I just picked up my first diesel and would like to mod it a little. I would like to do these mods, probably in this order. Let me know if they are good first mods or if you would change anything.

Gauges, probably boost and EGT. Pillar mount.
Exhaust, probably 4" or 5" turbo back. Not decided on what brand though.
Diablo Predator. $300 shipped on Ebay.
Previous owner has an edge w/attitude he'll sell me for $400. Overhead mount.

The reason I want the predator and the edge is because they both have features that I really like and I guess they stack well together.

So who would have the best prices on the gauges and the exhaust. One of the vendors? I will buy used if I can, to save a few $.

I obviously have a lot of research to do before I buy.

I am in the same boat as you, just got my first diesel a couple of weeks ago but did a lot of research before hand. This is a great site and you can get anything you want answered here.

I know that T&J have good prices on exhaust (Pinnacle Power or AFE) they are in the vendors area. Also if you are looking to up the power you will need to beef up the Alli with something like a Transgo Jr from Suncoast, also in the vendor's area.

Good luck with all and the search button is awesome.

The Transgo Jr. is just trim valves IIRC. You have a 5 speed so you should go with the full Transgo Kit. The full kit requires dropping the trans, pulling the bell housing w/ pump off, taking apart the c1/c2 clutch drum, modding it and changing some springs. But since you have to drop the trans anyway, you might as well upgrade the clutches while you're in there (Suncoast or ATS). With the trans built and the stack you will be real impressed with the truck.

We'll, I don't really want to upgrade the tranny right now. I will run the programmers on the lower or economy tunes until I have the time, money, and experience to upgrade it.

Besides, I have the Camaro for my speed addiction. I just want to wake this diesel up a bit and turn a few heads doing it. And If I can, get a few more mpg out of it.

Yeah until you upgrade the tranny might as well just buy the edge from the previous owner...besides..there is a vendor here that will sell a new predator for something like 320...way better than buying from ebay..i know guys who have bought from ebay and gotten a programer that was vin locked...

Yeah until you upgrade the tranny might as well just buy the edge from the previous owner...besides..there is a vendor here that will sell a new predator for something like 320...way better than buying from ebay..i know guys who have bought from ebay and gotten a programer that was vin locked...

The ones on ebay are new too. Here is a link.

http://motors.search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&catref=C6&fcl=3&frpp=50&from=R10&fccl=1&satitle=duramax&sacat=33594%26catref%3DC6&fmmk=chevy&fmmd=silverado&fylo=2001&fyhi=2001&mppfqy=duramax&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=68123&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=2%26fsoo%3D2&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search

fair enough...i would just prefer to get one from a vendor...but thats just me...

I would also consider getting some more air into her. Get the intake with the exhaust or before chipping her. I have the AFE with the Pro-Guard 7 and have had no problems with it. It really opens it up IMHO.

I would also consider getting some more air into her. Get the intake with the exhaust or before chipping her. I have the AFE with the Pro-Guard 7 and have had no problems with it. It really opens it up IMHO.

I thought aftermarket air intakes didn't really help until you get into the more serious mods. I'll look into getting one if they do, though.

i recommend intially gauges and exhaust. as far as electronics, i would get a custom tuned ecm from kennedy or efilive and be done with it! it woke my truck right up!!:D

Don't get an intake just open the stock one up.

Don't get an intake just open the stock one up.


i second that:exactly:

what do you guys mean "open the stock one up"? Do you mean just taking off the baffle and plugging the hole?:confused:

Goto http://www.kennedydiesel.com/ then goto "tech tips" at the top, then "duramax tips", then scroll down till you see "Dmax air intake mods" and click on it.

Cool. Didn't even think about doing that. Thanks for the link:)

Well I went ahead and bought the edge from the previous owner for $400. I guess it is a Hot version so it has more hp. He went ahead and installed it for me and I guess it was set on level 5. All I could say all the way home was "HOLY ****". It really woke this thing up.

On the screen it says v1.4i I think. Should I send it in and get it reflashed or whatever for a newer version or wait until it gives me problems? How is Edge's customer support with used modules? Also since I have a 2001, the coolant temp doesn't read correctly. Is there anything I can do to correct this? I guess the pyrometer is broken too, where can I get a new one?

What setting should I set it on for normal everyday driving so I will get the most fuel economy out of it? Sorry for all the questions, I just dont want to **** anything up.

One more thing. The guy I bought it from says he upgraded to a Hot unit, but mine only goes up to level 5. I have read that on the older attitude modules level 5 would be like a level 6 on the other modules. Is there any way I can make sure I have the 150hp level?

Sounds like you are on the right track with what you want to do. I would first do gauges and exhaust they are a must. As far as the tuner goes I would run the PPE xcellerator Hot +2 ET you can't beat it as far as horsepower and capabilities. Whats nice is you get 10 settings so until you can afford to build up the tranny you can run the lower horsepower levels and when the tranny does get built you can crank it up to the 350 horse setting. Also it will get you 2-3 mpg better on average, you can remove the top speed limiter, raise the rev limiter, adjust tire size, clear trouble codesand on the top setting you can remove the defuel. Whatever you decide to go with good luck, it sounds like its going to be a nice rig.