Thinking about getting rid of me 2002 5.9 and getting something newer... Just looking to see what i should be aware of before adding HP goodies and the best way to get one of these newer motors up and ripping. How much HP is the stock tanny good for? Should i automatically upgrade the fuel system?

 

also would i be better off with an auto or manual trans?

 

It is really dependent on how much horsepower you are looking at and what kind of driving you are going to do. The stock tranny and fuel system definitely needs to be upgraded if you are looking at doing some serious pulling or drag racing. To give a little perspective, mine is a daily-driver, normal driving, step-in to the throttle sometimes, but not much, very conservative in my driving style. You can see my upgrades in my sig. For me, I was just looking at more performance, better throttle response and improved mpg for day-to-day driving and towing. My upgrades have worked great for me. The smarty, running SW#9/default options has increased my mpg by 3 mpg, I get 18/21 (city/hwy). Also, the Fuel Boss fuel system well surpasses my gueling needs plus works in conjuction with the original in-tank lift pump, which is now there as a backup.

Again, really depends on your needs, lot of choices. But, in general, tranny, fuel system, intake and/or turbo, and injectors are some of your inital areas for mod considerations.