Recently bought a 1998 24v Cummins 5 speed.¸
I have owned the truck for about 3 weeks now and have got it into very solid mechanical shape (replaced both wheel bearings, some basic front end suspension repairs, swapped every single fluid possible: oil, rear diff, front diff, transfer case, transmission, coolant. got the radio and lights working).
anyways, I can now say that the truck is worth putting some money into.

I am going to start off with exhaust because mine has a crack right around the cat. probably looking at 4-5 inch duals (thoughts?)

I want to see the best way to start off giving it some more power.

I want to start off by putting on a tuner. I would like to increase bottom end power and see her smoke (begin hating)

Any specific tuners that work best for this? the more power/smoke the better. The live change isn't a huge deal for me but could be nice?

Looking to spend around $600-900.
Do higher end tuners just plug in and have gauges or do you still need to wire them up?

I am pretty mechanically inclined and can do most things myself


Any other ideas on performance ideas that wont break the bank?
This is my first diesel and I want to do it right.

 

Welcome to Diesel Bombers there is lots of information in this forum and tons of guys with great experience.

First put on an Airdog or fass fuel pump/filter assembly first.

Second you need gauges autometer or the like: EGT/pyrometer, Boost, Fuel pressure, I use a pillar post triple gauge cluster it is plastic and mounts to the forward left pillar in the cab.
The gauges will require wiring for lights and if you install an airdog or fass pump they have a spot for the fuel pressure transducer.
The EGT is a simple probe that goes in the exhaust manifold or at a certain distance from the turbo.
The boost is a simple small plastic tube that plumbs to the air inlet plenum.

With these items installed first then your ready for a programmer.
You can get all sorts of programmers from simple like the Edge EZ to a Quadzilla, there are smarty tuners which IMO are the best buy for the money.

Exhaust i like the MBRP 4" great sound!

If you need a price quote on parts or other tech info you can request a quote under the price quote thread and one of the vendors on here will assist you.

I like to use Tony at Mighty Diesel - Diesel Performance Parts For Cummins , Powerstroke , Duramax And More he has been around the site quite a while and is competitively priced full of useful knowledge.

There is really a lot to talk about in your thread so post question and someone will respond.

 

thanks jet a fuel. i try to get on here as much as i can but im only a phone call away.

 

before adding a tuner you want to put in a beefier clutch. You will fry it if it is stock.

 

First good option on those trucks is an aftermarket lift pump such as a FASS Fuel System. The stock Carter pumps are junk.