Towing Turbos for 24V VP44 Cummins Diesel

We had someone ask us how far can you go with the power on a 2001 VP44 Cummins diesel. We went through a laundry list of parts and upgrades to help the owner get the most from his engine. See how this great turbo diesel performs in our towing tests and on the dyno.
Parts upgrades include:
Quadzilla: powerdrivendie...
Budget Builder Injectors: powerdrivendie...
Ultimate Towing Compound Kit: powerdrivendie...
Intercooler & Radiator: powerdrivendie...
Transmission: powerdrivendie...
Predator Lift Pump: powerdrivendie...
Power Driven Diesel is a specialty performance shop engaged in the engineering and development of high performance turbo diesel technologies.
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[@tbone707]

I love these style videos that you do. Please keep it up an make another with smaller injectors. I love the info.

[@SuggonDeizNutz]

I absolutely love the PDD compound towing turbos on my ‘02 Dodge. By far the best thing I’ve done to my truck. Driveabilty and spool up is fantastic!

[@aaronkelley8909]

I got the same set up on my 2002. Tows like a beast!

[@jeffbeaird747]

Man this is the best video I’ve seen with you guys discussing different technical aspects and what upgrades compliment each or work against one another... I learned a lot because this is my cup of tea with a towing upgrade and how far to go w/o overdoing it Bravo..!!!!!!

[@joesalazar770]

Yes for sure last thing you need on the road pulling a load is a heat soaked engine bay. And the larger the block the harder they are to cool down. My KW with the 15 ltr cat twin turbos propane injection could pull super hard but only to the point of not enough cooling and capacity only helps so far once you have worked it to the point of not enough air or coolant to cool at some point you just have to stop working so hard or risk catastrophic failure. According to dyno exc it was putting down 850 around off horse power to the rear wheels and 2600 or 2800 ft pounds of torque but the last part of the pass always got me had to drop into lower gears for cooling and not so much work. It would do it in high gear but not without getting uncomfortably hot. So still running lower gears at the higher passes. 😁🙃

[@lukestrasser]

PDD bringing the truth in testing and development! Real honest discussion about the good and bad of trying to make big power in one of these trucks and still use it as a truck. Cooling system limitations, idle haze, tuning restrictions. Can't wait for the next installment with smaller injectors, I'm with you that they'll improve the overall package.

[@davesisco4637]

You should do some stuff for us 24 valve P pump guys . Love mine and it pulls like Godzilla . But you may have something I could learn and do . Great video though . 👍

[@raulescobar1362]

you guys are so knowledgeable! I bought an 03 3500 dually Quad cab in March 2020. I'm just learning, never owned a diesel before. watching all your stuff trying to learn!

[@davemcdaniel4856]

I saw you guys towing that charger! I was in the group of 5 motorcycles that passed you on I15 SB

[@isssuesracing11]

Love the vp44 videos!!

[@bcbloc02]

Best vp44 setup I ever saw was an FMS stacked with a power puck with 8x.011 buddha injectors and a 62x71 .80s300 over a s475 and it ran about 615rwhp and pegged the dyno at 1200tq on Dave Dunbars 248dynojet uncorrected.

[@thefumminspagerpope4452]

I’d really love to get my FUMMINS on your dyno. Compound turbo and a stock fuel 12 valve id love to see it on your dyno to see max HP and to help my dial it in a little bit. It’s a 100% towing truck

[@j.l.salayao8055]

Wow, Andre and Nate! Keep up the awesome testing you're bringing to the viewers and I'm glad to see you mixing older model truck for the Eisenhower test, brutal. I really like my 2023 Ram 3500 dually with the high output but this dodge ram 3500 looks like a beast with all the modifications you did.

[@idahobuckaroo8348]

Great video again Todd & Will. Have you guys considered a different cam shaft? My reason reason for asking is I have four VP44 trucks, and we hit 500+ HP to the ground. Just curious... Here is our setup: we run Edge Products Comp Box on the VP44 pump, then stack a Smarty SO3 Tuner for max torque management using Garret compound turbos, and a Colt Stage 3 (Big Stick) cam shaft with a 181/210 degree grind, plus Dynamite Diesel Products 200 HP over injectors. The trucks put down 500+ HP to the ground. Also, we have the pistons Fire Ringed, and use the ARP 625 head studs.

