I've not yet delved into any kind of engine mods on my 01 7.3, but now that it's finally paid off, I'm kind of anxious to. I've been reading over a lot of posts and looking at a lot of you guys' galleries, and I have a few questions If any of you can throw your 2 cents in I would really appreciate it. First, what does the CCVmod do? Added performance? Milage? Durability? Also curious about the fuel system that a lot of you do. Same questions, also the 10k mod that I started seeing just today. If I should do all of these things, which one first? Thanks in advance for your input.

PS. What is a zoodad and the ss hpx??

 

Zoodad mod: http://community.webshots.com/album/29503747CLxEtpIVYO

The Stainless Steel Crossover pipe balances the HPOP oil pressure so the engine idles a lot smoother and quieter.
The CCV mod is a redirection of the crankcase vent away from the engine air intake to keep the oil out of the intercooler.
A list of "average income" level mods is a NAPA 6637 air filter. Big exhaust system. Guages so you know when you are overworking the engine. And a DP-Tuner chip.
If you are cursed with an automatic transmission I'll leave that to the people that own one to help you there.
Have fun!

 

Auto trans. Well, some people love them. This is my first one is decades - and when it breaks, I'll replace it with a 6-speed manual. Still, I don't want it to break. So here are the things I've learned will make it live somewhat longer.

Heat is the main enemy of an auto trans. Reduce its temperature and you will prolong its life.

Temp gauge. You need to know how warm it is getting and if you need to back down and let it cool off. A temp gauge costs much less than an EGT gauge and is very cheap insurance.

Cooler - add an auxiliary trans cooler. Tru-cool makes nices ones from $75 on up. A $75 Tru-cool will go a long way toward preserving your auto tranny. If you tow big loads, don't skimp on the size and quality of the cooler - just get the best.

Shift kit, to quicken shifts, reduce wear, and reduce heat generation. By all accounts, the best is the BTS valve body. I have a Factory Tech valve body and have been very pleased with it. Both run a couple hundred $$. Somewhat less effective but much cheaper is the Sonnax valve and springs. If you can't afford a valve body, be certain to get the Sonnax as it will make a huge improvement on shift quality.

External bypass filter for the trans oil. Your internal filter is very effective at removing rocks and pebbles - not so good at the smaller stuff. Add an external filter to remove the micro-crap. BUT - make sure you get either a true bypass filter, or if you get a full-flow filter, make sure it has a bypass valve to allow fluid flow if the filter becomes plugged up.

These are the less expensive and most effective mods I know of to preserve tranny life. I'm sure there are other suggestions that will also help.

Oh, if you plan to make BIG power, these mods may prolong the tranny's life a little, but to make it hold up properly to the new power, you'll need a first-rate modified rebuilt trans - which will hold up to huge power reliably. Be sure you research FIRST before you have the trans rebuilt. Some rebuilders really know what they are doing (BTS, for example) others do not and you'll be wasting your money.

 

some other manufacturers of bulletproof transmissions that "dare you to break them" are ATS company, Suncoast, and Factory Tech's MONSTERBOX. all range between $3200 and $4000 depending on the additions to the slushbox.

 

My trans allready died at 120k. Paid $2100 to a local shop for a rebuild. It lasted 5k before the TC burnt up and took the rest of the trans with it. It was warrantied, but it still cost me $280 for the tow which the trans shop covered, but they wouldn't cover the $500.00 for the rental car to get me home, not to mention the hassle. I have 8k on the new trans, but I'm skeert now. I wish I had just spent the $$ on a bulletproof. I did research it a little, but when your only vehicle with more than two wheels is down, time plays a major part in the decision. I just ordered the guage pod, so I'll be hooking up the trans temp, the boost and the pyrometer. I'm planning on hooking up the pyro before the turbo, as that is what most of you guys say is the way to go. After the guages, I'm planning the Tru cool trans cooler, and after these few replies, probably an external bypass filter for the trans. I'm also planning on selling my superchips programmer on EBAY and switching to the DP Tuner. What next??

 

up next (actually before the chip), you should have a 4'' or 5'' exhaust system, and a free flowing intake. see the thread about "which filter do you all use" for the popular vote. it's good to see you getting gauges first. sell the hypertech tuner, use that money to buy an exhaust. also i would recommend getting the Sonnax Valve/Tricumulator springs for the transmission, or go all out and get a Valve body custom made for the power youre putting out.

 

Don't forget "BIGGER" exhaust and KWIK mod 6637 !