Let the upgrades (and deletes) begin

[arcTTU]

Hey folks... after browsing this site for quite some time, knowing I would be purchasing a new 'stroke, I decided to become a member. This site is AWESOME, and gave LOTS of useful info... now to what I have done to this beast...

Purchased 2 weeks ago... '09 King Ranch 4x4... goal is to have a better, faster, more fuel efficient, more powerful, and better looking truck than my father-in-law's '06 GMC duramax. All he has is the edge w/ attitude deal.

When I got the truck, guy I purchased it from had only the Bully Dog Power Pup programmer. I swiftly took that thing off. I purchased a H&S Mini Maxx and DPF/Cat Delete (Thanks Nate at Performance Truck Products... AWESOME to deal with... Purchased last Monday night... H&S here Wednesday, exhaust here Friday). Installed Friday evening by myself... pulling off the dpf/cat was pretty easy except for dealing with the rubber hangers by myself... like wrestling a bear. But I did it in about an hour and a half for everything. More than burning off the tires and blowing smoke, I was trying to get better mileage. Trying to drive good (it's HARD with this awesome power), my lying-meter shows 22.1mpg in town... from what i've heard, this is probably in the 17 range? Previous in-town was like 11. I'll update when I calculate it by hand.

Next upgrade... Cold Air Intake... probably AFE (oil or no-oil? help!). Might eventually replace from downpipe-back. Also gonna need new tires pretty quick... what do yall think about the Terra Grapplers for long-lasting? (or maybe this should be put in another thread).

I also put on the KC lights... hooked up to Aux1 upfitter switch. Works great.

Anyways, always looking for suggestions for my duramax-eater. But, at this point, whether I can beat him in a drag race or not, I still think I have the better truck!

[NuttyProfessor]

Originally Posted by arcTTU

...Anyways, always looking for suggestions for my duramax-eater. But, at this point, whether I can beat him in a drag race or not, I still think I have the better truck!

We can help you, give me a call.

[NathanScott]

Originally Posted by arcTTU

Installed Friday evening by myself... pulling off the dpf/cat was pretty easy except for dealing with the rubber hangers by myself... like wrestling a bear.

It is much easier to unbolt the brackets from the frame rail instead of dealing with the rubber hangers and leave everything attached to the DPF. I know it is not helpful now, but for future reference in case you need to install the DPF. Welcome to powerstroke.org!

[Sawed Off]

Welcome to the org! Sounds like your in the right direction for mods As far as your filter goes, I had an Amsoil/ Injen on my 06 and it was and oil less filter. I loved it! But im sure someone else will chime in on a correct one for your rig. Im still using my oem at this time

[arcTTU]

Originally Posted by NathanScott

It is much easier to unbolt the brackets from the frame rail instead of dealing with the rubber hangers and leave everything attached to the DPF. I know it is not helpful now, but for future reference in case you need to install the DPF. Welcome to powerstroke.org!

Like an idiot, I saw that and thought that was a great idea just as I was fighting with the last hanger. Oh well, it seems like everything I do, I do the hard way!

[blackcloud2k]

Good looking truck man. I would look into the AFE or the S&B intake. It all depends how loud you want the intake to be. AFE is louder than the S&B. S&B is cheaper. You wont have a problem romping on the dmax with your hotter tunes.

[Isakson]

Welcome to the Org!

[jato1229]

arcTTU, i just orderd the same thing. well i went w/ the 4in down pipe back. hows the thing run w/ that set-up. what tune r u running on it? i have a 08 king.

[DSTRBD]

Originally Posted by arcTTU

Hey folks... after browsing this site for quite some time, knowing I would be purchasing a new 'stroke, I decided to become a member. This site is AWESOME, and gave LOTS of useful info... now to what I have done to this beast...

Purchased 2 weeks ago... '09 King Ranch 4x4... goal is to have a better, faster, more fuel efficient, more powerful, and better looking truck than my father-in-law's '06 GMC duramax. All he has is the edge w/ attitude deal.

When I got the truck, guy I purchased it from had only the Bully Dog Power Pup programmer. I swiftly took that thing off. I purchased a H&S Mini Maxx and DPF/Cat Delete (Thanks Nate at Performance Truck Products... AWESOME to deal with... Purchased last Monday night... H&S here Wednesday, exhaust here Friday). Installed Friday evening by myself... pulling off the dpf/cat was pretty easy except for dealing with the rubber hangers by myself... like wrestling a bear. But I did it in about an hour and a half for everything. More than burning off the tires and blowing smoke, I was trying to get better mileage. Trying to drive good (it's HARD with this awesome power), my lying-meter shows 22.1mpg in town... from what i've heard, this is probably in the 17 range? Previous in-town was like 11. I'll update when I calculate it by hand.

Next upgrade... Cold Air Intake... probably AFE (oil or no-oil? help!). Might eventually replace from downpipe-back. Also gonna need new tires pretty quick... what do yall think about the Terra Grapplers for long-lasting? (or maybe this should be put in another thread).

I also put on the KC lights... hooked up to Aux1 upfitter switch. Works great.

Anyways, always looking for suggestions for my duramax-eater. But, at this point, whether I can beat him in a drag race or not, I still think I have the better truck!

Welcome to the site bro! Glad to hear you are enjoying the Mini Maxx. As far as intakes go, I would look at an AFE Stage II or S&B. Some people get dry, some get the standard oiled filter. Its all personal preference really. If you want something easy to deal with, go dry. With a down pipe back kit you will notice deeper tone and your EGTs will drop some as well. You know where to find me if you need anything.

[arcTTU]

Originally Posted by jato1229

arcTTU, i just orderd the same thing. well i went w/ the 4in down pipe back. hows the thing run w/ that set-up. what tune r u running on it? i have a 08 king.

Its working GREAT... i have it on the highest setting on the hot damn set of tunes. It starts beeping at me if I floor it up to 80mph (EGT alarm), which I did for the tranny learning deal... but I think I can raise the EGT alarm setting up to 1600 or 1650 from what i've heard. Other than that, runs awesome. I don't really reommend the race tranny, as it made the entire truck jerk between gears... much happier with the firm. Have the lock up at 55 i think... some people have 45... I don't really know, but does anyone think 45 might yield better mpg's?

I have had two tuned 7.3L trucks with muffler deletes, and this one would eat either of those for lunch.