How can I build a 13 sec truck?

[RibbleConstruction]

I really want to get into the 13s. I know its not fast compared to the big boys running in the 11's and 12's and who knows, probably faster. But I have to get it one second at a time. I have a little money to throw into it. I am searching for the best transmision that I can afford. Im shopping locally to see if there is a good allison tech near me. If not I will order an off the shelf unit from ats or suncoast or something like that. The local track will open the last weekend of march. I want to be there to see what I can do. Another question, How close are those outlook monitors for 0-60 and 1/4 mile times?

[chevyhauler]

I would pull up Dieselplace.com and spend a few hours reading up. There have been a number of folks asking the exact same question that you are. The big problem will be the tranny. If you push much more than 50-75 extra hp through it, it will not hold up. One of the better allison shops for parts and full tranny's is Suncoast. You will need to beef up the front suspension some since you will need to launch in 4wd to get those numbers. Other than that, you need basic intake,exhaust,programmer and a better fuel pump and a bunch of guages to make sure that you don't chernoble anything. The expensive part is definately beefing up the allison. With all this, high 13's should not be a problem.
Later,
Stew

[John DiMartino]

If your trannys good,I know guys who have gotten in the 13's with a TTS TC and a trans go shift kit.The trans go on the odler units require a teardown,hopefully a local shop could install and freshen if needed for a reasonable fee.If not,just do a full trans w 3 yr warranty.Id probably go with suncoast if i were you.13's should be real easy once you have the trans done.I honestly think i was on the edge of 13's with a stock trans in my CTD,and the stock allison is WAY better.I used to have a G etch meter,it was somewhat close in 0-60,but the track is the only sure way to know.

[RibbleConstruction]

I have an itake and better exhaust. Also have a full set f gauges. The only gauge I dont have hooked up yet it the fuel pressure gauage. Im not sure where to tap in to get the right measurement. I have put in a call to some tranny shops around here. I am also checking with the local diesel guys to see if they can recommend a tranny tech. I will be adding a ppe dual fueler as soon as uncle sam makes his deposit into my checking account. Other then that what else can I do to :smokin1 :burnout

[chevyhauler]

Like John D. said, a TQ and a trans go will hold more power but you will need a shop to do the tear down.
When you launch, you will be doing it in 4wd. This makes the front tires toe in HARD. The stress ends up breaking tie rods. Getting a set of tie rod sleeves will fix that common problem.
Feeding more fuel is best done by adding something called a lift pump.
Other than you aforementioned intake and exhaust, you will want a good programmer. EFI Live is the one that alot of the fastest trucks use, but you will need to get it set up, or get into programming it yourself. There are a bunch out there that are more plug & play. I am looking at several myself now and am kinda leaning torwards the Edge Juice with an Attitude controller. You can also get a really nice billet plate from SoCalDiesel.com that mounts it into your overhead console.
Both the lift pump and tie rod sleeves can be found at SuperDieselPerformance.com.

If you are looking to go fast, I highly recommend spending several hours reading DieselPlace.com. You will learn more there than you could imagine. There are guys with 11sec trucks who are not afraid to tell you exactly how they got there.
Let me know how it all works out since I am planning on doing comparable work to my '02 2500HD this summer.
Good Luck and hang onto your wallet, it is gonna be a bumpy ride!!!!!
Stew

[chevyhauler]

Like John D. said, a TQ and a trans go will hold more power but you will need a shop to do the tear down.
When you launch, you will be doing it in 4wd. This makes the front tires toe in HARD. The stress ends up breaking tie rods. Getting a set of tie rod sleeves will fix that common problem.
Feeding more fuel is best done by adding something called a lift pump.
Other than you aforementioned intake and exhaust, you will want a good programmer. EFI Live is the one that alot of the fastest trucks use, but you will need to get it set up, or get into programming it yourself. There are a bunch out there that are more plug & play. I am looking at several myself now and am kinda leaning torwards the Edge Juice with an Attitude controller. You can also get a really nice billet plate from SoCalDiesel.com that mounts it into your overhead console.
Both the lift pump and tie rod sleeves can be found at SuperDieselPerformance.com.

If you are looking to go fast, I highly recommend spending several hours reading DieselPlace.com. You will learn more there than you could imagine. There are guys with 11sec trucks who are not afraid to tell you exactly how they got there.
Let me know how it all works out since I am planning on doing comparable work to my '02 2500HD this summer.
Good Luck and hang onto your wallet, it is gonna be a bumpy ride!!!!!
Stew

[RibbleConstruction]

I am looking into gettin efi live. I am doing the tranny as soon as i can. Just looking for a good shop that could do the work. I am a regular attender at dieselplace.com But there is lots of good guys on lts too that can offer some insight as well. I still have the nitrous, but an empty bottle. I wont be using it until I can be ready for it.

