Hi everyone, my first post! Looking for performance upgrades to my 2001 3500 245HP 6spd. 3:54 gears.I had a 99 3500 5 sp that I took to McClain Diesel in Valley Park Missouri, he done some work to it $1000.00 or so, he didnt replace any components he just tweaked them . Oh he did add a 4" exhaust., and it ran up any 5% hill pulling 24000 in 4th gear. I need the same performance if not better out of my 2001. I here programmers can hurt the V44. Any suggestions for this 130,000 mile workhorse? I am currently in Kingman Az. struggling up and down these 3-5000 feet hills,mountains etc. My current GVRW total today is 28000lb.Will plugging off vacumn to turbo help?
Thanks for the help!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Gauges
Airdog or Fass
Clutch
Adrenaline

 

Running that heavy, I would concentrate on more air first off, a bigger turbo, BHAF, and a big enough exhaust to keep yourself from burning up. Best thing you can do for your VP-44 is to get a FASS or Airdog so you have a descent supply of fuel. Personally, when I pull trailers, I don't turn my chip up high, I use the 60+hp setting, just a little more fuel and timing. I use the major hp gain when I am just cruising on the highway and can get more mpg by turning up the edge. I wouldn't just plug the wastegate line, I would get a "boost elbow" which is about $25.00 and keeps the wastegate operational at a higher psi than stock. Will give you about 10psi more boost.
How about those gauges???? Need a minimum of Boost and Pyro before you do anything!!! $200 of gauges can save you an engine. Anyway, just where I would start, I'm sure there will be lots more ideas coming your way!

 

Guages (Pyrometer, Boost and Fuel pressure), Airdog, or 5" exhaust, free flowing air filter, clutch and injectors or fuel box Quad or Edge Comp.

You are running fairly heavy - you have to remember this is a pickup not a semi.

 

Exhaust Brake will help going down the mountains.

 

Very good point. I would not run in the mountains without one. They are worth EVERY penny.

 

the breaks are worth every penny i have one and that is the best mod i made even over the othe $8000 worth of stuff

 

edge juice with attitude it has gauges, fuel system, cold air intake, small set of injectors, exhaust. Upgrade the clutch

 

I'd get gauges, intake, exhaust and your exhaust brake and go from there. If your EGTs aren't too high, you won't have to go to any great lengths to bring them down. Personally if I was in your position and I had the money I would probably go with a GOOD intake to bring down the IATs.
I'm not saying I'm a 24 valve expert or anything I'm just kinda going with the basics. Your in Kingman and it's gonna be hot soon, keeping the temps down would be my #1 priority.
If it's not a huge rush I'd say get your gauges and start watching them. Back in MT the people towin real heavy would run real trans temp, engine temp, and even diff temp gauges.
I'd start with watching temps, make sure you get them in check, then worry about power. With that much weight I would definately invest in all the gauges including another engine temp gauge that gives you a real reading, not basically 3 spots that it sticks to.

welcome to the site btw

 

Well you can see what i have and i needed a bigger turbo now i have to have one. Mine **** the bed.