[@colinlawrence2186]

One more awesome video you guys are definitely real world tests not just 75 to 100,000 dollar new trucks so many people appreciate your videos PLEASE keep them coming 🙋‍♂️

[@atlas3863]

kick ass! i need that set up i have almost the same identical truck what seemed to help my truck quite a bit With cooling was purchasing a louvered heat extractor hood from carid it was Worth every penny especially if you live in a hot climate like me.

[@abrahamsalcido9174]

Yet another great informative video keep up the great work.

[@wheyez1]

Thank You for the video, towing is more my speed than racing. Looking forward to seeing the next upgrade to this truck.

[@DominosDiesels]

I’d be interested to see a truck you guys review with water/methanol injection

[@joeflynn1649]

I too would like to how much water, methanol would change it.

[@dieseldemon8562]

Awesome video guys. I was AMAZED at what the stock VP 44 supported, and no doubt the quadzilla is a great tuner for 2nd gen trucks. When Will was discussing pump stretch, is the higher power created by getting the available fuel in “quickly” so to speak? As opposed to leaving the injection event longer and losing injection pressure and spray pattern? Keep up the great work! You guys are awesome!

[@hallasnackbar1865]

There are better radiators than mishimoto but the real secret to cooling these monsters is with a second (auxiliary) radiator because you can put that capacity in its own cool fresh stream of air. I have been fixing the overheating issues on the lbz duramax trucks for years and the auxiliary radiator out performs a larger main radiator every day of the week because the only way to get larger with the main radiator is to go thicker which has diminishing returns due to air flow resistance and loss of cooling ability.

[@Thepriest39]

Would adding an oil cooler help keep the engine a bit cooler? At least the oil wouldn’t get too thin. Just a thought.

[@joesalazar770]

Anything to help is a benefit but no replacement for less work by using lower gears prevents heat soak and overheating in most cases sometimes it's just to much work.

[@boltgun7266]

Great no BS video. Good job guys

[@greendodge98]

Great job guys!!! P pump swap the world!

[@tylermurphy4020]

Lol these are nothing like a POS 6.0.

[@horsewhispererr]

Great video, happy to see some vp44 stuff. Very cool to see this as I just put your towing compounds on my 01 ho, w/6speed. Slightly smaller injector at 7x.095. And with quadzilla. I just got done telling friends how it doesn't have tire burning power, but will pass everybody with a trailer! Love the turbos. Side note, had to modify hard coolant line as it is different than an auto and wouldn't fit with modifications.

[@dustinnickel5840]

Thanks for the video guys! I’m attempting to do the same thing with my VP truck.

[@raychilcote5558]

factory radiator has aluminum fins/rows, but the tanks are plastic. They will inevitably leak. Have a Mishimoto myself.

[@jimkillen1065]

I experienced some of the heating up when I tried to tow my trailer in the summer going to Colorado . I got home and ordered a new Mishimoto . The stock on was ok when ridding around unloaded but throw some boost and under a load the temps climbed . Yep I used the heat trick before but its not a fun deal lol . If I was going to use the truck like this a lot I build a remote cooler under the bed and use a electric fan to help control heat . Not sure how much that would do . For sure I use 3 gear and lock up when pulling a grade and towing my trailer . The reason my stock transmission is still hanging on lol . What a piece of crap 47rh lol with 214 k miles . I noticed that at 22 or some lb of boost the convertor slips in overdrive . I bought a rebuilt g56 to fix that problem . I really appreciate your post and I might be interested in a set of towing twins or a single to tow with no racing thanks Jim

[@1noremak74]

What were you egts towing? Dont think you ever said what it hit.

[@BiffsEquipment]

What PSI were you guys at when you dynoed it the last time? Im just curious thanks.

[@AString95]

Hello from Hurricane! Looking at you guys when we are ready to upgrade the work truck.

