp Gauge for the Automatic.
Step 3: Fueling Box
The Fueling boxes are used to increase the amount of fuel and duration and also timing of the engine. The net gains are anywhere from 60 HP to 120 Hp respectively. Some newer boxes that edge and TST are coming out with have gauges built in as well to save on step 2. Also please note that the stock automatic transmission will be stressed to its max after the 65 HP box Is attached. The stock manual truck may handle more up to 100 HP but after that you will have to start shopping for a clutch or trans upgrade.
Step 4:
Transmission Upgrade
In order to raise power levels the transmission must be prepared at this point to handle a further increase in horsepower. There are a very few reputable names in the transmission business when it comes to handling the power of the Cummins I will list the 4 big ones here. Diesel Transmission Technology, Suncoast, ATS Diesel Performance, and Goerend Bros.
Step 5:
4 or 5 Inch Exhaust
A 4-5 inch, high flow exhaust system will help remove restrictions in the stock exhaust system providing a more free flowing system. The larger exhaust also helps evacuate hot exhaust gas temperatures more quickly. You also want to look for mandrel bent systems.
Step 6: High Flow Injectors
Replace your stock injectors with a larger fueling injector. Sizes range from about 60 hp to 210 HP. Extrude honed injectors are how things were done in the past and there is nothing wrong with them but the new style EDM injector is able to produce more power with less smoke per power level of injector.
Step 7: Turbo Charger
The factory turbo charger at this point depending on your injector choice may have reached the end of its time. At this point if you have chosen to go beyond a stage 2 injector its time to look at a turbo if you are going to be towing. You maybe able to get by with the stock one depending on your load but a higher flowing turbo is now recommended. There are many turbo chargers out there to choose from the B series the Holset series and now even twin turbo systems.
Step 8:
Fuel System Upgrade
The factory fuel system will now be running at its maximum potential and depending on your fuel pressure readings you may need an upgrade you bought the gauges in step 2 right? Depending at your fuel flow at idle and WOT idle being about 15psi and WOT no less then 7PSI you may be in need of a fuel system tweak. There are a few setups readily available at the moment. The wildcat highflow system. The FASS and the pusher pump setup. All can be found searching the forums.
I have it all layed out in article format with pics if any mods would like my idea emailed. I can do so. Each article above also has a pic to accompany it. Please concider this as I think it would be very useful to new members.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 717
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From: Minneapolis, MN
I think it's a great idea. You certainly have the experience with the mods you mention. I think a lot of other people could learn from your experiences.
You have obviously put a lot of time and effort into what you have. I think there are a lot of members that would have excellent info to pass along in an article type format if they feel comfortable. There is a lot of knowledge roaming around this site that others could benefit from.
You have obviously put a lot of time and effort into what you have. I think there are a lot of members that would have excellent info to pass along in an article type format if they feel comfortable. There is a lot of knowledge roaming around this site that others could benefit from.
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