Reasonable horsepower?

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Redtruck-VA

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Just bought a 89' D250. What mods are recommended for moderate power increase? I really have a lot to learn and would enjoy hearing what folks are doing to pump up their older trucks.
Thanks,


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Grad12

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An older 89? You could pop on a cai, and a throttle body spacer, those would help.
 
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Redtruck-VA

Redtruck-VA

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Appreciate your input, it's a diesel...
 

crazzywolfie

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could intercool it. i don't know the best way to do it but it should help with power since your truck would have come from the factory with larger injectors
 

crazzywolfie

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you can get a bit more aggressive fuel pin and 3200rpm govener spring for $100 but you might want to get them gauges installed before you change that. adjusting the stock fuel pin is free
 
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Redtruck-VA

Redtruck-VA

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Inter Cooler in my book is always good. but is a problem on my truck as it has AC and I would need to lose both the AC and change the grille to the newer model. Keeping power reasonable I'm hoping watching EGT will be enough or add **** injection if more is needed. There is a lot I need to learn. This truck is my support vehicle used for towing and chasing parts. It's getting 21 mpg and seems reliable, I won't *****...
 
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Redtruck-VA

Redtruck-VA

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you can get a bit more aggressive fuel pin and 3200rpm govener spring for $100 but you might want to get them gauges installed before you change that. adjusting the stock fuel pin is free

I got a Dynamic Timing mod on order and will do gauges next, before messing much more with it. Tomorrow I'll replace ball joints and get the old girl aligned.
 

crazzywolfie

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you could still probably inter cool it without removing the a/c or upgrading the grille. you would just have to get creative. a aftermarket fuel pin should allow you to keep about your fuel mileage about the same except you usually get about 40hp more up top because the aftermarket pins are a bit deeper than the stock fuel pin. that up top where you would be getting that extra 40hp would also be where you got to watch the EGT.
 
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Redtruck-VA

Redtruck-VA

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Yeah, I need gauges next. Going to mount my tach pickup on the trans inspection cover as the pickup reads the flexplate teeth. Step by step.
 

Cummins Powered

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With your truck you have the Bosch VE rotary pump, non -intercooled (89-91/2 models). Depending on how many ponies your looking to put under the hood, which you can easily modify your VE pump. You can add 40 to 60 horsepower, with an inexpensive fuel pin and spring, any adjustments can be made without removing the pump. The egt's will rise along with roaling some coal, an egt guage would be wise if you don't have one already. They also make a wide variety of turbo housings for your year make, that all result in a large turbo lag before the boost is developed. Just remember the more fuel, the more horsepower you create. If that's the case you will need larger injectors, modify the VE pump, transmission upgrade, larger exhaust, exhaust manifold, Fass/ Air Dog system, with head studs. The best way to build your truck is to add parts slowly but surely , instead of throwing parts all at once.
 
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Redtruck-VA

Redtruck-VA

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Haha I got no plans building big power. I'm going to keep it simple and reliable. Appreciate your input.
Thanks,
 

Cummins Powered

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That's usually how it starts, a simple modification here and there. I must warn you diesel performance is very addicting, you always want more lol. By next year you'll be chasing vettes down the quarter mile track.
 
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Redtruck-VA

Redtruck-VA

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Horsepower is very addictive. Have already leaned on a couple off brand work trucks... lol
 
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Redtruck-VA

Redtruck-VA

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I have a weakness for red trucks....
 

crazzywolfie

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i guess it is a good thing i chose that truck then lol. i just wish they would have got a time but from the sounds of it was a 10 second truck since they were aiming for the 9 second area.
 
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Redtruck-VA

Redtruck-VA

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There's no reason I can't have a stout tow truck for my Redtruck.... and if Red is having a bad day then I can turn lose the Farmtruck... lol
 
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