[@geraldhawkins2643]

Awesome video I’ve got the exact same truck except it’s a 2000 same color I put rv injectors and a hx40 I think that’s what it is and the same tuner and I absolutely love it tows anything 160,000 thousand miles

[@marcushert2759]

It would be awesome if you guys did a video on fire rings vs o-rings. I feel like that would be very beneficial for a lot of people. Also I have your BB 6x.011 with the K27. I run 1600 microseconds with a relatively harsh canBus fuel curve. I can hardly get above 1400 degrees at 40 psi (2500 ft) and still have a slight haze at wot. I feel that my tuning is about as good as it gets for my setup.

[@mannypuerta5086]

I’d like to see the results of a Banks cold air kit. The underhood heat has to be hurting the HP with the hood down during a tow. Boost isn’t everything if the air density is low due to heat.

[@CalSticks]

Love it, thanks for the video

[@ellislejeune8150]

The Factory Radiators were not Copper Brass constructed . I Really enjoy your Videos !!!

[@jaredtalbert2300]

I have electric fans running off a toggle switch on my 02 p-pumped 24v 6 speed. Works great

[@tokeypokey]

Good ole ht3b is a classic setup and well ht3bs are basically free now a days

[@charliebardo6255]

I like your real world videos. Looking forward to the next video on this truck. I have a 24 valve that I want to P pump. I would like to make 1000 hp how would I go about it ? I'll be talking to you guys pretty soon about it. But I'd like an idea what I'd be getting into for that level of fun ?

[@StlJimmy]

Subscribing is rare for me, but I had to. Third video of yours I've watched tonight. Keep em coming!

[@pddofficial]

Glad you like them! Thanks for the support!

[@jeblittle7999]

My buddy chris Krebs who competed at ucc qualifier 2018 is mid 900's fuel only on a vp44. I wanna say he has a monster pump. White 99 excab short bed

[@bdjm8595]

You guys are great, really enjoy your videos!!! I would really like to hear a discussion on air density trade-offs with a compound set up, real curious to know it's effect on intake temps.

[@mcoates72]

I have an 01 6 speed and got 520 and 530 on 2 different dynos. Single turbo and factory ho vp44. Would like to see what I would get on a "real dyno." Oh and I tow more weight and can keep temps under control without much work. Kinda sounds like the setup isn't what the truck wants.

[@JerryLee..]

@PowerDrivenDiesel Does water methanol injection keep the chambers valves and turbine clean on a diesel? Is even distribution a problem on this dry flow intake design?

[@JerryLee..]

@@pddofficial Thanks for sharing and taking the time to respond!

[@rodgerfisher3733]

i have the same truck and year and color 90,000 miles on it ,i love it running edge tuner, 4 inch stainless exhaust, intake , truck is garage kept have full gauges, would like to do a little more to it for towing, i pull a 42 ft toy hauler 13,000 dry , plus 800 lb motorcycle, 700 lb golf cart, fire wood in the bed a long with couple hundred pounds of weight lifting weights, truck still gets between 12 and 14 mpg

[@ironhydroxide2]

when reading the title, i thought you were going to test the BS ebay electric 12VDC "turbos" at 24VDC. Then I realized it was a PDD video

[@lanceevans3443]

Did you ever do the follow up video to this one, what did you discover with smaller injectors and what size did you end up with ?

[@corytaggart1518]

I live up in Alberta Canada where we sit on average 3500ft above sea level. I have a 04 3500 srw that I use for work, hauling 10-18,000lb loads around quite frequently. I am looking to make a reliable 500 clean as possible burning hp. Times are tight and parts are way more expensive up here so I would have to do it in steps, what should a guy look at doing first-last the make things progress.

[@joelfromportland]

What were the coolant temperatures when towing uphill and it was getting hot? Awesome video! Thanks guys!

[@MrGhostVortex]

Thanks guys for the video and for covering the VP again! This is my truck, color and all, expect mine is a 98.5. I was looking at the 7x10 injectors and the Quadzilla or Smarty tuners. Glad to see I'm on the right track for decent power. If this not too much to ask, what was economy after all this?

[@mikestrucks]

Great video 👍🏻 pretty interesting..!

