Help Me Build A Monster

[lovemy6.5td]

I currently purchased a 1998 chevy pick up with a 6.5TD. Only 170k on the clock. Sweet truck,, all stock.
Time to pump up the power.
I want to know what is the best upgrades to get more power out of the engine. I dont have alot of money but i want to see this truck move.
Thanks and happy new year to all!

[Garth J]

Start with air intake and 4 inch exhaust that will be a big improvement.
ssdieselsupply has abut the best parts and the best prices and everything fits. These engines are badly choked from the factory....Garth

[lovemy6.5td]

thanks for the info..
parts on order.... any other cheap fixes for power??

[stumppuller]

don,t forget to change downpipe factory downpipe very restrictive.

[snoddytn]

Gauges are the next must after intake and exhaust gotta monitor those vitals

[farmboy56]

well i would have said rather than ordering a exhaust...make one your self. I am doin a 3in down pipe with a 4in straight exhaust dumped in front of my rear tire. It will cost me much less than 100 dollars. if you are good with a welder, go to local trucking companies because occasionally they will throw away old exhaust systems with valuable flexible exhaust boots. My buddy did his 5in for his cummins for free and it sounds awesome. Its easier to dump in front of the tire because you dont have to bend it extremely to clear the rear axle and it is more free flowing and it gets rid of EGT's better. The mods you would have to make is that one bend to dump it in front of the tire and make an adapter for the 3in down pipe to connect to the 4in pipe. We made one in shop class in 25min.

[christja]

great idea farmboy56...I never thought of making my own. My Dad does Structural Steel Fab, so it shouldnt be a prob...Sound like a cheaper way to go for sure, and my pocket book likes that :)

[farmboy56]

It might be hard to find 4in tho, most big rigs run 5in. But if you go to summit racing and look up madrel tubing and then look up 4in you will find an assortment of straight 4in pipes, 180 degree mandrel bends as well as 45 degree bends. They all range up to 30 bucks or so. I will prolly attempt to set mine up to go out behind the rear wheel now because you will get a more deeper throat sound if the pipe is longer.

[christja]

are you gonna straight pipe it? Im gonna go infront of the wheel too, i dont want to get into that rear axle bend...what a mess. has anyone removed their muffler totally? My friend had a dodge that was straight piped and it sounded awesome. Does the 6.5 sound good with out a muffler?

[farmboy56]

I heard a one, can you whistle, cuz thats what you here out of the tailpipe after you tap the throttle. Go to summitracing.com and look up their 4in sections of tubing. Best way right there. Im goin straight with no cat or muffler