3 Upgrades Your 2003-2007 5 9L Cummins Needs!

[@korn111685]

Fuel filtration should be your top priority over all the mods mentioned. Unless you like buying injectors. Fair list though.

[@specializ20]

I agree. I would put that over a turbo any day

[@nathanhill6042]

@@specializ20 I’d do both anyday 😂😂

[@200130769]

Yup and lift pump

[@gta4200]

I have the loft pump as well

[@gta4200]

I have a lift pump

[@KNGPHO]

First thing I do once I buy my 3rd gen is built trans.

[@Duramaxtuner]

Good call too. We would suggest that, but a lot of folks buying 3rd Gens wouldn't want to drop that much coin on a first upgrade.

[@PothRacing]

Weird cause my 48RE lasted 230k, lack of maintenance kills these trucks

[@myk1_sp]

@@PothRacing Was your truck stock?

[@PothRacing]

@@myk1_sp no Sx363 turbo, 30 over injectors, tuned, towing and normal driving and a good bit of spirited driving. Changed my fluids and filters as recommended and it was fine. Then my torque converter broke the snout because one of the bolts came loose (my fault for not checking)

[@anthonysylvester3581]

My 48RE is heading for a rebuild and I have 239k on it

[@petersimpson1734]

Made me chuckle that the pictures when talking about "cold air intakes" was actually counter productive HOT air intakes LOL............. good list though :)

[@CrowdKillerSN95]

Air/water seperator should be on the list also, stock or heavily modded trucks. Fuel filtration is ass in the early 3rd gens

[@Duramaxtuner]

@Rizzifashizi1010 You've got a point on that one...

[@Ir-Heathen-ish]

I’ve got an 07 5.9 I did several upgrades to mine few years ago - Edge jammer cold air intake - Edge juice with attitude program - banks monster Ram tube - industrial injection phat shaft turbo -industrial injection +60 injectors - head studded - larger performance intake manifold - 4” from turbo to jones air turbine muffler and dumps over rear axle -fass lift pump Truck is just shy of 300,000 miles on it and she has plenty of power

[@Duramaxtuner]

Very nice!

[@TyWilkerson-m1g]

How much would you say these upgrades ran you total? (Roundabout)

[@Ir-Heathen-ish]

@@TyWilkerson-m1g it was about $20 grand

[@8lugdrift550]

About $6k in upgrades. I pretty much have almost the same setup on my manual

[@Ir-Heathen-ish]

@@8lugdrift550 you got a good deal because could not even get all the parts for that prize .

[@sloc2190]

Banks cold air intake is the way to go. Mr. Gale banks made a video with comparing other intakes.

[@brentmcmahon8188]

I have had 2 5.9 a 92 and a 05 and both were great trucks and still have my 05 and it’s 4 door long bed dullay 4x4 and I know 3500 .

[@johnM-Jr]

on the earlier 2nd gen, put a 1/2" id hose on the ac drain so water doesnt flow back into the passenger side floor. then reroute the trans wire that goes behind the alternator to up across the radiator. picks up emf and sends false signal to make shift wrong and shudder out of od.

[@JVazquez-e5x]

The trans wire is for auto or manual trans ?

[@gerlandkent6377]

[keep, oil and oil filter and fuel filter changed. truck will out last you]👍

[@Duramaxtuner]

Amen!

[@mikeo5668]

Fuel filtration, exhaust flow, egt Trans temp and boost gauges. Then tuner.

[@Duramaxtuner]

@mikeo5668 Fuel filtration and gauges are definitely important. However, we feel that tuning really is the best place to start when it comes to adding power. You don't need to do any exhaust modifications to take advantage of the power gains that custom tuning has to offer. Plus, you can make well over 400hp on these trucks through tuning alone with the emissions system fully intact. Boost, EGT, and Trans Temp gauges are always recommended. But, If you use your truck responsibly and or you're running tuning from someone who knows what they are doing you shouldn't really have an immediate need for them. Is there a reason that you suggest those upgrades ahead of custom tuning?