[@TwinsNicknMax]

Could you guys do a video of a stock 6.7 vs and stock 5.9 and the pros and cons of both? I know it’s pretty common knowledge but there’s some stuff that everyone misses

[@geoffreyc1027]

Wish y’all were closer. I made 520 on a mobile dyno with your 7x.010 injectors, Borg Warner s475/s362 compound, and custom tuning. I’d like to see what it would do on your dyno.

[@jasonriddell]

I would LOVE to see a BUILT truck take on the "TFL IKE GAUNTLET"

[@jeremylyons6252]

I remember when I played with vp44 trucks. I had a 99 ram 3500 with custom 8x16 injectors from bhuda power, a custom built vp44, blue chip box and a diablo sport power puck and a smarty tuner. I also had custom compounds from scheid diesel that were s475 and a h5 with fire rings, manifold, dual disc clutch and aeromotive a1000 fuel supply pump. Truck was fun and would blow the tires loose in high gear on the interstate but was way too laggy to spool. It was my daily driver and would make over 100 pounds of boost. Kept losing vp pumps so went back to p pump trucks and won't go back to vp

[@benjaminturpin2749]

Why go to a pump? The vp is the BEST ip ever. It's all I have and all I ever will have they make INSANE power

[@jeremylyons6252]

@@benjaminturpin2749 well, limited rpms and short lifespan is what made me shy away from the vp on high horsepower builds. They are a good pump for factory or slightly upgraded trucks but it's each different person's preference so to each his own

[@corytaggart1518]

Thanks for the advise. Not sure what it would cost to get one of yours up here but I’ll see what I can do.

[@oldcroneysgarage9739]

Man I want a 2nd gen dodge 3500 with a 24v and a 6 speed

[@juliopruenca3984]

What can you do if you have a sticky DAP 150 injector in a 1999 Cummins with compound turbos

[@pddofficial]

We are getting close to having power Jets for the vp trucks

[@joesalazar770]

That looks like monarchpass and sounds like it as well. More cooling capacity and air movement thru the radiator maybe need a radiator extension in the bed or under it. My KW was built but cooling was not enough running 890 to RWP Torque was 2672 but cooling cap would not hold after heat soak

[@pddofficial]

That is the problem with the any truck when you are towing is heat soak we have found that 300-350 hp on a single turbo and 400-450 with compounds

[@rodgerfisher3733]

I also have the 2001 dully silver with 90,000 all I have done was exhaust and intake and a edge tuner I pull a 42ft fifth wheel toyhauler which weighs 13,000 dry and my Harley and goft cart and firewood and my workout weights and load I'm around 15,500 and get 12 to 14 mpg, I would like to upgrade it some but afraid of messing the truck up, it's been good to me and it's garage kept

[@pddofficial]

so long as you built your truck to support the power reliability should not be an issue. This truck for example has a 650 tow/tuner trans. head studs, O-ringed cylinder head stage 2 push-rods, 4.5k valve springs, 7x.010 injectors, a quadzilla adrenaline with custom tunes, air dog 165 lift pump, and a 4 inch exhaust. so long as you do the supporting mods to handle the power it should not loose any reliability. that being said anytime you increase the performance of your engine you decrease its life span because the engine is know working harder. if you believe like we do that a cummins 5.9 is a million mile motor then if your double its hp then your are cutting its life in half but that is still 500,000 miles. I hope this helps answer some questions

[@jasonriddell]

what sort of cost is this build ALL IN from stock 24V to this beast?

[@chippewa1994]

I know people who have electric powered radiator fans for their truck but the truck didn't put out as much power as this truck. I wonder how it would hold up 🤔

[@alanack67]

They suck for cooling. Engine driven fans always cool better

[@nivek2192]

@@alanack67 I second that. I bought a supposed great flex lite dual fan setup and ended up taking a picnic on the side of the road within 25 minutes letting her cool down. Although I have a 2006 with a little over 600hp, the stock mechanical fan would never let that happen unless it broke off.

[@dennisbush9612]

What type of coolant temps were you hitting pulling those hills? I have a 3rd gen just wondering how hot to let it get before backing off.

[@here_to_watch2115]

My 01 truck wont even get up to 140 most of the time. Only when driving down the hwy. I didnt realize these 2nd gen usually have cooling issues. Good to know i guess.

