comparing two trucks and towing 2000 SD vrs 2008 Dmax

[Duanesz]

I just got my 2000 SD crew cab it was in my price range and is a nice truck. The only other experience towing with a diesel is my dads 08 Duramax. When I towed my camper after I bought it in Kentucky back to Michigan the dmax has what seemed limitless power. When I would appoach a hill coming up I-75 with the cruise set on 70mph the turbo would spool a little bit and the truck would not even down shift out of overdrive. My camper only weighs like 5600lbs. I got to tow my camper from the storage place the other day to my home only about 15 miles and I was not to impressed with the power. I got a dialbo tuner set on the 40hp tow setting. (gauges are on the way so I can see whats going on) I am going to get some tunes after the guages are installed. This 2000 SD pulls way better than my old 5.4L half ton but am I asking to much of this 10 yr old truck to perform like a truck that is 8 years newer (dads dmax is stock).

Thanks for the input...

[ridiculously_necessary]

an 08 Dmax will stomp a 7.3 on power any day. so should a 6.7 cummins and a 6.4 Ford. IMO

reason: newer technology.

you can mod your 7.3 though. i hear most often people say, ditch the tuner with canned tunes and get a chip. go for guages, exhaust, intake, chip, injectors, and as far as you see fit. that list right there will make a differce. dump that and a turbo ino the truck (and have the chip reflashed) and youll probably be much happier. youll probabyl want a tranny upgrade too. your truck is up to it, but but probably needs a little $$. in either case, all that twice over is still less expensive than an 08 anything...

[Duanesz]

I guess my question should be can I do some upgrades like air intake 4" exhaust custom tunes to get it closer to the dmax power for towing. I know he also has the 6speed auto that helps a ton too.

[zpd307]

you are comparing a truck with 235hp to a truck with 350 hp...... try pulling with a non turbo idi... to get comparable power, you are going to have to spend some money. the new 6.7 ps puts out 390hp, so is the new dmax! both are have north of 750 ftlbs of torque.

[nccatfan]

These 7.3's have a bunch of untapped power. Need some aftermarket items to wake 'em up! Tuner, exhaust and intake should make a noticeable difference.

[countryraised]

Intake,exhaust and a chip and it will be close in towing power to the Dmax, but not as quick, these big cube engines don't like to rev up fast.

[Duanesz]

I think the 6 speed trans has alot to do with it too. His truck always seems to be in the right rpm. I will be doing the exhaust custom tunes after I install my gauges. I was wondering what power the stock dmax puts to the ground? Its like 325hp and 650ft tq from what I can recall at the engine.

Whats the next step after basic stuff like custom tunes, air intake, exhaust, would injectors be next like stage ones?

Thanks again

[ridiculously_necessary]

without looking it up i think an 08 puts out 375 and 680 stock?

yes, injectors. then have your chip reburned to account for the new injectors. at that point start looking at your tranny (if auto) before moving forward.

[INTERNATIONAL7.3]

Originally Posted by ridiculously_necessary

without looking it up i think an 08 puts out 375 and 680 stock?

yes, injectors. then have your chip reburned to account for the new injectors. at that point start looking at your tranny (if auto) before moving forward.

its 365/660 and wouldnt those numbers be to the crank?? if so... then your around 330rwhp which is what a properly tuned 7.3 makes.

[Duanesz]

Originally Posted by INTERNATIONAL7.3

its 365/660 and wouldnt those numbers be to the crank?? if so... then your around 330rwhp which is what a properly tuned 7.3 makes.

Ya but can I tow in the 330rwhp setting. The best tow tune that I saw was a PHP 80 hp light tow up to 7500lbs which would work good for me since my camper is only 5800-6500 lbs