Mileage/Intake/Exhaust/Programmer

[feusaf]

I know I'm fixin' to open up a huge can 'o worms with this post...

I just took my longest trip in my truck (04 crew cab, 4x4) and drove just short of 1,000 miles. I averaged a solid 17.2 mpg for the entire trip and my truck is completely stock. I know the mileage I'm getting is pretty darn good, but I'm pretty sure I can get it better than that.

I'm trying to acquire funding from the "Kitchen Commander" or "CINC HOUSE" to add about $2k worth of "cool crap" to my truck. I don't want to spend a lot of money on an intake, exhaust or programmer because my truck is just a daily driver. I didn't buy it because I tow 10k + lbs or because I needed a 4x4. I bought it because that's the truck I've wanted for a long darn time.

I've been looking at the S&B intake, Motoblue 5" S/S turbo-back exhaust and the Edge Evolution programmer. I'm not looking for mods that will give me MORE, MORE, MORE horspower or torque, just mods that will help me get a little more bang out of my gallon of Diesel. I intend to use my truck for long trips (say, GA to SD, 3 or 4 times a year), and to get me back and forth to work (30 mile round trip). AND, maybe, someday, I'll need to pull a 25-30 ft camper.

So, now to my question...are my choices (S&B, Motoblue and Edge Evo) good for what I'm looking for, or should I consider a MBRP exhaust and a different intake? Please, share...I'm tired of digging through posts.

:drive:

[dieseldan2005]

Hey bud. Say for now my truck is stock and i have the 7.3 but from what i am reading and from the people that i have talked to one of the quickest and cheapest things is a K&N air filter, not the cold air kit cause the diesel puts out alot of heat and it will suck it in your air box. Some might not agree with that but oh well, just my . Also if it breaths better you do want it to exhale better so i'd look at an exhaust, they aren't too much money for a budget kit, check with Farm Boys Diesel or farmboysdiesel.com I plan on ordering my exhaust soon, but i had to fix my driveshaft this week unexpectidly so it will set me back a little. Then if you want after the k&n and exhaust you can check out tuners to improve mileage. I am looking at the EDGE evo 2. I am picking up the K&N this week though. Just some ideas im sure you will get more feedback from others. Good luck!

[WILLIAM LORCH]

Do hte DIY intake using the NAPA filter Works super and you will have invested about 60$ total Bill

[alfajay]

From what I have read and heard from poeple, you don't need a 5" T-back exhaust unless you're going for big power gains. If you go big you will lose alot of torque, I met a guy yesterday that was complaining about losing low-end torque b/c of it. 4" would be best most likely. As for the other stuff I'm not too sure, I got a 7.3 so I don't want to lead ya the wrong way. Good luck

[feusaf]

I've read a few posts with complaints for the K&N cold-air intake...had one in my 99 Ram 1500 and it didn't do me any good at all. Read some reviews on the S&B, but haven't heard anyone talk about it.

I figured I'd go with the 5" turbo back set up, since it was only $150 more than the 4" cat-back Motoblue exhaust. I see what you mean about the 5" exhaust, and since I'm not a power monger, I probably won't need it.

[Strõkër~X]

well your honesty is very good, my truck was one that i had wanted for a long time also, timing was a big factor in the purchase of it, from others here, i would stay away from the K&N intake, an AFE stage 2 will do great, but also your stock intake is supposedly very good from the sources here also. now for a tuner the edge would prob do you good for your needs, but the SCT sounds like it would help more with the mileage your wanting, (IE econo tune). good luck and dont hesitate to ask some Q's.

[Dave]

THe stock intake on the 6.0 is great until you are looking for about 475 hp or more no need to change that. As far as programmers go for the 6.0 SCT with custom tunes hands down. You arent gonna beat a custom economy tune.
Also if you are lookin for a great price on a exhaust check out Gus at farmboys diesel his budget kit is priced awesome. Also you need gauges if you are gonna tune it specifically EGT trans temp and boost

[feusaf]

Originally Posted by quadracer1014

Also you need gauges if you are gonna tune it specifically EGT trans temp and boost

That's why I was looking at the Edge Evolution...decent price, plugs right into the OBDII and gives me the information I need to see. Since I've had the truck in twice in the last month for EGR issues, I really, really, really, really, want to be able to keep an eye on my ECT, EOT and EGT. I don't want to get the heads/gaskets replaced again...

I haven't really been looking at the SCT tuners, but do they have a monitor/tuner that is as simple as the Evolution? I'd rather have the LCD display of the numbers than have the guages on the pillar. I have seen many posts about the SCT xCal, but haven't really paid them much attention...

[Blue01F250]

for a 6.0 - the stock intake is just fine... its almost perfect from the factory..not like upgrading the very restrictive intake on a 7.3...

as for exhaust - 4" will be enough for you... now just depending on where you live and whether you wanna get SS or alumanized.

as for a programmer - there are so many choices... but the edge evo 2 would be a good choice for you as an all in one package. I may end up with one myself

[Blue01F250]

Originally Posted by feusaf

That's why I was looking at the Edge Evolution...decent price, plugs right into the OBDII and gives me the information I need to see. Since I've had the truck in twice in the last month for EGR issues, I really, really, really, really, want to be able to keep an eye on my ECT, EOT and EGT. I don't want to get the heads/gaskets replaced again...

I haven't really been looking at the SCT tuners, but do they have a monitor/tuner that is as simple as the Evolution? I'd rather have the LCD display of the numbers than have the guages on the pillar. I have seen many posts about the SCT xCal, but haven't really paid them much attention...

You could get the SCT Livewire...