[@Kyle-pl6rl]

If you mean the engine temperature won’t rise over 140 degrees your thermostat might be stuck open.

[@here_to_watch2115]

@Kyle-pl6rl I'm selling the truck but I may charge the thermostat to see what happens. That's a good thought, thansk.

[@aw9680]

Do you guys have a video dedicated to engine cooling?

[@pddofficial]

No unfortunately but great idea!

[@aw9680]

@@pddofficial if the 1st and 2nd gens are the weakest, focus on those.

[@JohnMiller-cj3op]

We pull 12000lb with a 2001 2500 manual stock no problem..

[@norcalray7182]

Great video 👍 that set up would be great on my 99 .. NV 4500 4x4 3500

[@chevyon37s]

RAY Bustabade good luck with that Nv4500 holding up to it. They don’t like torque. Killed ours a few times now on a stock truck other than intake and exhaust. It pulls 10,000lb+ quite often, and the NV4500 has sheared the input shaft, shattered 4th gear, Grenaded a south bend and we take it easy on the truck.

[@AlaskaMike72]

At what point would you guys think about plumbing in an engine oil cooler in front of the radiator on a hard working towing truck? I'm thinking like the largest stacked plate unit that could physically fit. Yes, there's the stock oil cooler with the radiator, but where everything else is basically adequate on a stock truck, when you increase fueling that kind of goes out the window. I guess part of what I'm asking is, how much of the cooling problem is the radiator, and how much is due to oil heating via the turbo? I've thought about plumbing the output oil line from the turbo to a cooler, and then back to the normal turbo oil return, but I would love to hear you guys address this.

[@robertrabon1706]

I would love for y'all to build my grandfather's truck into a towing beast it is a 2001 Dodge ram 3500 drw and put a manual transmission in it but I'm only 16 and I'm from the other side of the country

[@chanceyunderwood123]

The only thing I want to argue about is why they keep say the vp44 has a 500hp limit my dad is running a bullseye 62 over s480 and edm 300 injectors makes well over 500hp

[@SuggonDeizNutz]

I need to drive my truck down there from WA state and throw it on your stingy dyno. With my PDD towing compounds, 150HP sac injectors, and a Smarty S03 stacked with a TST Powermax Comp I bet you I could hit 550+. 😎🤙 This combo is insane and I’ve pretty much tried them all.

[@BenDrinkin1]

Steve Cooke post back, that’s my setup but I’m running a 63mm sxe and 6x.013’s

[@SuggonDeizNutz]

BenDrinkin1 🤙🤙will do. Damn those are some big sticks... Are those 250hp Injectors? How’s your EGTs when you have the Powermax Comp turned up?😳Do you get a little surging like I do at the upper levels?

[@cubenitup]

Awesome video! I’ve got a 94 12 valve auto single cab long bed. Looking to do some serious work! Not a track truck. Looking for a towing work hog. Looking into same setup

[@jasonriddell]

would be curious would a "Fummins" superduty be ANY better on the cooling package or they as "bad" SAY a early 6.0 ERA as a 6.0L FORD is WAY cheaper than a clean running 24V 2ND GEN and the engines / rotted doner trucks are cheap out my way and this build sounds like it delivers enough for what I want it to do

[@diesellover6411]

So if I want you guys to tune my Quadzilla if I buy you twin set up for my vp 44 dodge can you do that it’s the apple phone Quadzilla

[@nuvey7939]

I'm building a 55 Chevy. Haven't decided on the engine yet, but I'm going with a 6bt. Should I use the 12 or 24 valve? I don't need power, just want to be able to comfortably tow a 5th wheel camper around the country in my retirement. I live in Utah, so you boys know what I'm up against. Looking for longevity and economy, but at the same time, I don't want to do 15mph up Parley's

[@eanmcclenathan6100]

Cut down the water pump fins a tiny bit making the cooling syteme not push water to fast so it actually absorbs more heat from the engine

[@pddofficial]

Good Idea we will have to try that

[@davidwitcher5443]

I called 470hp right before the pull. Definitely shocked at the torque number.

[@tyrobertson4954]

Hey, what is that screen you guys are using to control the quadzilla?