[@mikeo5668]

@Duramaxtuner for me, I do reliability things more or less first. Seen people who get a tune and destroy their trucks. Max fuel max boost max power. I'd rather have all the supporting mods done then add power. But yes, a reasonable adult can have just a tune and be perfectly fine and it will run better and last longer. But.. then all you ceave is more power. Also the stock filtration on these truck suck. Cp3 and injectors are not cheap

[@wyattsage4582]

Good list to set you up to start breaking things faster than stock 😂 Upgrade your front end. Plenty of good kits for this. And the improved drive quality is worth the $2,000. Then start saving for a stage 3 transmission before you add more torque and HP

[@brentmcmahon8188]

A 164 will be great for my third gen with HO motor .

[@javierhernandez215]

Fuel filtration is the first thing to be addressed, the air intake is good no need to modify it but if you really want to the banks system is the way to go with the air scoop and maybe a boost fooler before turbo upgrade

[@Duramaxtuner]

@javierhernandez215 Fuel filtration is definitely important on any diesel. If you want big power though a turbo upgrade is a must.

[@kyles234]

After market intakes do not do a good job filtering the dust. The OEM intake is also already a cold air intake. FUEL FILTRATION IS NUMBER 1 PRIORITY.

[@Duramaxtuner]

@kyles234 you're right that the factory intake is technically a cold air intake. However, we have seen aftermarket cold air intakes improve the power of these engines. We have also found the filters offered on aftermarket intakes to be fairly high quality. Most offer a dry replaceable as well as an oiled reusable filter. We prefer the dry disposable filters as they provide better filtration while offering negligibly lower airflow compared to a reusable oil filter.

[@kyles234]

@@Duramaxtuner i got sucked into the after market intake scam and had S&B on all 5 if my trucks. But I started to notice dust on the inside of the intake tube. I measured the oil. I even saw it on brand new elements. So it wasn't me possibly oiling the filter wrong. Also tried the over priced dry filters and saw the same thing. What I have learned is that the only way to increase airflow without sacrificing filtration quality is to install a larger filter. Generally a filter from a larger engine. I also didn't notice any different in performance.

[@justingore9559]

After I blew up 2 47s in my 03 I went to a nv5600 and haven't looked back. Everyone says stick is so much slower then auto well as it did take me awhile to get there I I ran a point 9f a second faster then my auto when I 4wd launch in 8th mile

[@Duramaxtuner]

Nice!

[@davidanderson8469]

I dumped a lot of money into the 47re on my 24v. I special ordered my 2007 Cummins with the G-56. There wasn't a single manual in all of the Southwest.

[@jackdamron382]

Fuel filtration upgrade, agreed. Better air filtration with aftermarket? Nonsense. Otherwise, just leave it alone.

[@Duramaxtuner]

We always recommend aftermarket intake when it comes to adding HP.

[@bronprat5916]

North DFW. I bought my first Diesel truck 2003 5.9 cummins with 404,000 miles from truck traders. I have replaced the 8ft bed with an all steel enclosed service body. Upgraded suspension. It needs cleaning, and injectors for sure. Where may I take it to get dyno and program? Even with no bed, it couldn't peel out. Its still cheaper to build than buy a new truck. I have spent already $10K to get it useable for my work. Currently I'm only getting 15 mpg- city, and 27- mpg highway. A Trucker told me i should be getting better millage, but I didn't tell him what was bad. Any more advice , will be better than what my cousins have to say.

[@Luke-yi1vz]

Lucas high mileage stabilizer also makes a huge difference to the engine when it has hella miles my Ford F-150 manual 1998 v6 was making a engine knock noise but I put some Lucas oils and gas injection cleaner made a huge fucking difference

[@Duramaxtuner]

Luke is right here too. Replace all filters and clean the MAF. Do a complete maintenance check. Boost leaks, etc.

[@Ethan_LeBlanc]

I’d also throw new rings and pistons in it, he’ll maybe even pull it and do new bearings/rods also a new cam wouldn’t hurt or maybe even upgraded valve terrain

[@davidanderson8469]

Regarding that 27mpg on the freeway is that the overhead or hand calculated?

[@localyokel1000]

27mpg..since when is that considered insufficient?

[@toddjohnson2857]

Do you recommend a CTS3 evolution edge for tuning and gauges? I live in California, so I am not sure which options I should look at for my 2003 5.9 NV5600 truck.

[@JB-kw4ug]

Would love to do a turbo upgrade, but I don’t think it’s possible in California. If anyone knows differently, please let me know. I have an early 2004, (235 hp) mm3 tuner, banks turbo back exaust with catalytic converter, cold air intake and adjustable turbo elbow.

[@Duramaxtuner]

Give us a call, we may be able to help. 815-568-7920.

