Diesel Power Magazine 1st gen buildup

[JQmile]

Hey guys! New here to the board and figured I would say "hi." I own a non-intercooled 89 2wd Dodge that I wanna make go fast, and I also happened to write for Diesel Power Magazine, so it's going to be a project truck. Going from mild to wild so look for all the budget mods first, and the 14mm pump stuff and slicks later. Figured I would let ya'll know so you can follow along if you want since 1st gens don't get much love. So far it's made 200rwhp/408rwtq with DDP 4 injectors and a stock pump (not turned up), through an auto (727).

Thanks for lookin

Jason Sands
Associate Editor
Diesel Power Magazine
www.dieselpowermag.com

[TWorline]

Ok, now I guess I'll have to get a subscription! It is good to hear that you are undertaking this project, looks like you will need a new transmission in the near future.

[CumminsPride]

WOOHOO! Our neglected beasts are finally getting some real publicity!
LOL

Wade

[JQmile]

Just got back from the dyno.

264/500 with the fuel screw turned in three turns. Got at least a couple more till runaway. Torque is low cause the converter doesn't come in 'till about 1800-2000rpm

I think we'll see close to 300 with a low stall converter and rebuilt trans. (Trans is slipping more and more each pull)

Still stock exhaust, stock air filter, stock everything else.

Jason

[flashgordon]

Hey guys! New here to the board and figured I would say "hi." I own a non-intercooled 89 2wd Dodge that I wanna make go fast, and I also happened to write for Diesel Power Magazine, so it's going to be a project truck. Going from mild to wild so look for all the budget mods first, and the 14mm pump stuff and slicks later. Figured I would let ya'll know so you can follow along if you want since 1st gens don't get much love. So far it's made 200rwhp/408rwtq with DDP 4 injectors and a stock pump (not turned up), through an auto (727).

Thanks for lookin

Jason Sands
Associate Editor
Diesel Power Magazine
www.dieselpowermag.com

Sound like the tranny is next on your to do list................have a strong one built so you don't have to re do this step when you get half way to WILD
Some were down the line your going to need a intercooler...........and...........and ...................

Flash.

[gman07]

Just got back from the dyno.

264/500 with the fuel screw turned in three turns. Got at least a couple more till runaway. Torque is low cause the converter doesn't come in 'till about 1800-2000rpm

I think we'll see close to 300 with a low stall converter and rebuilt trans. (Trans is slipping more and more each pull)

Still stock exhaust, stock air filter, stock everything else.

Jason

Can we get EGT / boost numbers too?

[Begle1]

Does the truck have an overall goal to it? The transmission is a large part of the overall flavor of the truck.

Balls to the wall drag truck?
Daily drivable drag truck?
No-drug drag truck?
Low budget drive truck?
Drag truck that can pull it's own support trailer drag truck?
Land speed truck with drag capability?
High mileage drag truck?

For a designated drag truck, I think it'd be best to build the 727 up and avoid the unnecessary expenses and complexity of overdrive or lock-up. If you go that route, I think you're going to have to do the trans work yourself. I couldn't find anybody to build my 727 up for me.
Overdrive is nice if you're planning on bragging about fuel economy or high speed, but that means you're looking at a later transmission with overdrive.
And for a truck that's going to see a lot of towing, lock-up would be nice. And anything with lock-up comes with overdrive. Lock-up means that you're looking for a newer tranny, probably an off-the-shelf built 47RH.

I'd really like to see a hard-core drag build-up running a non-lock-up transmission, personally. I don't think having a high-tech lock-up ATS or DTT in a first gen just really respects the old-school flavor...

[JD730]

I think we'll see close to 300 with a low stall converter and rebuilt trans. (Trans is slipping more and more each pull)

Still stock exhaust, stock air filter, stock everything else.

Jason

That would help alot, a 727 can be rebuilt pretty cheaply too and hold alot of power, most expensive part would be a torque converter.

I don't know what kind of budget your working with, but if I only had 1 chance to build a trans I would go with a built 47RH.

[JD730]

I'd really like to see a hard-core drag build-up running a non-lock-up transmission, personally. I don't think having a high-tech lock-up ATS or DTT in a first gen just really respects the old-school flavor...

So what flavor does that make my truck?????

I built the trans I have now, I have another one in the works for another 1st gen. Honestly, I've was running my truck at the pulls this summer and I found I would do alot better if I didn't lock the converter, 2nd low range, mashed on the floor, just don't have enough Nut for locked yet. Gave many duramax's a run for their money. But when you hook up to the trailer and go somewhere, a lockup converter is the way to go.

[Begle1]

I'd really like to see a hard-core drag build-up running a non-lock-up transmission, personally. I don't think having a high-tech lock-up ATS or DTT in a first gen just really respects the old-school flavor...

So what flavor does that make my truck?????

Cinnamon-cherry kobe beef?

[SChandler]

All we ask is: DON'T P-PUMP IT!!!!! As you've already learned from hanging around here, there is lots of power to be made with the VE. With a KTA'd 14mm VE and a good combination, 600hp (no drugs) and low 11's or high 10's (in the 1/4 mile) should be possible with your truck. Although a national spotlight on them might drive 1st gen prices even higher. Good luck, this is the place to be for mild to wild 1st gens.

[ford69557ci]

OOOOOO i think when DP mag gets thiers done they should do thier 2wd against my 4wd and put it in the mag that would be sweet

[RumbleFish]

Don't forget to mention your new friends over here that gave advice when you write about your 1st gen

except for PToombs that is, you don't want to scare off all the subscribers

[JQmile]

Thanks for all your interest! "Budget" and "Simple" are the two main goals of the project. This means we're sticking with the 727. Got a tranny guy that's going to be doing a regular hi-po rebuild on the 727 (good clutches and bands) and picked up a converter from Dave Goerend. Stuff anyone can do. We are going to spray it (nitrous) which a lot of people won't like, but hey, it's my truck A fast reliable truck is what we're shooting for, on a budget. The big key is weight. The truck only weighs 4850. I figure if a 7000# Duramax can run 11.90s with 700rwhp, then I'll only need 500rwhp to do it. Don't want to cage it, so 500rwhp with nitrous is what we're shooting for. Shouldn't be too hard. Going to max out the 12 first, then going with a 14mm and a fuel system. Maybe try to fab a set of twins with a HT3B...dunno how far we'll go yet....I'll keep you guys updated, but the trans won't be in for a month or so, so don't expect things to move too fast.

[Begle1]

In the name of simplicity, I'd recommend water/methanol over nitrous. It doesn't have the same stigma as nitrous, and can be used as an every-day intercooler replacement better than nitrous can be. With a good water system you can get by without putting in an intercooler, which means you can keep that stock early first gen front trim. It's also cheaper than a mechanical intercooler, requires less fabrication work, and is different. And methanol is going to be required to hit 500 HP with the 12mm pump head.