Any CAT mechanics on here?

DISTURBED

DISTURBED

YEA WE RIDE THE SHORT BUS
Ive got a 2002 gmc topkick with a 3126E in it 210hp (ckm55954). I went to get it flashed to up the hp but the dealer told me i had to change injectors, turbo and pistons. I can see the injectors and turbo but whats different about the pistons? They cant give me any specs other then the part number is different. Anybody know what the different is and do you have any idea what size the injectors are and how they compare to a stock powerchoke injector size wise?

Before i spend $10k in this CAT just to gain 100 hp i will pull it for a mechanical engine i can set up myself like a 8.3 or a built twin turbo 12v
 
An 8.3 swap will be the best thing. Even with a power uprate from cat the 3126 will be a gutless wonder.
With a little pump tweaking, a set of good injector nozzles and a better single charger you can have an 8.3 at 450 hp.
 
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Yep I'm not a 3126 fan, all ours was good for was making noise, you could get a TS power box(but I have no experience). Ask another dealer, should be able to give you 250hp
 
We have asked a few but they all say the same. An 8.3 might be a bit of a squeeze but a 5.9 would fit easily.
 
I've been told PDI has some nasty flash files for a C7/3126. Would have to call a dealer to make sure but I've been told they can make them really scream.
 
jfaulkner said:
I've been told PDI has some nasty flash files for a C7/3126. Would have to call a dealer to make sure but I've been told they can make them really scream.
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PDI is extremely over priced. Ecm swap through them is only $3000
 
I bet I can find you an adapter for either cummins engine down at work. Just bite the bullet and swap her over LOL
 
I see a twin turbo'ed 8.3 in her future. Want to see if they will trade 3126 for a 8.3?
 
I had a 3126 in a 2000 Freightliner rated at 300hp. Truck would haul ass, then I got an MP-8 off of Dennis and it was even better. The dealer could flash you up to 500hp if he wants too. Without changing pistons, injectors, blah, blah, blah. I do it all the time on ambulances and fire trucks. Keep looking for someone with Cat software, it is available.
 
DISTURBED said:
I see a twin turbo'ed 8.3 in her future. Want to see if they will trade 3126 for a 8.3?
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I swapped in a 5.9L in place of me TS Performance enhanced 210hp 3126E and am extremely happy. VP44 5.9L with a couple tweaks on top a 275hp factory tune and the truck is 1000 times better.

before the swap, the 3126E would run great one day, then barely run 55mph the next. It had to have some electronic problem, but with no codes and no mechanical problems, we couldn't determine anything.

jfaulkner said:
Um.....$2150 Is cheaper than an engine swap.
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Yes, it most definitely is, but will that $2150 tune actually FIX the underpowered HEUI boat anchor? I put the TS box on mine and you could barely tell you just added 85hp....I also put one on a 300hp one a friend had in a 330 Pete, and it ran basically the same as mine.

Keep in mind, this is a rig weighing in above 50K with it's usual loading.....and with a set of Mach 4's, an EZ, and the 275hp base tune the 5.9L actually handles it very nice with the 9spd.

Chris
 
wrongway said:
I had a 3126 in a 2000 Freightliner rated at 300hp. Truck would haul ass, then I got an MP-8 off of Dennis and it was even better. The dealer could flash you up to 500hp if he wants too. Without changing pistons, injectors, blah, blah, blah. I do it all the time on ambulances and fire trucks. Keep looking for someone with Cat software, it is available.
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Can you get just an ecm done if i send it to you?
jfaulkner said:
Um.....$2150 Is cheaper than an engine swap.
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Maybe depending on what i can get an 8.3 for and sell the 3126 but you cant make chicken salad out of chicken chit
 
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You are correct on the chitty fuel system. Ive tried 2 different diablo tuners that didnt work because of what they said was a wiring issue since this is a E model and a B but everyone says they are wired the same, so im waiting for the bullydog to get here to see if it will work. If it doesnt then i need to find a rogue CAT mechanic who cant flash my ecm to what i need not what they say i can tune it to
 
you probly can find someone to flash it but the engine won't last if you don't do the hard iron changes. a 3126 doesn't have a high life expectancy anywayz if it has had the guts pulled out of it. how many miles are on it now? how heavy are you loading it? i could be mistaken but i believe in the topkick chassis it would be a tight fit to go any bigger of an engine for a swap but maybe a c-9 would go into it. they are sleeved so they can be overhauled instead of thrown away when they wear out.
 
Trucks got 160,000 on it. It has been stretched to 338" wheel base with 16' living quarters and I'm going to be pulling a 40' enclosed with my puller in it. Right now I have 30' gooseneck hooked to it with the puller on it so I'm guessing its pretty close to 40,000 combined.
 
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