[@tysonha]

A stock appearing factory housing that has been bored out will always a visual part of the inspection

[@terminator25destroyer12]

Leave California!

[@Nine6teen]

@@tysonhahot smog cost 600 I have 2007 5.9 no cat and performance mods. Screw the clean air nazis

[@ericparde8070]

After having my #6 piston rings break on my 03, i changed to the commercial oil squirts and run a 165 degree thermostat. That Holset turbo is not impressive, as the bearings are really a couple of very loose bushings, which have to be a loose fit for lubrication. …..FWIW, the new Bosch injectors are made in China. Not worth rebuilding, as a new set can be had on EBay for 500.00 if you look around. …..Must use commercial ceramic clutch disk. My NV five speed still running strong.

[@greatlakespowerstrokefx4]

Is the stealth 64 using the holset turbo as its base? Im just so amazed with how reliable the stock turbo is, its hard to stray. I know its falling on its face over 2700 rpm. 2100-2600 its an animal

[@Ethan_LeBlanc]

I got me a 2004 dodge ram 2500 with 5.9 cummins, has 250k miles and stock motor. I think it has new injectors from the guy I bought it from but it’s mostly stock. My dad gave me an old lift pump I’m gonna put on it as well as s&b intake and intake horn then when it gets to 350k miles I will pull the motor and do a rebuild then start modding it out (turbo, exaust manifold, head studs, transmission etc, til I get to 650hp

[@Duramaxtuner]

Nice!

[@davidanderson8469]

You won't feel any seat of the pants increase in power with any of the intake horns. I've been there.

[@Ethan_LeBlanc]

@@davidanderson8469 I’m wanting better flow

[@wesleyallen947]

The second gen intake horn is far better than the 3rd gen intake horn Just comparing the two next to each other you can visually see it internally. However yes, banks intake horn and others don't provide much more than a second gen intake horn will with some porting. @@davidanderson8469

[@statiiczwookiee7218]

Need help my truck motor is built with the trans built I do not have a compound turbo and I want one but what kind of set up should I do or is there a setup that could go along with my 42MM IronHorse turbo that's on it now? Truck is around 700 Horse but it pulls my toy hauler 55 mph up a hill with 1400 EGT and I'm getting passed by trucks at 80plus! So I'm looking for a kit to go along with what I have or if need will buy a complete kit? Help please

[@Duramaxtuner]

@statiiczwookiee7218 Check out our video on how to size your compound turbo kit! It should give you a good idea as to whether your 42mm Iron Horse will be a decent match or not. The link is below, but also check out our Arora Vortex 5000 Twin Kit video on our channel if you're interested in an all-in-one kit. Give us a call and we can get you set up with the full thing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYTHpqaAj6xsd7c

[@justsaynrush9689]

I have done lots of reasonable upgrades to my 05. Also have juice w/ attitude 6 level hot unlock w/ turbo timer. only use it on level 2 to tow 5th wheel. I have been advised to sell the edge and have custom tunes installed WDYT and what could it do for me? Meth inject mostly water, banks ram air, steed speed exh. man. lift pump, Modifyed 6.7 33% over cp3. Banks intercooler, studs,15% injectors, banks monster ram w/ tubes. Fleece coolant bypass.

[@brentmcmahon8188]

Don’t need tuning for a stock rig so it will last 300-500K number 3 ?

[@saulsalazar8698]

What size turbo you said you recommend? Thank you

[@chaseferguson5412]

If anyone is considering these upgrades the number one is aftermarket fuel filtration yes its expensive YES its worth it... 2nd if your considering aftermarket air filtration I highly recommend watching videos on paper vs synthetic air filters paper is hands down the best option to go no they aren't reusable yes they provide top level filtration in dusty conditions with very minimal flow loss

[@cliftonsargent1572]

So is paper or synthetic paper better? I couldn’t understand which one you said it best

[@criswilliams8990]

What about a 6 speed manual how well will Rhodes transmissions hold up to power?

[@Duramaxtuner]

We haven't had any issues.

[@marcbuffington8944]

Thank you

[@brentmcmahon8188]

I have a factory clutch and still pulling hard after 152K

[@jasonmartin489]

Bolt on turbo for 06 2500 that’s better than stock ?all billet trans rebuilt 3 months ago billet converter triple disk have been told it will hold better what would you suggest arp head studs fass fuel system so I have some upgrades

[@Hotrodt66]

I have 03 ram 3500 with 5.9 cumming with automatic do they sell a kit to convert it to a 6speed ?

