Towing Performance Upgrades

[Buckwheat]

2002 Crew Cab Long Bed, Automatic Tranny, 130K miles

Current Upgrades: Mag Hytec Deep Tranny Pan & Diff Cover

Parts on Order: Magnaflow 4" Turbo Back Stainless Duals
MaxBrake Brake Controller

I have been reading here for weeks now and need advice for the rest of my planned mods. I will be using this truck for towing around 10K lbs very often. I need increased performance and durability. I really like the turbo whine and want more of that too.

I am planning to use either the Tymar air intake or a DIY Tymar using the Donaldson filter. That tymar looks nice, but pricey. Is it worth it or should I go DIY or another intake alltogether?

Chip: I am leaning towards the DP Tuner. I like smooth shifts and some extra power pulling hills would be a big help.

Turbo: I am thinking about one of the non-wastegated van turbos with a 1.00 housing and Banks turbine wheel (wicked wheel) all balanced from Ron's turbo to decrease EGT and hopefully get a little more turbo whine.

Gauges: Planning on EGT, Boost & Tranny Temp, maybe Differential temp too since the mag hytec cover has the threaded hole already. Haven't done any research yet on gauges so I have no idea which brand.

Tranny: It will remain stock until it blows, then I will upgrade. I see no point in replacing it now as long as it still works well.

I will probably do the foil delete when I install the intake and exhaust systems. My question is: What do you guys think about these mods for my application and do you have any other reccomendations? I really don't want the expense of upgraded injectors or a larger intercooler, although I am considering the 6.0 intercooler swap as it is cheaper. My concern here is the effect of spool up time with the larger intercooler and 1.00 turbo housing. My current intercooler has plastic end tanks, so I am wondering if this swap was already done by the previous owner.

[nic2fast]

if you are looking for smoother shifts then u better talk to jody at dp before he burns your chip. i have TW on my 350 and Dp on my 250 because i like the selector from dp, but i like the tw chip better. just saying. don't mean to hyjack your thread but i am also looking for the next upgrade for my truck. I pull 10-20k weekly and need alittle more to help with the topend and hills. thanks for letting me tag along on your post.

[Buckwheat]

Thanks Nick2fast, I do plan to call DP before ordering to give them my intended use and upgrade info. I don't want a chip that will kick hard while shifting and pulling 10K lbs behind me.

[CT Performance, Inc.]

I'd second the TW choice..
For heavy towing get a 6.0 31 row trans cooler, BD brake, 6.0 Tq converter and a BTS VB.

6.0 IC won't create more lag and will drop temps a little.

I'd just do a WW as 90% of the time that will cure surge.

Tymar IMO is worth the $$ or do a DYI with the correct parts.

We have Isspro with 4 hole pillar pods..They match the dash guages.

Cary

[tubular031]

^ Yea what he said

[Buckwheat]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your input.

[steven7.3liter]

Do your exhaust and gauges before DPTUNER that way you know how your vitals are doing under the additional power. I have a TYMAR filter and it is wonderful. Great filtering with the Donaldson filter. I personally bought it from TYMAR because he designed it and made it for maximum performance. I don't want to copy it with inferior parts possibly. Saving up for exhaust and DPTUNER.

[bucwheat]

Hey,this dude stole my avatar!

[Stroken7.3]

From what I've heard on here and on the Nation, the 6.0 cooler is not worth doing unless it's free . It doesn't drop the temps enough to make it worth while, ask around before you buy one.

[tubular031]

Yup. I installed a 6.0 IC on mine and see maybe 50 degrees at most less pulling my 12k 5er. only cost me $50 for the IC and I sold my old one for $50 to an OBS guy. free is worth it but dont pay much for it.