Haven't had any head gasket problems so far, but not taking a chance. Doing the ARP stud swap, new gaskets, get heads machined etc. Also fuel/water seperator, spearco intercooler, largemouth intake, fluid dampner etc. SCT xcal 3 with Innovative tunes, coolant filter kit. Might as well get all this done while apart. This will be phase 1. September will be injectors, turbo, ATI trans. Should I be looking at anything else for phase 1 ?? What are the best gaskets to install with the studs kit ?? Truck is booked for June 16, should have it for 4-5 days with head machining etc. Any input would be much appreciated....dg.....

 

Add the block off plate for the egr/uptube so the egr cooler doesn't over heat when you add the tunes..

 

Gauges. Also, when changing the turbo out, install a larger turbo oil drain tube.

 

I just ordered a new Dashdaq for guages. Have been researching several turbo's, but man, where to start ???

 

do you want vgt or non-vgt. I would go with a non, only because I don't tow. stock gaskets work fine.

 

If you are planning many more mods maybe think about installing fire ring gaskets. You will have to machine the heads for the rings. Some one else will have more info on the fire rings than me.

 

I will be talking to the machine shop Monday on that application. I don't know much about them, but have done some research and they seem to be the one of choice.

 

Couple of things, one ITP Regulated Return kit, even with doing something like a FASS system, it doesn't eliminate dead-heading like an RR kit will. Also I noticed that your looking at the Spearco intercooler, I like the stuff it's made out of, but I just wish it was thicker like the Bank's cooler(only thing of Bank's that I think are worth anything).

Rather to go non or VGT turbo, I tow alot and I have a non vgt turbo and I haven't had a problem what so ever towing.

As far as gauges I would highly suggest a fuel psi gauge as that definately comes in handy if something goes wrong(trust me I know that from experiance that just happened yesterday) when you start playing with bigger parts that require more fuel. Of course you need the usual gauges as well, but I would highly suggest that one as well as the usual gauges that everyone suggests.

I would actually suggest doing the turbo and injectors along with headstuds as that would eliminate labor costs that you will incur if you do it seperately(unless your doing it yourself). Unless you have other reasons that prevent that. Also depending on what size injectors and turbo you get, you can get by with stock gaskets, everything you see listed and I am still going on stock gaskets without any problem(knocking on wood).

 

Thanks Tex, some great info here. I have been mulling over the Turbo/injector set while it's apart. Not sure where to begin there. What combo's etc ??? All the parts are already delivered or on the way. Just labor costs to involve with everything. I will probably do some of the easy bolt on, but everything else will be in the shop. I am basically looking for some good performance and longevity in the truck, tow once in a while, right foot down once in a while etc. Take it where ever knowing I at least made some good decisions on what I put into it.

 

First what is your horsepower goal? What weight are you going to be towing and what are you towing(I mention this because I tow horses and you can or can't do stuff with that type of cargo versus say hauling trees or tractors or other non-living cargo)? Give the highest even if it's only one or two times a year or every other year.

Turbo I don't think would be a problem after doing a little helping with Matt while he installed mine. The fuel pump I did install on mine, it is a bear and besure to give yourself a good solid day for that. Injectors, fluidampner, studs, intake, RR kit and EGR block I would have the shop do that as more then likely they will only charge you the labor for the studs. In a perfect scenerio I would have gotten BDP to put everything on all at once, but here and there funds kept that from happening.

Depending on what constitutes "some good performance" to you, my setup is perfect for me and I tow alot and hopefully I did everything to insure longevity, but we shall see. It's hard to tell in the beginning when you start playing with this stuff.

 

I would be looking for around 500 hp, towing weight is no more than 5000 lbs. I have researched a lot of upgrade items, mostly from this site, full of information, what not and what to use. I am not concerned about the warranty. If I put the toys on, I am prepared to pay, it's that simple. I could put the Turbo and Injectors in at the same time. Kind of mulling it over, as there is already a pretty full plate to install. June 16-20 is my only window, then back to work, and my truck is like my office. If I do the turbo/injectors, I will be also doing the trans at the same time. I am really looking forward to getting these done. It will be fun.

 

If you do stage 1 peformance injectors or stage 2's with a 64mm non-vgt turbo should be the correct combo to be at that 500 hp mark. I will tell you this, the 64mm turbo whistles more at higher speeds then the stock turbos as the liked to whistle down low. People on the interstate don't like it when I pass them and I have seen them rolling up the ole window as I go blaring bye.

 

from what I've read and "heard" from people on other forums, I personally wouldn't go over 190's for a daily driver. 190's and a non-vgt are my goal.

 

Stage 2's are 180. You can go to 205 which are stage 3s, but they don't suggest that for towing what so ever unless you start using compounds.

 

but with only 5k pounds???