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Recommendations on upgrades... Performance/Economy 5.9 Cummings

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61K views 10 replies 7 participants last post by  rennerredneck  
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#1 ·
I am new to diesels. I just purchased a 2003 Dodge 2500 with the 5.9 Cummings. Truck only has 176,000 miles and runs great. I would like to give it more power and economy and of course ensure the life of the truck with appropriate care. I am looking for information on Diesel Care and which upgrades should be done first to make it run better both economically and performance. Any recommendations and assistance would be greatly appreciated.

My Ideas so fas have been: Manifold, Air Intake and Exhaust. Have seen where it has been recommended to have a Computer like Bully or Gauges but not sure why. Lots of talk on tempatures and etc. I want to make sure this truck gets 1 million miles, because I plan to care for it and I do drive with a light foot, most of the time.

Thanks,
Justin
 
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Discussion starter · #3 ·
Ok, so I am looking into the AFE Stage 2 open air intake with the Pro Guard 7. Eventually I would like to get a good 5" Exhaust and finally some sort of Gauges. I am seeing lots of good feedback on the Edge Juice with Attitude. With these 3 upgrades, I should see good increase of MPG, but have a good amount of power when I need it. Not to mention, the Turbo will sing a little more right? Is it still recommended to remover the silencer on the turbo? I have seen where some have said it caused turbo problems by removing it.

Thanks to all,
Undetermined
 
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Discussion starter · #6 ·
So I am pretty sure I will save up and get the AFE stage 2 PG7, then I will look at gauges before I get into the exhause and tuner. This should keep me pretty safe as long as I am driving economically. Keeping with regualr maintenance and such, I think me and the new to me truck should have a long future.

As for gauges, is it better to install individual gauges or go with one of the touchscreen multiple gauge devices like the Banks or Bully Dog? I know a lot is preference, but I somehow feel safer with a gauge I can easily replace versus an expensive unit to replace if needed. I saw somewhere there was a 3 gauge piece that fit below my overhead data center. That might be nice for boost, EGT and Trans temp. Any other gauges I should look for?
 
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Discussion starter · #7 ·
Tried to add this to my post, but I guess this will work...

1. AFE Stage 2 XP Mega Cannon Air Intake Kit for 2003-2009 Dodge 5.9L/6.7L Cummins, AFE-75-11342 Pro-Guard 7 (Value Pack) $499.00

2. ISSPRO EV Gauge Kit, 2003 24 Valve Dodge Cummins, Pyro, Boost, and Trans Temp , Full A-Pillar 3-Gauge Mount 03-09 RAM, Taupe Gray ABS, White Dial, Black Bezel, Red Pointer, 60 LB Boost gauge, WeatherPack $388.95

3. MADS Electronics SMARTY Jr. for 2003-2007 Dodge Cummins 5.9L $495.00

4. AFE Large Bore HD Aluminized Exhaust System for 2003-2004 Dodge 5.9L Cummins, 4 Inch Turbo Back Off Road $425.00
MBRP Black Bolt on Tip, Single Wall, Angle Cut, Rolled Edge, 4-Inch Inlet, 5-Inch Outside Diameter, 12-Inch Length, Bolt On $67.85

YOUR ORDER TOTAL: $1,875.80
 
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