[@betterwithrum]

What's the life of the stock turbo?

[@outdoorsman7437]

What tuner is it you reckon for a 05? I do towing and have already put the s&b cold air intake and neck tube. Time to tune on the fly when towing in the mountains

[@Duramaxtuner]

Our tuning, of course. 5 tune settings designed for towing, daily driving, and performance. duramaxtuner.com/diesel-tuning/smarty-udc-tuning-incl-mm3-hardware-cummins-cmb-5.9l-2003-2007.html

[@JimmyD6977]

I know they’re outdated, but i love my smarty on my 06. Its a beast. BD turbo, manifold, banks intercooler/intake, fass, grid heater delete. I run on setting 5 with timing and torque turned up. 22 mpg

[@davidanderson8469]

A used Smarty is effective and a bargain. However ,a custom tune Autocal EFI is much cleaner and smoother. I've had them both.@@JimmyD6977

[@gta4200]

OK, I have installed the banks ram and throttle monster as well as the stealth and an AFE cold air intake and a 5" exasust from the turbo back. What tube would you honestly recommend for heavy towing. I tow a 40-foot toy hauler.

[@Duramaxtuner]

@gta4200 Your stock transmission can only hold about 50 additional horsepower with a substantial load behind it. I would stick in tune two maybe tune three if you have an EGT gauge.

[@gta4200]

My tranny is a built-up Jasper tranny, she is solid

[@bigj200016]

Currently own a 07 6.0. Been a good truck. Looking to add either another 6.0, 7.3 or 5.9 CR preferably with a manual trans but must not be lifted. It’s just too difficult to lift the dogs up into the 6” lifted F250 I have now when I want to take them with me camping. Got a few candidates. One firmly in the price range, an 04 dodge 3500 with about 445k on the clock. How long can the 5.9 realist ally go if it’s been taken care of? And if I buy one, the first upgrade with be either an Airdog or FASS, much like the first upgrade on my 6.0 was a blue spring.

[@Duramaxtuner]

@bigj200016 You can expect to get around 400,000 miles if not more out of well taken care of 5.9L Cummins.

[@wheyez1]

You didn’t mention VGT turbos.

[@Duramaxtuner]

@wheyez1 5.9L Cummins did not come with VGT turbos, so that's probably why they never got brought up. If you're interested in learning about VGT Cummins turbos check out our video's on 2007.5-2023 Cummins Turbos.

[@SuperKirk62]

Marketing Team don’t tell people they spent more time researching potential upgrades than how to finance a pickup. Kinda insulting if you think about it. Appreciate the information, though.

[@805gregg]

BS, AFE supposed cold air with 1,000,000 mile filter went through a few filters and prefilters, then when I couldn't tow my boat up the Conejo grade, I went back to stock and the truck runs better, as far as the trans goes my 2000 auto went 450,000 miles towing a 10,000 lb dump trailer daily

[@localyokel1000]

Billet flex plate

[@cortezisrael1023]

I have 07 5.9 my ac stop working just blow it hot air I already find out my ac compresor got no power anyone has any idea what the problem can be?

[@hellswindstaff91]

Check fuses and relays.

[@RandomNamewrx]

The amount of people selling their factory turbo as a "stealth" is alarming.

[@brentmcmahon8188]

Turbo for every day driving would be 63-64 and life will be good !

[@Duramaxtuner]

@brentmcmahon8188 That's why we made the 5.9L Stealth 64!

[@federicoramirez2034]

Yo tengo un 2006 ram Dicel quiero cambiarle el turbo max grade y ponerle freno de motor

[@davidanderson8469]

??

[@brentmcmahon8188]

A lift pump with a gauge .

[@PeterLatimer-w1z]

Can get your web sit

[@Duramaxtuner]

duramaxtuner.com !

[@brentmcmahon8188]

No 1 EGT gauge know before you go !!

[@taper34]

I came from the podcast and Paul doesn't look anything like I imagined it ruined his nice voice

[@Duramaxtuner]

It's that haircut. He looked exactly how you thought he would when he had a normal haircut. Hopefully, this comment is enough to motivate him to fix that.

[@brentmcmahon8188]

That’s bull shit so number 2?