The concept of a buyer’s guide is nothing new. We choose a subject, select some parts, and tell you where to get them. What makes this particular guide special is not what’s in it, but how we’ve laid it out. This month, we’re talking about budget, so we’ve crafted a list of products that are meant to enhance your truck’s performance or visual appearance without breaking the bank. We have broken our cheap diesel performance parts guide down into six price points, with something to fit everybody’s budget. Whether you’re in the market for a small upgrade or a large overhaul, we’ve found something for you.
How To Use This Guide
This guide is not meant to be all-inclusive, rather to serve as a catalyst to get the wheels of thought turning. The prices listed do not include tax, shipping, or installation, and are current street prices as of press time. While we have listed a retailer where you can purchase the product, be aware that they are not the only option, as many retailers carry most of the common brands of cheap diesel performance parts (as well as the pricier, more comprehensive stuff). Most of the products either represent a segment of diesel performance or have multiple applications, so never fear if you don’t see your exact make and model listed. Enjoy!
$125 Budget
Big Honkin’ Air Filter (BHAF)
Why You Want It: Even if the boost is turned up a little past stock, it can leave your stock air filter sucking wind. This large, universal, diesel-specific filter is designed for first-generation Dodge trucks, but we’ve seen it adapted to other vehicles. With a 10.5x10.5-inch size, you’d better start clearing out some underhood space! Great bang for your buck as far as cheap diesel performance parts go!
Cost: $49.27
Where To Buy It:
Airflow Systems • store.airflo.com/b105006.html
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Airflow Systems Air Filter
K&N Drop-in Replacement Air Filter
Why You Want It: Probably the simplest way to increase the performance of any truck is by increasing airflow. K&N offers a drop-in replacement filter for virtually every vehicle on the road that not only increases performance, but has a washable design and a lifetime warranty that ensures it will be the last air filter you need to buy.
Cost: $48.95 and up
Where To Buy It:
Summit Racing • summitracing.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide K And N Filter
BD Turbo T4-T3 Adapter
Why You Want It: This adapter allows the enthusiast to run either T3 or T4 exhaust flanged turbos, which allows for greater flexibility in turbo choice and saves the expense of having to buy a manifold or pedestal designed for a specific turbo.
Cost: $57.00
Where To Buy It:
BD Diesel Performance • dieselperformance.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Bd Diesel Turbo Adapter
Transfer Case Pump Upgrade Kit
Why You Want It: This all-inclusive kit solves the common “pump rub” problem found in all ’01 to ’07 NP261XHD and NP263XHD transfer cases (GM trucks).
Cost: $99.99
Where To Buy It:
Merchant Automotive • merchant-automotive.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Merchant Automotive Transfer Case Upgrade
Comp Cams Valvesprings
Why You Want It: Comp Cams’ 910 valvesprings are affordable, much stiffer than stock, and help eliminate valve float in modified 7.3L Power Stroke engines.
Cost: $83.95
Where To Buy It:
Summit Racing • summitracing.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Comp Cams Valve Springs
Walbro Lift Pump
Why You Want It: The Walbro GSL392 high-pressure inline fuel pump for 7.3L Power Stroke engines is a direct bolt-in replacement that can support up to 600hp applications.
Cost: $112.95
Where To Buy It:
Summit Racing • summitracing.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Walbro Lift Pump
Leveling Kit
Why You Want It: Getting rid of a truck’s factory rake is all the rage nowadays. And it doesn’t hurt that most heavy-duty trucks can fit some serious tires with only this little boost. Best of all, the price isn’t too bad, either.
Cost: $99.95 and up
Where To Buy It:
Zone Offroad • zoneoffroad.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Zone Torsion Keys
Diesel Power Magazine Subscription
Why You Want it: This one should be a no-brainer! For only $20 a year, you can have the world’s largest diesel magazine delivered to your door each and every month for six years. Or you could give the gift of Diesel Power to yourself and five friends for one year. Packed full of awesome feature trucks and in-depth tech articles, a subscription to Diesel Power is one purchase you won’t regret.
Cost: $120.00 ($20 per year)
Where To Buy It:
Diesel Power website • dieselpowermag.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Diesel Power Magazine
$250 Budget
MBRP Intercooler Pipes
Why You Want It: Factory intercooler piping is often restrictive and filled with odd bends and random squeezes. Replacing your stock units with mandrel-bent, polished aluminum pieces from MBRP can help increase airflow, decrease turbo spool time, lower EGT, and give a bump in fuel economy. They are available for most makes and models.
