The Total Package - Part I

  |   129 Fwlogo S   |   2003 Dodge Ram Front Passengers Side View Pulling Trailer Creating big performance gains from your truck's diesel engine is easy. All it takes is a call to one of the many diesel aftermarket companies and voila, they will send you a bolt-on or plug-in device that will increase your engine's output. BD Diesel Performance is an example of those companies. We asked BD to recommend some upgrades for our '03 Cummins-powered Dodge Ram. Our Ram is mostly used for towing and hauling heavy loads, so we wanted to increase the engine's horsepower and torque. That's not all, though. We also wanted to perform a series of mods that would address transmission performance and longevity issues as well as overall driveability. BD recommended a number of components that would help us achieve our goals. So many, in fact, that we've had to split our installation story into two parts. This first story covers the basics of BD's Turbo Mount Engine Exhaust Brake, X-Intake airbox, X-Monitor with Cool Engine Shutdown option and Maxflow exhaust (see sidebar for explanations of these items). Next month's installment will cover five more components. The mechanical side of these installs was completed by the technicians at Attitude Performance in Arlington Heights, Illinois, while the electrical wiring (and there's a lot of it) was done by the wiring gurus at D&R Customs in Bartlett, Illinois.

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  |   129 0410 Bd 13 Z Our X Monitor is integrated into an A-pillar mount that fastens directly over the top of the OEM A-pillar mount. The X-Monitor is also offered in a dash-mount design. The included instructions cover the electrical connections that feed pyrometer, boost pressure and oil temperature information. Power for the X-Monitor comes from a keyed 12-volt power source. What We Installed
PX-Intake airbox
This stainless steel air intake is designed to allow maximum airflow through the intake for quicker throttle response, lower exhaust temperature and increased power output. It features a polished, stainless steel intake box and a free-flowing air filter as well as everything needed to complete the install.
* Maxflow exhaust system--This system includes a 4-inch-diameter turbo downpipe, Big Mac Muffler and 5-inch-diameter exhaust pipe with chrome tailpipe extension. PX-Monitor
This trick monitor integrates a variety of information into one small package. We set ours up to monitor oil temperature, turbo boost pressure and exhaust temperature. We also integrated the optional Cool Engine Shutdown (CES) module, which is designed to keep the engine running when the ignition key is turned off and the exhaust temperature is above a set point. This is to prevent turbocharger-bearing failure caused by the engine being shut off before the turbo cools down. The CES module utilizes the data being transmitted between the X-Monitor controller and the display to constantly monitor the exhaust temperature. The X-Monitor can also be set up to monitor things like automatic-transmission temperature and aftermarket fuel-tank level. PBD Turbo Mount Engine Exhaust Brake
The main components of this system include the regulator, compressor and valve. With loads being towed behind you, the extra push when slowing down or maintaining a safe speed on downward grades can strain your vehicle's stock braking system. With the engine brake activated, the valve in the exhaust elbow closes when you lift your foot from the throttle and the engine's own compression helps to slow you down. In short, the engine brake allows you to use your hydraulic brakes less to slow down or maintain a constant speed. The Total Package - Part 2