[chevyhauler]

I am looking into gettin efi live. I am doing the tranny as soon as i can. Just looking for a good shop that could do the work. I am a regular attender at dieselplace.com But there is lots of good guys on lts too that can offer some insight as well. I still have the nitrous, but an empty bottle. I wont be using it until I can be ready for it.


Gotcha.
I am interested to hear how the tranny work comes out. Were you doing a full rebuild/replacement or were u leaning towards TQ and a shift kit?
Stew

[ratlover]

Realy need to cruise over to the diesel place for some more indepth info.

But for the short spiel......

Fuel pressure.....dont want to monitor what the motor is spitting out unless you have one of those ultra rare 23k+ auto meter jobs ;) :D But for monitoring pressure from your lift pump(going to need IMO) you could use it. A few different places to tap that are fairly easy. Dont realy need it but it can be helpfull and cool.

I would go with a comercial tune unless you are doing strange things. JMO but I would still go with a TTS Xtreme(PL3 will be coming out fairly soon and it will be SWEET)

I also agree that you should look into some sleves, some new shocks, and clamping the rear springs at the track. I personaly dont wish to do biz with super diesel so I would go with ATS on the sleves and I wouldnt run his pump set up anyway......

For the trans.......I am a big fan of suncoast and also transgo stuff. But if you are doing a transgo the trans has to come out sooooooo. The biggest PITA part of doing a trans is just getting it outa the truck and up on the bench.....with the transgo kit in a 5 speed allison most of the PITA part is getting done anyway. This also means it shouldnt cost you much in labor to go into the clutch packs if your paying someone to do it. If your going back with stock clutches the OEMs are pretty darn reasonable and its not bad to replace just what dosnt look good. Heck you should be inspecting the clutches when you pull it down anyway and putting em back in all lined up in the c3 and c4. And while your in there.....if nothing else you should throw an extra clutch in c3. TTS or suncoast can hook you up with a part that will allow you to do so. And while your in there since its cheap anyway.......shimming the main line and adding a transgo "hot rod" lock up valve are some other things to consider. If I were doing a trans build on the cheap I would go with a converter, transgo, moded c3 to take extra clutch, and the lock up valve and shim the main line with OEM clutches and steels(replace whats fried and leave what looks good) That with some mobil 1 or transdyn fluid and she would be set for some serious abuse. Shimming the main line and the lock up valve will increase the heat you build, she will run warmer. Syn fluid is a good idea for that reason. Biggest cost of doing a trans is the converter and if your paying someone the labor for the R&R. Talk to Steve Cole at TTS and call suncoast.

With that that should put you in the mid low 13's pretty easy at any track of the country and not a wild launch.

You can possibly touch 13's on a stock trans but you wont do it often before she gives up the ghost;)

[RibbleConstruction]

If i cant find a shop here to go through it. Then intend to do a suncoast tranny. Spend the money and get it done right. As soon and I mean as soon as the tranny is done I doing the lift pmp. I am looking into different programers and some tie rod sleeves even as we speak.

[ratlover]

If you dont mind doing the R&R you can probably handle doing the internals of the allison. Its pretty simple internaly if you take your time and have some good tech support linned up like from suncoast or Mike L

[RibbleConstruction]

I dont mind doing the r&r on the tranny. However the only transmission I have ever been inside of was a th350. And that was ten years ago. I wanted someone with some experience to go through the internals and make sure I can handle the extra power. Also replace anything thats is worn. What is a good source for the tie rod sleeves?

[ratlover]

ATS is who I would use.....just becasue I prefer to use them over super diesel. Super diesels sleves are nice though.

Allison innards are pretty simple.

[RibbleConstruction]

Phillip, do you recomend the lift pump at super diesel? Is there a better one somewhere else? If i am going to order the sleeves I might get the lift pump at the same time.

[ratlover]

Wouldnt go with super diesels lift pump design as i believe there are better ones out there. If your looking at "kits" the ones from TTS and John kennedy are good. I prefer TTS becasue its a bit more plug and play and I like the electronics better. Kennedy uses good stuff though and the pumps are good. Or you can peice together your own set up.

[Dockboy]

Don't listen to Philip!!! He doesn't know anything!!!:grinz

[ratlover]

I know enough to not buy a Powerstroke :haha

[Dockboy]

I know enough to not buy a Powerstroke :haha

:haha :popcorn :greenange