Cost: $174.99 and up
Where To Buy It:
Alligator Performance • alligatorperformance.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Mbrp Intercooler
E4OD/4R100 Valvebody
Why You Want It: Custom-built to your specs and modifications, these valvebodies firm up shifts (less clutch slipping and wear), provide better fluid transfer, and prolong the life of your torque converter and transmission.
Cost: $239.95 to $250.00
Where To Buy It:
John Wood Automotive version is available through Strictly Diesel • strictlydiesel.com
Brian’s Truck Shop (BTS) version is available through Full Force Diesel • fullforcediesel.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide E4od 4r100 Valvebody
Chromoly Pushrods
Why You Want It: 4130 chromoly units replace the stock 7.3L Power Stroke pushrods, which can bend or deflect at higher boost and horsepower levels.
Cost: $225.00
Where To Buy It:
Irate Diesel Performance • iratediesel.com
or Full Force Diesel • fullforcediesel.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Irate Diesel Pushrods
Diamond Eye Duramax Turbo Direct Pipe
Why You Want It: While we’re looking for ways to improve flow, Diamond Eye Performance has come up with a mandrel-bent, 3-inch-diameter, aluminized steel turbo direct pipe (also called a downpipe). This piece comes wrapped with thermal header tape to help reduce radiant underhood heat.
Cost: $251.19
Where To Buy It:
Thoroughbred Diesel • thoroughbreddiesel.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Thoroughbred Diesel Turbo Pipe
Scheid Laser-Cut Delivery Valves
Why You Want It: Most mechanical Cummins enthusiasts opt for injector and turbo upgrades as initial modifications, but next on the list should definitely be delivery valves. Going from stock delivery valves to laser cuts will increase smoke, but it will also increase power (50 to 100 hp) and provide crisper throttle response.
Cost: $275.40
Where To Buy It:
Scheid Diesel • scheiddiesel.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Scheid Diesel Delivery Valves
$500 Budget
S&B Performance Intake System
Why You Want It: For looks, performance, and to hear that turbo whistle, S&B Filters makes a variety of intakes for all makes and models of diesel trucks, most of which start at less than $300.
Cost: $289.00 (most makes)
Where To Buy It:
S&B Filters • sbfilters.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide S And B Performance Intake
No Limit Fabrication Intake System
Why You Want It: Available in either polished aluminum or stainless steel, this intake kit offers some much-needed bling for your 6.4L Ford, doesn’t throw any codes, and provides a vastly increased airflow capacity.
Cost: $400.00
Where To Buy It:
No Limit Fabrication • nolimitfabrication.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide No Limit Fab Intake
PPE Heavy-Duty Aluminum Transmission Pan
Why You Want It: More is always better when it comes to transmission fluid. With more capacity, your transmission will stay cooler, the fluid will remain cleaner longer, and your transmission will thank you for this. External cooling fins and internal heat sink fins help reduce temperatures even further.
Cost: $329.99 (raw aluminum)
Where To Buy It:
Pacific Performance Engineering • ppediesel.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Ppe Transmission Pan
Monotube Shock Absorbers
Why You Want It: Let’s face it, most heavy-duty trucks leave something to be desired in the ride department. A good set of aftermarket monotube shocks, such as the Bilstein 5160s shown here, make your truck ride better than it did new. And with so many great options to choose from, there is something for every application—from stock to lifted and old to new.
Cost: Approx. $400.00 for a set of four
Where To Buy It:
4Wheel Parts Wholesalers • 4wheelparts.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Bilstein 5160
Keating Billet Front Cover
Why You Want It: This Cummins 12-valve front cover from Keating Machine can be used to clear an adjustable injection pump or camshaft timing gear, drive a lift pump, and more. Custom engraving is also available.
Cost: $379.00
Where To Buy It:
Keating Machine • keatingmachine.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Keating Billet Front Cover
Rocken Tech 14mm VE Pump Head
Why You Want It: It’s not often you get to increase your horsepower capacity by 150 hp or more, especially for less than $500. But that’s what this 14mm head (12mm is stock) available from Rocken Tech can do for your VE-powered ’89 to ’93 Dodge. A Loctite front seal, 30-psi lift pump, and 3,000-rpm shift points are recommended, as is an installation by a professional shop.
Cost: $426.50
Where To Buy It:
Rocken Tech • rocken-tech.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Rocken Tech 14mm Ve Pump
7.3L Custom Performance Chip
Why You Want It: A custom-tuned six-position TS Performance-based or F-5 chip will maximize the horsepower potential of your stock or modified ’94½ to ’03 7.3L Power Stroke. While not so much a part of the "cheap diesel performance parts" category, the bang for your buck is there no doubt.
