Hello,
Forgive me if this question has been asked before. I have an 89 Cummins. I am hoping to wring out at least 400 rwhp out of this engine.

I am familar with some of the mods, such as changing the turbo housing to a 16cm housing, adding an intercooler, pump adjustments, and bigger injectors.

I'm having doubts that I will be able to get this amount of power out of the engine, if it's stuck using a VE pump. I know that the P-7100 pump can deliver more than enough fuel to reach my minimum 400hp goal.

I know the best solution is to swap out the VE for a P-pump, however as I understand it, the P-pump swap isn't cheap, and I don't expect to find another donor engine just for the pump. Therefore before I'm forced to spend the money I'd first want to work with what I already have. So the question is, is there anyway to increase pump pressure in the VE, or is there anybody who can modify them to deliver more fuel?

How much power can I realize using the existing VE pump? I would even consider propane injection.

Ed

 

Say no to propane and yes to water/meth. I finally took off my propane after I blew my head gasket. A ve can be modded to get to 400hp. I got 420hp/1000tq with a single turbo so yes it can be done. You will deffinatly need different injectors and a intercooler and a different turbo. Last but not least you will need to modify the clutch or tranny and get a clutch that will hold the power.

Yeah some pump shops can get more pressure and and flow from a ve pump. Usually the guys who can wont give there secrets out so you will have to spend the money to have them build you a pump. What you should do first is read the tech facts for the firs gens and then go from there. There is alot off free power that you can gain, but first you will want to install gauges to monitor your engine to get the most out of it without hurting it. If there is a will there is a way. Alll it takes is money right. Well that is what my mechanic always says.

Stomp

 

It's been done, you'll need to swap out the turbo though.

 

I second what Stomp said about the water/meth. Easy power.

 

OK Stomp, please allow me to pick your brain alittle on this. How was your VE modded?

You say I need a different turbo...anotherwords the 16cm housing swap isn't effective enough? Would there be a difference in exaust outlet diameter?

I read the water / meth post, however, it seems that you'd consume alot of it, to reap any benefits. Wouldn't propane also provide a cooling effect, in the intake, and at least last much longer? How did the use of propane cause a blown head gasket?

Thanks Ed

 

You will need at least a hybrid turbo like a PDR-35 or an HTT Stage 3. At that kind of fueling level you could use an HX-40 or a B-1 (drool drool). The hybrids use the same exhaust flange as the H1C, for the '40 or B-1 you need a 4" downpipe with a different flange.

The water/meth system is thirsty, if you're gonna tow or you "play" a lot, you need a big tank, at least 5 gallons. You don't need the meth for the cooling effect, you can run straight water if you just want to lower the EGT. This also cuts down on the usage, since you can't run as much volume of straight water through the motor.

Propane blows head gaskets because it lights before the diesel does, it's like extremely advanced timing. In small doses on otherwise stock engines it does fine, but it's a bad idea on a heavily fueled engine. I can get propane and most of the parts to build a system for free - but there isn't one on my truck.

 

wannadiesel is deffinatly keeping you going in the right direction. You never really said what you are going to use your pickup for. Play/ towing or what. Is this going to be a daily driver or are you just going to use it for fun. The real question is do you want the 400hp just driving it down the road or do you want say 300hp daily driver and then flip the switch to get the extra hp to get to 400. We need a little more info on what you have in mind for your pickup to give you better answers.

Now on the fuel side of it you need to talk to the guru's. I am still trying to learn just like you are.

Stomp

Edit: I see that you have a ramcharger is this what the cummins is in. Go ahead and fill out your sig so we all can see what you have. Also have you done any mods so far?

 

No I never really said what I was going to do with the truck, just a simple question about how can I get 400rwhp out of my Cummins, while using the VE pump.

I'm always gathering info to use as I build my truck. The truck is intended to be a daily driver. I do expect to tow light loads with it, but this will be infrequent. I'm building this truck to handle deep mud. Although horsepower is not a great standard to use, I'm really after the torque, so that I can spin big tires in some of the thick stuff we have around here. I'm aware that once you reach a certain power level, you need to consider O ringing the block (or head) to prevent blown gaskets. Most people talk in terms of horsepower, 400hp should work out to be about 1000lb-ft of torque (Depending on RPM) 400hp should also be a safe level before you need to O ring the block.

You mention if I would consider having 300hp with the ability of flipping a switch for an additional 100hp. I would consider doing it, if no other options are available. The downside to propane, water/methane, or even nitrous, is that you can run out when you need it the most. At least with a solid 400hp without help, you always have the extra power on tap, and because diesels only burn the fuel their given, you won't reduce your fuel economy, unless you're at WOT

Yes the engine is in my Ramcharger. I've updated my sig and added my home page so you can see it.

Thanks Ed

 

Well it deffinatly looks good so far. Looks like its going to be one solid Ramcharger when you get done. Now back to the pump 400hp is an achievable goal. Full fuel screw maxed, advanced timing, Old Smokeys Fuel Pin, 3200 gov spring. Now comes the injectors. I have a set of modified 370's for a second gen to fit my first gen lines, then I had them honed out. I am still not sure if this was the way to go, but they work. I think a set of POD's honed out would drffinatly do the same. Now you will need a HX40 or maybe a hybred turbo of some sort. I B-1 would be a nice add on. I am thinking you want something that is going to spool real fast to get the tires going in the mud. So a hybred 35/40 would work well and could probably support enough air for 400hp. You would probably have to watch your egt's a little more though. That should get you started in the right direction. If I left anything out I am sure someone will set me straight. Oh yeah one more thing you will want a supply pump that can deliver a steady 7-10 psi to your fuel pump so you dont starve it.

Stomp

 

I made 332 HP in the middle of summer with a pump that was stock. I installed an old smokey power pin and 3200 spring, I then did all the adjustments. I have a modified HTT turbo. it works good at this HP level, if you want 400 I would go more agressive on the turbo. I have PODs and a home built 4" exhaust system. I installed a southbend clutch and a late model 6 speed. I have seen 44 PSI boost with this set up in the winter.
I would definately install an intercooler, and one off a second gen or bigger if possible.
Good luck and enjoy

 

Forgive my ignorance but what is a PODs? (Or what does PODs stand for?)

Ed

 

Lucas fuel Injectors the PODS comes from the term Prince of Darkness. Some say it is because they smoke a lot which is true others say because of the old electical componets that Lucas is know for. The way I understand it they seldom worked leaving you in the dark a lot of the time.
The way I understand it they are the biggest gain available from off the shelf injectors.

 

Mudcat's got it right.

Why do the British drink warm beer?













Because the refrigerators are made by Lucas.