Diesel engines are powerful, rugged, and versatile. They’re fun to drive, and they get the job done. Diesel upgrades are a great way to show your appreciation for your vehicle and make it even better.
From air intake to turbochargers and even oil filters, there’s no limit to the ways you can upgrade. Read our guide for the seven things you should know about diesel upgrades to be one step closer to diesel greatness.
1. There’s Always Room for Improvement
Some say that buying diesel trucks or a car that’s well-engineered in the first place is optimal. However, loyal diesel vehicle owners know that there will always be something worth improving.
Knowing and understanding how to make them better is a passion for many. Often it may only be a small thing or two, here and there. Even small diesel performance upgrades play a significant part in the bigger picture.
This is why it’s best to know your vehicle, what it needs, and its overall state. Prioritize improving its weak points or flaws, if any. Otherwise, start replacing any outdated or inefficient components. Alternatively, you can also choose to enhance what you have.
2. Air Intake Makes an Impact
Focusing on your vehicle’s air intake is one of the most popular pieces of advice out there. Most owners of diesel trucks know this. They say that a well-fitting and filtered air intake will extend your engine’s life.
Popular options include intercoolers and airflow kits. They help with cooling the air in your system and also facilitate improved fuel economy. The extra airflow reduces the heat produced by compressed air in the engine.
In turn, this lessens the amount of friction in diesel engines. A well-tuned system means better fuel efficiency, more power, and torque. These all translate to an improved driving experience with your diesel vehicle.
3. Give Turbochargers a Shot
If you’re looking to give your truck or car the extra boost, then consider getting a turbocharger. It gives your vehicle more power, and the way it works makes the most out of your system.
Turbochargers use the exhaust to increase the power of the compressor. This then gives the engine more fuel to burn and use. With the extra fuel in your engine, diesel vehicles can power through faster and better.
It’s especially great for heavy hauling. One thing to consider, though, is a boost leak which may lead to what they call a “rolling coal.” If you ever encounter this, it’s time to get a replacement or improve your exhaust.
4. Exhaust Upgrades Work Wonders
While improving your air intake does the job, partnering with an exhaust upgrade makes it even better. With more airflow in your system, an exhaust upgrade is necessary. Depending on how your current setup works, it can also be the source of extra engine power.
Turbochargers make use of the exhaust to generate larger fuel capacity. A better exhaust helps your engine run more efficiently. At the same time, it also aids the turbochargers if you have them installed.
In general, it facilitates a better airstream for turbochargers to spin better. This reduces the air resistance in your engine by redirecting the airflow. It also helps you lower your EGTs.
Knowing tips and tricks to improve your diesel engine performance goes a long way. Upgrading your exhaust to work in tandem with air intake upgrades, as well as turbochargers, is one of them. This makes it one of the most cost-effective diesel upgrades available.
5. Bypass Oil Filtration
You have your diesel truck, and you love it. It gets the job done as is, but you can’t help worrying about the wear and tear your engine goes through. Installing bypass oil filtration should be an obvious upgrade.
You may think you don’t need to bother – that if your diesel gives out, it won’t be from the oil. Think again. Your rugged diesel engine is mighty but still needs help.
Standard oil filtration systems are only geared towards particles 20 micrometers or larger. The fact is the majority of the particle debris that will damage your engine are smaller. Some are as tiny as 5 micrometers.
This means they’ll slip through your filter and cause damage to your engine over time. By installing a bypass oil filtration system, you’ll be doing your diesel engine a solid. You’ll help keep the metal and dirt out of your engine and your truck out of the repair shop.
6. Don’t Forget the Gauges
This one might not seem like an obvious upgrade, but it is. Upgrading your dash with more accurate and additional gauges is important. There’s a lot going on inside a diesel engine and lots you should pay attention to.
Car repair prices can vary depending on where you are. Getting your engine fixed is rarely cheap, and you definitely don’t want to drag your diesel baby into the shop because you missed something. Custom upgrades can throw your old gauges off as well, so it’s important to stay on top of things.
If you go with a turbocharger or mess with the ECM, chances are you’re pushing your diesel past its stock parameters. You’ll need new gauges to monitor the heat your extra power creates, as well as any other pressure points. Monitoring fuel pressure is also crucial and will save you from a catastrophe later on.
7. Maintenance And The Mechanic Are Your Friends
The final thing to know about diesel upgrades is the importance of maintenance. You’ve already upgraded all the parts. You got a turbocharger, upgraded the exhaust, and switched to performance injectors.
Now you have to maintain everything to make sure it runs in tip-top shape. Beyond fine-tuning, there’s another reason to take it to the shop. A skilled mechanic can reprogram the ECM with ease.
Your mechanic can get more horsepower and better torque out of your engine this way. The key is to take it in for regular check-ups and fine-tuning. You aren’t running your engine into the red when you override the ECM, but you still want to adjust if you push too hard.
Everything You Need To Know About Diesel Upgrades
Your diesel engine is your pride and joy, and like many owners, you dream of pushing it to its true potential. Getting diesel upgrades isn’t as tricky as you’d think. At Diesel Performance Specialist, we know how to get the best out of your diesel engine.
Don’t be afraid to give us a shout, and together we’ll take your diesel truck to the next level.
