Package name: Bully Dog Diesel Tuning Performance Package
For which vehicles? '03-'04 Chevrolet and GMC Duramax trucks, '99-'04 Ford trucks with the 7.3L and 6.0L Power Stroke, '03-'04 Dodge trucks with the Cummins diesel
Horsepower gain: 80-130 hp
Torque gain: 185-302 lb-ft
What's in the box?
* Bully Dog power module, computer chip or downloader
* Bully Dog 4-inch Rapid Flow aluminized-steel exhaust system
* Bully Dog RFI air intake
* Bully Dog exhaust temperature gauge (pyrometer)
* Bully Dog boost gauge
* Gauge pod designed to hold both gauges and mount on your truck's A-pillar
Why would I want it? Bully Dog's kit makes diesel tuning simple and really rewarding. The parts combo was carefully designed to provide good, safe gains in horsepower and torque while maintaining reliability. And it provides more info on what's happening under your truck's hood.
How much does it cost? Prices vary by application; from Jeg's, it's $1,232.99-$1,647.99
Contact: Jeg's, Dept. FW, 101 Jeg's Pl., Delaware, OH 43015, 800/345-4545, www.jegs.com
Package name: Opti-Max Performance Systems
For which vehicles? Most '95-'05 gas and diesel Chevrolet, GMC, Ford and Dodge pickups and SUVs
Horsepower gain: Up to 40 hp for gas-powered trucks, up to 205 hp for diesels
Torque gain: Up to 65 lb-ft for gas-powered trucks, up to 310 lb-ft for diesels
What's in the box?
* Advanced Flow Engineering air intake system
* MBRP performance exhaust system
* Superchips, Predator, VanAaken or Edge performance computer programmer (varies by application)
* Auto Meter transmission temperature gauge
* For diesels only: Auto Meter boost and exhaust temperature gauges
Why would I want it? These systems are dyno matched so you gain the maximum safe horsepower and torque from your specific drivetrain combination. Every Opti-Max Performance System optimizes the fuel delivery, injection pulse width, timing and intake and exhaust flow through electronic and airflow modifications. Not only will you have more grunt for four-wheeling, you'll be able to haul heavier loads and tow far more easily, while getting better gas mileage too.
How much does it cost? $949.99-$2,399.99
Contact: Diesel Performance Parts, Dept. FW, 1136 Fourth Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37210, 866/455-7788, local: 615/251-1252, www.dieselperformanceparts.com
Package name: Power Pak
For which vehicles? Trucks with a small-block Chrysler engine
Horsepower gain: Depends heavily on your air/fuel delivery system and your heads, but expect a 15- to 20-percent gain
Torque gain: About 70 to 80 lb-ft at around 2,900 rpm
What's in the box?
* 4.00-inch stroker crankshaft
* Probe Power forged pistons
* Perfect Circle plasma moly rings
* Stock Chrysler 360 connecting rods (shotpeened and sized) with ARP rod bolts
* Clevite Performance Series engine bearings
* Harmonic balancer (balancing included)
Why would I want it? This affordable rotating assembly provides big-block-style torque for your small-block. Plus, those torque gains are realized at very low rpm-between 2,000 and 2,500. This is perfect for four-wheeling, especially for you rockcrawlers who want to ease off the clutch and climb a boulder. You won't believe the bottom-end torque available from this combo.
How much does it cost? $1,450
Contact: Performance Engine, Dept. FW, 6110 Paramount Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90805, 888/770-4888, www.performancengine.com
Package name: Big-Block Rotating Kit
For which vehicles? For trucks with big-block Chevy engines
Horsepower gain: Varies dramatically depending on your combination, but this kit can produce as much as 1,500 hp-and it will make 500 hp with ease-depending on your cam, cylinder heads and so on.
Torque gain: Varies dramatically depending on your combination, but definitely oriented toward extreme bottom-end torque
What's in the box?
* A 4340 forged-steel crankshaft
* Eagle H-beam connecting rods
* JE or Wiseco forged aluminum pistons
* JE or Speed Pro rings
* Clevite bearings
Why would I want it? The low-compression stroker kit will net you 9.5 to 10:1 compression, depending on your cylinder heads-and it provides gobs of low-end torque. It's also tough to beat the dependability you'll get with this package. If you're not building a super-high-horsepower race engine, these parts will deliver all day long. Each kit comes prepped for final assembly, including high-speed balancing, and buying all the parts at once saves you a bundle. The company also determines the correct pin location and rod length for your application.
How much does it cost? $2,299
Contact: Bill Mitchell Hardcore Racing Products, Dept. FW, 51 Trade Zone Ct., Ronkonkoma, NY 11779, 631/737-0372, www.theengineshop.com