Cost: $300.00 to $500.00
Where To Buy It:
Diesel Power Products • dieselpowerproducts.com
DP Tuner • dp-tuner.com
Gearhead Automotive Performance • gearheadautomotiveperformance.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Dp Tuner
Flo-Pro Turbo-Back Exhaust
Why You Want It: The quicker you can get air out of an engine, the quicker you can stuff more back in. A free-flowing turbo-back exhaust system will not only improve flow and performance but also enhance the look of your truck with its aluminized or stainless steel construction.
Cost: $420.00 (’99 to ’03 7.3L Power Stroke stainless steel model)
Where To Buy It:
East Coast Diesel • ecddiesel.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Flo Pro Exhaust
6.0L Custom Tuning
Why You Want It: An SCT X3 tuner loaded with custom tunes will maximize the horsepower potential of your stock or modified ’03 to ’07 6.0L Power Stroke.
Cost: $500.00
Where To Buy It:
Elite Diesel Engineering • elitedieselengineering.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Sct Tuner
Auto Meter Gauges
Why You Want It: As performance increases, you’ll want to keep a close watch on boost, EGT, transmission and coolant temperatures, fuel rail pressure, and much more. Auto Meter offers a gauge to display any parameter you can dream up, and with a face to match any interior style. A cheap diesel performance parts list can't be complete without a way to keep an eye on the machinery so you can keep it runnin' stronger, and longer.
Cost: Approx. $500.00 for boost, pyrometer, and transmission temperature with a gauge pod
Where To Buy It:
Diesel Performance Parts • dieselperformanceparts.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Auto Meter Gauge
ARP Head Studs
Why You Want It: Virtually all diesels get to a point where they’ll have head gasket issues, as power climbs higher and higher. ARP studs will provide more clamping force than stock bolts and are available for all Power Stroke, Duramax, and Cummins engines.
Cost: Approx. $500.00 (depending on make)
Where To Buy It:
ARP • arp-bolts.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Arp Head Studs
BD Diesel Performance Pulse Exhaust Manifold
Why You Want It: Cast from high-silicon ductile iron, the Pulse exhaust manifold features expansion joints that allow it to expand and contract during heat cycles to prevent cracks and exhaust leaks. It also increases exhaust flow for quicker turbo spool-up, reduced backpressure, and increased power and fuel economy. These manifolds are available for ’89 to ’12 Cummins engines.
Cost: Starting at $467.77 (’03 to ’07)
Where To Buy It:
Thoroughbred Diesel • thoroughbreddiesel.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Bd Diesel Exhaust Manifold
$1,000 Budget
66mm BorgWarner Turbocharger
Why You Want It: If you’re looking for a good flowing turbo on a budget, the BorgWarner “box stock” 66mm S300 can support more than 600 hp.
Cost: $775.00
Where To Buy It:
Irate Diesel Performance • iratediesel.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide 66mm Borgwarner Turbo
DIY 185cc Injectors
Why You Want It: This injector kit comes with everything you need to transform your stock 6.0L Power Stroke injectors into 185cc units with 70-percent-over nozzles, capable of making 500 rwhp.
Cost: $950.00
Where To Buy It:
Elite Diesel Engineering • elitedieselengineering.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Elite Diesel Injectors
6.4L Nozzles
Why You Want It: Elite Diesel’s eight-hole nozzles for 6.4L Power Strokes are available from 60 hp to 250 hp and can take your ’08 to ’10 Ford from 650 hp to more than 1,000 hp.
Cost: $900.00
Where To Buy It:
Elite Diesel Engineering • elitedieselengineering.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Elite Diesel 6 4l Injectors
6.4L Pistons
Why You Want It: These heavy-duty pistons feature a larger bowl to better deal with heat, improved final machining, and aren’t prone to cracking like the factory 6.4L Power Stroke units are.
Cost: $950.00
Where To Buy It:
Elite Diesel Engineering • elitedieselengineering.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Elite Diesel Pistons
DieselSite HPOP
Why You Want It: This stock-output, high-pressure oil pump for the ’03 to ’04½ 6.0L Power Stroke is a major improvement over the factory piece, is much more durable, and actually flows more volume.
Cost: $999.00
Where To Buy It:
DieselSite • dieselsite.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Dieselsite Hpop
Warn ZEON 12 Winch
Why You Want It: Diesel trucks are heavy. And if you’re out exploring the backcountry and get stuck, or need to rescue a buddy, you’ll want a winch that is up to the task. The Warn ZEON series of winches are lighter, faster, and quieter than previous models. They are available in up to 12,000-pound capacities.