[@pddofficial]

It was the Gdp monitor they unfortunately stopped making them two years ago and we have not been able to find a suitable4 replacement.

[@tannersklove2905]

How much quieter is the truck with the compounds installed? If I put compounds with a 5 inch straight pipe would it still be loud?

[@blaike24v17]

I had a hotrod Vp and now I have an H.O. Extreme vp

[@08lmmduramax]

You didn’t put head studs in it?? I’ve got a completely stock one with a blown head gasket it’ll be back in the shop soon

[@rubydelatorre7674]

How much is this setup. If you guys did the upgrade plus parts. And the price if I just bought the parts. My truck is a manual 6 speed. 2wd Thanks for the content.

[@dslfrk59]

Woohoo I feel good about my old VP truck, hx35/s472b compounds and ddp 150hp injectors and truck made 501hp and 1050tq. Of course I had supporting fuel pump, trans and head studs. Ps great video guys

[@Crazystuffyousee]

I certainly appreciate your guys videos...but its too bad you didnt build a towing truck thats more everyday legit. This setup would not only cost the blue collar worker upwards of $10,000 but it wont be emissions (visibly) legal in all the states with diesel smog laws. I'd rather see a video about a towing combo with mild injectors, mild tuning, and a mild upgrade turbo...that someone could pass as "legal".

[@ickyiceful]

Bro nobody cares if it’s illegal wright me my ticket officer and I’ll be on my way 06 f250 zf6 manual quad cab short bed 4x4 compound turbo 24v here my kit was an older pieced together this kit probably actually runs more efficient then stock a well tuned engine puts out less smoke and grips and goes me shitting my pants 4x4 launching rowing gears

[@jaredfarney675]

I was wondering about water meth wen you guys mentioned it. how much would the EGT drop? I liked the video, keep it up!

[@jaredfarney675]

@@pddofficial thanks!

[@bahopik]

Heartbreaking Dyno))

[@GlennPearsonDIY]

What are the temps you want to stay below for EGT, coolant and oil?

[@justanotherguy9664]

10:27 - yeah, i think you can drop some fuel out of it... lol

[@bigmurph1447]

Theres a vp44 truck out there that is 1000hp it was on diesel podcast. I wish I lived closer I would have u put my 96 on the dyno I would love to know the hp.

[@jdirt1982]

P pump double blump ?????

[@stevemeiners2226]

Off topic but still gen 2 3500. Has that truck been lowered? Not knowing your height I'd guess my 02 3500 DRW sits 4-6 inchs higher and all stock as far as I know.

[@pddofficial]

No it was 100% stock truck.

[@blawsonbl]

Liked the video. But sometimes the speaking volume was a bit low. Also isn't level zero stock tuning?

[@jeremybehrmann20]

Really thought it would make more power with the compounds

[@calfeefarms5365]

Wonder if a water/ methanol system would help with cooling the engine to any significant amount.

[@pddofficial]

In the testing we've done in-house, straight water seems to give the best cooling, but with a blend of methanol, there is also a modest 25 to 50 HP bump in power depending on how much total methanol gets injected. On a simple $500 Snow, Devil's Own, etc. type kit, 95HP gain is the maximum we've seen injecting 100% methanol... meaning without a bigger system to deliver more water/meth or even straight methanol, the electric pump can only supply about 95HP worth of fuel when injecting into a normal 40 to 50 psi boosted intake air charge. With the higher $$$ water/methanol injection systems, we've seen several hundred horsepower gains.

[@travisswiger924]

It’s crazy how nasty of a torque curve a vp has. It’s like a 2 stroke power and haha

[@user-el4ii7zq6l]

Should have switched sides you guys would have been a 10

[@tsimmons1974ts]

Sounds like the cp3 is king

[@macknight1881]

Always and forever

[@Darrellsrelm]

Great video!!! Any updates with smaller injectors?

[@pddofficial]

Not yet

[@austinalbert8475]

What size turbo did the other vp44 truck have the single turbo truck

[@alexdownard1948]

I think you mean the 7.3 power stroke

[@ralphnoullett2800]

I want to know what your lift pumps psi is at idle and underload with a 6 speed standard

[@pddofficial]

Which lift pump are you referring to?