Took delivery on 12/1/04 of my 2005, Chev 2500, LT, 4x4, Duramax (LLY), Crew Cab. My first 3/4 ton and first diesel. I am now ready to start modifying the truck. I what to maximize my fuel economy and add a reasonable amount of HP.

Based on what I have learned from the forum, my first purchase will be a Predator tuner. Based on what I have read at diablosport’s website, the 65 RWHP setting looks correct. <O:p</O:p

<O:p</O:p
Questions:
1) Do I need to change out my air filter? If so, to what brand?<O:p</O:p

2) Do I need to add any gauges (exhaust temp? any others)? Why? What brand?<O:p</O:p

3) Do I really need to upgrade my exhaust system? I want to keep the truck quiet as possible. What brand?<O:p</O:p

4) I there anything else that I should change on the truck?<O:p</O:p

I will be using the truck to tow my boat (6000lb) about 5% of the time. I plan on keeping the truck a minimum of 5 years / 150,000 miles. Again, my goals are 20+ mpg and a reasonable amount of HP increase.<O:p</O:p

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.

1) On a Bang Per Buck, I'd leave the airbox alone.

2) With just a 65HP tune, gauges aren't necessary, but are suggested for towing.

3) You do not need to do the exhaust. The quietest system I've witnessed is the TTS system, but I like loud. Exhaust will reduce EGT's and increase engine life in theory.

4) If you go with a super-free flowing exhaust, you will set a harmless EGR engine code. You will need a Finger Stick to fix it.

My .02

1) Stay with the stock air filter, several users have shown aftermarket kits do not improve performance. You can also checkout a study done by members of this forum on the stock vs. aftermarket filter at: http://home.usadatanet.net/~jbplock/ISO5011/SPICER.htm

2) Gauges (especially EGT) are wise, but I don’t think necessary with the 40 or 65HP Predator tune. I’ve pulled 9k with the 40HP Predator tune and didn’t see excessive EGT’s partially I feel because the extra power kept me from having to get real deep in the pedal (thus preventing high EGT’s) ):h I’ve not yet towed with the 65HP tune.

3) I am currently running on the stock exhaust, so I’d say you’re good to go on that. I am going to upgrade to a 4” exhaust as I would like the extra security of slightly lower EGT’s

4) I’d say you’re probably good to go for towing 6k

Good luck with your truck and enjoy it


On edit: Damn McRat U're fast :D

wmm- Congratulations and Welcome to the site! Gauges are always a good idea just to be safe. There are several different makes and models out there to suit your personal taste so check around. I would also suggest going with a 4" exhaust system to help get rid of excess EGT's caused by the hotter programs. As long as you leave the Catalytic converter in place, you wont set any EGR codes. The standard MBRP system will bolt up to the 4 bolt flange and is easily installed with simple hand tools. Let me know if there is anything I can help with.

Just remember one thing, once you start modifying there's no end. it gets in your blood and no matter what you do, there's always something else on your mind that you want to add, or modify, just hang around here long enough, you'll see. ):h Plenty of guys here to assist you in spending money. ):h

40hp feels good but 65 feels better. Hum... getting used to 65 now, maybe I should goto the 85hp tune. Time to install an aftermarket exhaust and wouldn't mind some more horsepower and torque. Oh no, to much power, tranny is limping, guess it's time to upgrade the tranny. Hey, the new tranny and converter are in. I guess I can get a few hundrew more ft/lb of torque. Yup, that is what happens to all of us :)

I said I'd be doing a few basic mods, not enough to need a tranny upgrade (Predator/ MBRP and intake). The Volant went on a few days ago, 65hp Predator last month and I'll be installing the exhaust tonight or tomorrow. The Edge with Attitude will also be going on. I'll probably have that set at 0 for now. The 65hp Predator program feels good, but I might step up to the 85hp tune. This will probably put me on the edge of needing a tranny upgrade. Will probably order one of them before the end of the month. At this point I'll be satisfied with with the truck making more power than my Supercharged 8.1 Suburban. That was 407hp/558ft-lb at the rear wheels. Actually, I'd like the torque to be much higher :)

Just remember one thing, once you start modifying there's no end. it gets in your blood and no matter what you do, there's always something else on your mind that you want to add, or modify, just hang around here long enough, you'll see. ):h Plenty of guys here to assist you in spending money. ):h
No kidding. First, I Line-Xed the bed. Then Line-X on the rockers. Then Westin mudflaps, nerf bars and floor liners. Added 265 ATs. Now the Predator is in. Exhaust will be next, followed by Edge/Juice w/attitude, then Suncoast tranny upgrade, then...

I wonder if a cocaine habit would be cheaper. It certainly could not be more fun. ):h

40hp feels good but 65 feels better. Hum... getting used to 65 now, maybe I should goto the 85hp tune. Time to install an aftermarket exhaust and wouldn't mind some more horsepower and torque. Oh no, to much power, tranny is limping, guess it's time to upgrade the tranny. Hey, the new tranny and converter are in. I guess I can get a few hundrew more ft/lb of torque. Yup, that is what happens to all of us :)

I said I'd be doing a few basic mods, not enough to need a tranny upgrade (Predator/ MBRP and intake). The Volant went on a few days ago, 65hp Predator last month and I'll be installing the exhaust tonight or tomorrow. The Edge with Attitude will also be going on. I'll probably have that set at 0 for now. The 65hp Predator program feels good, but I might step up to the 85hp tune. This will probably put me on the edge of needing a tranny upgrade. Will probably order one of them before the end of the month. At this point I'll be satisfied with with the truck making more power than my Supercharged 8.1 Suburban. That was 407hp/558ft-lb at the rear wheels. Actually, I'd like the torque to be much higher :)

You're are going to need to do the trans if you want over 400rwhp.

But with the Predator and exhaust, you are not far off your goal. Mine made 385.

No kidding. First, I Line-Xed the bed. Then Line-X on the rockers. Then Westin mudflaps, nerf bars and floor liners. Added 265 ATs. Now the Predator is in. Exhaust will be next, followed by Edge/Juice w/attitude, then Suncoast tranny upgrade, then...

I wonder if a cocaine habit would be cheaper. It certainly could not be more fun. ):h

I had a cocaine habit. I divorced her. Best $250,000 I ever spent. :eek:

Relatively speaking, hotrodding is cheaper and certainly more enjoyable.

You're are going to need to do the trans if you want over 400rwhp.

But with the Predator and exhaust, you are not far off your goal. Mine made 385.

I believe that is with the 100hp program? The 65-85hp jump is only 20hp and 30ft-lb. Going to 100hp also adds another 80ft-lb. That's what pissed the tranny off :)

The Suncoast Tranny is sounding better by the day! :)

An exhaust and tranny is in your future my friend.....welcome to the sickness...I mean "The Place".:D

The TTS Extreme is almost ready for testing from what I understand.

For that, you will need a trans. And fresh undies. :eek: