Hello all I have been lurking here for awhile and finally joined. I used to have a 96 3500 6.5 utility truck (actually still have it gonna sell it soon) with 150,000 and it got 17-20 mpg. I recently purchased the truck in my sig and at best I get 13 or 14. Now I would definately like to get more mpg but I am ok with it as it sits considering the weight it pulls but what I am not happy with is its performance pulling my bobcat. well I got my taxes back and I was looking for suggestions on where to start with upgrades and what to get. I would like to start with a 4" exhaust and move up on that. I already put in a S&B filter kit ( S&B Filters Cold Air Intake Kit (Cleanable Filter) 75-5045) and did not see any improvement except more cabin noise. i also put on one of those stupid things from ebay that says you get up to 40 more hp for 10 bucks (didnt think it would work) got it not expecting it just to be a resistor you stick into the map sensor plug, but i did it anyways and like I expected it did nothing.

so I am asking the experts, like i said I would like to start with an exhaust but who do you recommend and what parts should I get, then when thats done where do I start to put money so I can pull a trailer uphill at better than 35 mph???

 

You are on the right track.
All the 4" systems are good-check out Alligator Performance for what they currently sell.
get the muffler!
An aftermarket turbo like the ATT would help out along with the KOJO ECM tune.

 

i am currently on the site and have these in my cart, was trying to find a crossover by itself since the exhaust comes with a turbo down, but the site doesn't seem to sell them individually Flo~Pro | FLO-FPSS822 | Flo~Pro SS822 4" Turbo Back Stainless Steel Exhaust for 1994-2000 GM 6.5L Turbo Diesel - Alligator Performance

Flowmaster | BDXN17220 | Turbo Downpipe and Crossover Kit - Pipes Only - No Mufflers - Alligator Performance

also i bought a boost gage and was thinking about getting a turbo master and i just dont want to spend $1000 on a turbo right now.

 

You don't need the downpipe crossover kit-get the crossover from ebay eg:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-GMC-C-K-1500-2500-3500-Series-6-5L-Diesel-Heavy-Duty-Crossover-Pipe-/201033028727?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ece809477&vxp=mtr
I would get the muffler system if you tow-the drone in the cab is mind numbing without the muffler.
this is the popular kit-not stainless but also not stainless price:
Diamond Eye | DDE-K4102A | Diamond Eye K4102A 4 in Turbo Back Single Fits 94-00 GM 2500/3500 6.5L Turbo Diesel - Alligator Performance


If your truck is the HD model then you might have to get a crossover custom bent or buy from GM?

the vac wastegate system is better than the turbomaster when working properly,but turbomaster is reliable.

Get an EGT gauge and install it pre turbo:
http://www.kennedydiesel.com/6265Gaugeinstallation.cfm

 

i thought the exhaust system i linked had a muffler in it, was i looking at that wrong?
no my truck is not a HD so you think the pipe from ebay that is 2 pieces is better than the flo master one piece?
also i suppose if i do end up getting an ateam turbo i wont need a turbomaster correct? one last question.. looking at the walking j site for the turbo/tune combo what does the FTB! stand for?

 

I have the 2 piece crossover and bought it because it was easy to get in Canada and was less expensive than buying an extra downpipe that won't fit the aftermarket exhaust anyway-no problems with it and easy to install.

Yes the exhaust you linked does have the muffler it appears-I didn't see it at first glance.

Yes,no turbomaster with ATT.

FTB is Feed the beast it's an oversized fuel line kit from filter housing to IP-upgrade.

 

ah, ya i was wondering about the fuel line thing. so you think the cheaper system is just as good?

 

It's what I have on mine-but it will rust faster than a stainless one-price was the factor for me and at the time the stainless wasn't available.

 

and the kojo tune comes with a new ecm or just a chip that goes into the plug....sorry for the noob questions

 

For a 98 you would get a complete ECM-you would have to send yours back for a core or pay the core charge.