Cost: $999.00
Where To Buy It:
4Wheel Parts Wholesalers • 4wheelparts.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Warn Winch
Sun Coast Converters Full Manual Valvebody
Why You Want It: Tired of hanging shifts? Want to integrate a Dodge transmission into another application? This full manual valvebody puts the driver in positive control of shifting into any gear, at any rpm.
Cost: $999.00
Where To Buy It:
Sun Coast • suncoastconverters.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Suncoast Valvebody
$2,500 Budget
Nitrous Express NXD4000 Kit
Why You Want It: In the simplest of terms: up to 500 extra horsepower at the press of a button. The NXD4000 kit comes with larger lines, solenoids, and a 15-pound bottle to match the increased nitrous-capacity needs of diesel engines. It also features a progressive controller to bring in nitrous as traction allows.
Cost: $1,007.66
Where To Buy It:
Nitrous Express • nitrousexpress.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Nitrous Express Nxd4000 Kit
Industrial Injection Hot Rod VP44 pump
Why You Want It: As long as you’re replacing your VP44 injection pump, you might as well replace it with a rebuilt and hot-rodded version from Industrial Injection. Pumps are capable of more horsepower than stock versions and are rebuilt to exacting tolerances.
Cost: $1,700.00
Where To Buy It:
Industrial Injection • industrialinjection.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Industrial Injection Vp44 Pump
Garrett GTX3582R Turbocharger
Why You Want It: Based on new compressor technology, the GTX3582R is a 61.5mm ball bearing turbocharger that flows like a 64mm turbo. The GTX3582R is available in a variety of configurations and can support 500 to 600 rwhp.
Cost: $1,789.00
Where To Buy It:
Full Race • full-race.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Garrett Gtx3582r Turbo
Twin CP3
Why You Want It: Adding another CP3 to your ’01 to ’10 Duramax or ’03 to ’09 Cummins adds reliability and can support more than 1,000 hp (pump not included).
Cost: $1,899.00
Where To Buy It:
ATS Diesel • atsdiesel.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Twin Cp3
T4 Turbo and Mount Kit
Why You Want It: This bolt-on system allows you to mount a T4-flanged turbo on your 7.3L Power Stroke and comes with a 500 to 525hp-capable S366 BorgWarner turbo.
Cost: $2,200.00
Where To Buy It:
Irate Diesel Performance • iratediesel.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Ford 7 3l Power Stroke
PPE Hot+2 E.T. Race Plus Harness
Why You Want It: PPE can take your stock harness and strip it of all the nonessential wiring, creating a plug-and-play harness for any boat, SUV, muscle car, truck, or other classic or off-road vehicle. An Allison 1000 transmission can also be controlled for an additional charge.
Cost: $2,095.99
Where To Buy It:
Pacific Performance Engineering • ppediesel.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Race Diesel
Stage 2 Dragon Fire HPFP
Why You Want It: This is the only modified version of the 6.4L Power Stroke’s K16 injection pump on the market, and it supports up to 110hp nozzles.
Cost: $2,399.00
Where To Buy It:
Rudy’s Diesel Performance • rudysdiesel.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Dragon Fire Hpfp
ProComp 6-inch Lift Kit
Why You Want It: Go big or go home. A 6-inch lift kit will give your truck a great new look and allow for much larger tires and wheels than stock. Models with every option imaginable are available for almost every application, and ProComp offers a unique Lift Shield warranty that covers your vehicle’s powertrain for the life of your factory warranty.
Cost: $2,500.00 average
Where To Buy It:
4Wheel Parts Wholesalers • 4wheelparts.com
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Procomp Lift Kit
$5,000 Budget
Up to this point, we’ve been looking at individual products, however, once your budget hits this level we feel that combining parts will provide the best bang for your buck. We have racked our brains and come up with six powerful combinations for right about $5,000. Use these as a guide, but remember: At this level, you will also be required to buy supporting hardware that is not always included, and professional installation of some parts is recommended. Also, be aware that transmission modifications will likely be required at these power levels.
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Ford 6 0l Power Stroke Upgrade
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Ford 6 4l Power Stroke Upgrade
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Cummins 5 9l Upgrade
| On A Budget Buyers Guide Cummins 5 9l Common Rail Upgrade
| On A Budget Buyers Guide 6 6l Duramax Lbz Upgrade
| On A Budget Buyers Guide 6 5l Gm Detroit Diesel Upgrade
