Multiple ingredients combined into one product to serve a single purpose: Better performance. That's the theme of this month's buyer's guide. True, for many of these packages you can also buy them as individual items, but when you start doing the bundled math and then add up the extra horsepower from the grouping, why bother?
Power Package: Aurora 2000 turbo kit for GM Duramax diesels
What's Included: Turbo, E-Power tuner, boost and EGT gauges, high-flow exhaust-manifold pedestal, AFE air-intake system, and more
Some Details: More ponies, lower exhaust-gas temps, and better fuel economy are perks of this bolt-on kit. Plus, the E-tuner lets you correct the speedo, and it can read trouble codes. The overhead gauges for EGT and boost let you track the truck's vitals while you're driving. There's a 4-inch exhaust discharge pipe; gaskets and hoses are included.
MSRP: $3,788
Power Package: Cooling System
What's Included: Hi-Tek engine oil andautomatic-transmission coolers, deep transmission pan, and Trick Shift performance ATF
Some Details: If your truck's cooling system isn't working properly-or is inadequate for your high-horsepower engine-performance will suffer. The Hi-Tek cooler has a 12-volt electric fan with a thermal switch to activate it. The transmission pan can handle up to 4 quarts of extra fluid, and the ATF is available in a synthetic blend.
MSRP: Around $496
Power Package: Big Hoss bundle for GM Duramax, IH/Ford Powerstroke, and Dodge Cummins diesels
What's Included: Six-Gun diesel tuner, PowerPDA, Techni-Cooler, Monster exhaust system, and ram-air intake
Some Details: The Six-Gun is for tuning pulse width, timing, and fuel pressure, while the Power PDA allows for adjusting power levels on the fly. The Techni-Cooler has 3-inch boost tubes, while the exhaust has a 4-inch, straight-through muffler.
MSRP: Starts at $3,129
Power Package: Power combo for Cummins diesels.
What's Included: Super B twin turbo system, Cool-It intercooler, X-Intake cold-air package, Pulse cast-iron exhaust manifold, X-Power Plus module, and X-Tuner adjustable programme
Some Details: 550 rear-wheel hp. Still need more info? The high-pressure/low-pressure turbos make for quick, low-rpm response and a broad power curve across the rpm band. The intercooler increases cooling efficiency while the X-Intake's improved airflow is due in part to repositioning of the air filter to under the hood cowl area. The Pulse helps reduce backpressure and makes for quicker turbo spool-up, and the electronics allow you to tune performance.
MSRP: $5,599