LB7: Towing, injector, exaust, questions!!!

[Trpshoot]

Hey guys, I low mileage on my truck, probably around 62,000 right now. I started smoking at idle pretty bad last summer and it has gotten progressively worse.

I am out of warranty so I am screwed that way.

I am looking to do some upgrades that I have put off for a while. I have been searching different threads and getting answers for bits and pieces but am looking for expert opinions on a specific setup that I have in mind.

My truck is primarily used to tow a 10,000 plus camper. It is an occasional daily driver/ grocery getter.

I am not looking to upgrade the tranny, etc. I may be interested in upping the boost.

Otherwise it sets, hence the low mileage for being a 2003.

I am going to replace the injectors, I am looking hard at Lincoln. I have spoken with Brent a couple times and he seems not only very knowledgeable, but honest as well...

I have too many expensive hobbies and I can't get catch the diesel disease! LOL.

I am looking for some extra horse power for towing.

My thoughts:

Stock injectors (new Bosch redesigned versions) from Brent.

PPE Tuner

Bigger exhaust.

Any problems with this setup?

What bigger exhaust for the aforementioned setup is recommended?

Do I absolutely need gauges for using a towing tune? As we all know there are some decent, but still short grades in TN, KY, NC, etc... but nothing like the Rockies. We don't go west that often anymore since diesel has soared!

So are EGR temps something that I need to worry about with this setup?

Any other suggestions? My budget is only $4500 so I can't go crazy. I am thinking that I should go ahead and replace glow plubs and thermostats while everything is taken apart. The dmax has been running around 150 degrees coolant temp since late summer, early fall.

[oldred95]

If you want to keep a diesel running cool it needs to have good air flow through the engine. I would recommend getting a boost and pyrometer gauges to be safe. If you don't like the A pillar pod mounts PPE makes an overhead console mount thats pretty slick.

As for the PPE tuner I would go with the PPE economy and run it on level 1.

While you are replacing the injectors you could replace the drivers side exhaust manifold with one for a 2011+ LML diesel engine. It doesn't have the big kink cast into it and will help the front 3 cylinders on the drivers side breath as good as the other 5 and will help the turbo spool a little faster. It would also be a good time to port match the turbo inlet elbow to free up some air flow and its supposed to help it spool faster and keep the EGTs down a bit.

I would get a PPE boost valve too. On a 40 hp tune its not going to have a huge effect but it should still get the boost up closer to 28-30 psi from the stock 18-20 psi and clear up any smoke, build a little more torque and hp and keep the EGT's cooler.

Exhaust is up to you. AFE is supposed to fit the best. I've installed a few and they weren't bad and had the most stock like fitment. I've got a Diamond Eye QT on mine and its fairly quiet but not as quiet as I thought it would be. 4 inch is plenty. 5 inch is overkill for what you're doing and isn't worth the extra cost.

I could be way off but thats what I would do. Add a little 40 hp tune, add some boost, keep the air flowing freely through the engine and drive it sane. The Allison should do just fine but keep it in tow haul. Everyone here seems to slip the Allison on the 4-5 upshift but I got mine running too powerful of a tune rolling into the throttle in 5th gear. Once the torque converter locks the line pressure drops roughly 100 psi and the holding power goes out the window. The 5 speed Allison is good for an extra 100 hp over stock so you should have you a good 50 hp buffer zone to work with. A good healthy Allison like yours is a perfect candidate for a transgo shift kit but it requires removal of the transmission on the 5 speed Allison.

[Franka548]

Trpshoot,
I would put and EGT and Boost gauge on, especially when towing. I have the PPE boost valve installed and use the Dr. performance predator tuner run on towing, which is 65 hp. You do have to be careful when towing even with a lower setting, I will limp my trans in OD if I let the engine hit its torgue peak when toeing my 5er up a grade, have to kisk it down to drive and everything is fine. You will be suprised at the increase in power from the new injectors.
Frank

[kcb37]

I would suggest going with Lincoln for injectors also.
Where I got mine, I would also agree about Brent great guy from what I delt with him.

The idea of a tuner worries me with a stock trans. Even a Transgo Jr would be a big improvement. Seems like all the limped threads I read, or posts have a tuner. Stock can and do break but it's almost always the tuned trucks.
Even Franka548 says his limps if he's not careful with a 65hp tune.

My question is do you want to worry about limping the trans with your trailer in tow?

[Sturgeon-Phish]

We've go similar trucks! Mine is at 57000 right now, just got it last October and love it. Get gauges! EGT is a must when towing, and it combined with the boost will be handy for evaluating the results of your mods. I'm putting in Isspro EGT & Boost on the piller right now.
Simple relativly easy and cheap mods with bang for the buck is exhaust and air intake mods.
I saw somewhere where a guy using the stock exhaust and replacing the stock muffler with a 4" muffler had very good results for the money.
Before working the electronic mods have gauges.
Jim

[chevyinlinesix]

My recommendations are as follows:

NEW stock injectors, my choice is dealership. I'm sure other places sell the same product.

A single EFI Live economy/tow tune (sometimes called optistock) from a credible place. I would recommend "Idaho Rob" at ATP trucks. His were pretty damn good, and have only required some tweaking on my end.

4" or 5" exhaust, muffled or straight pipe, whichever you prefer.

You most certainly do not need gauges, especially with such a mild tune. They are useful for several reasons, but not necessary in applications such as this.

A boost valve will yield minimum differences, perhaps very slightly better turbo spool up. The engine will only create as much boost as it needs, you might gain 1-2 lbs of boost with one of those valves with your setup. You would be further ahead to port, or get your turbocharger horn ported.

I might add, that there is certainly nothing wrong with the PPE tuners, in fact next to EFI Live (or HP Tuners) I consider them the very next best one. If you want a plug in tuner, then yes, PPE is the programmer for you

[D.Camilleri]

My turn: With your low mileage, there is a good chance you only have a few bad injectors. I would give consideration to only replacing the bad ones. If it makes you feel better do them all.

I would choose a ppe standard and skip the exhaust or just add a free flowing 4 inch muffler (that is what I have on my truck) wifes truck has stock exhaust and PPE on level 3 and it runs very hard.

Gauges, ABSOLUTELY, know where you are and not have to worry.

Towing with extra power, 1st choice install full transgo in your tranny. Second choice, lock out overdrive when towing unless driving on flat type roads. Don't allow full throttle 4-5 shifts with a tune.

PPE airbox mod works well.

[chevyinlinesix]

Thanks for bringing up the mileage, stop by your favorite GM dealer and see if they might help cover some injector costs. 9 times out of 10 they will not, but some have got lucky and had most of it covered (yes, even well out of warranty).

How much power do you plan on adding?

With the exhaust, look at dropping EGT's about 200F and a 5hp increase (Don't worry, you won't feel the difference).

Anything to beef up the transmission is solid advice, and I approve

[Tacklewasher]

Originally Posted by chevyinlinesix

You most certainly do not need gauges, especially with such a mild tune. They are useful for several reasons, but not necessary in applications such as this.

Disagree strongly with this.

I run my Edge on 2 while towing and have had my EGT warning go (1250) while pulling uphill. Truck still had oomph but I backed down. My trailer is about 8000 so I'm lighter than the OP.

[Trpshoot]

Thanks to everyone for the advice! I will have to digest the info and may have more questions.