New truck mod plans, comments

[Jerrybizzle]

First off I am new to owning a diesel but have searched and scanned this site for 3 straight days for answers to what I am looking for. My truck is a 2001 with 182000. The transmission isn't original but not sure the date it was rebuilt. Truck is pretty much stock at the moment and running great for having it 3 days. Here are my plans which can be changed. DIY intake, remove muffler while leaving stock 3.5 inch piping, gauges and a chip. Looking at ts 6 position or php 6 position. Leaning towards the php with mild tunes of 40 and 65hp tow, 65hp daily, 65 or 80hp perf and whisper. My main concern is will the auto transmission hold up to the tunes? I drive like a grandpa and for now only tow a 6500 pound camper. Truck is not my DD. I figure if I keep the tunes mild and don't drive like a jackass it should be fine, but want to see what the experts think. Thanks in advance for any helpful advice.

[Jerrybizzle]

Nothing?? No one can comment how their automatic transmission has held up to mild tuning. Anything helps. Thanks.

[nighthawk285]

The 4R100 that should be in that should be ok with a mild tune and easy-decent driving. I would pull the pan and check/change the trans fluid if it's dark and get a new filter in there, especially if you don't know the last time it was done.

One thing you might want to reconsider is the exhaust....running a hotter tune with the stock exhaust will make your EGTs go up. That won't be a big deal most days with easy driving, but towing (especially uphill) is going to put some pretty high temps through your exhaust valves/turbo.

[Jerrybizzle]

4 inch should be good enough you think?

[sethc24]

The 4r100 seems to handle mild tuning pretty well (60-100 hp). Driving the truck like you stole it on the 140 hp tune and doing a lot of burnouts on the other hand will vaporize the transmission in no time at all. ( i know this from experience.) 4" exhaust is nice but pricey. You could also replace the factory muffler with a walker btm unit. That would wield the same result as a 4" system for a lot cheaper.

[nighthawk285]

a 4" would do nicely, I suppose the only way to know if you're flirting with danger would be to put in an EGT gauge...with a straight pipe, the 3.5" may do fine, but I wouldn't chance it without a pyro

[Jerrybizzle]

Thanks guys. Appreciate the feedback.

[dentexpowerstroke]

If you are worried about the trans, you can always look at adding a valve body. It won't make it hold a ton of power but it will help it handle a lot more than stock. With just a tune, I don't think you will run into any issues even leaving the trans untouched. Other than that your list looks pretty solid.

[Young-SC-Owner]

Diamond eye 4" turbo back you can get for less than 300 shipped. That's dirt cheap, but if I were you I'd do gauges, then chip, then exhaust.


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[Jerrybizzle]

Thanks again. DIY intake and straight pipe will be first as they are cheapest.