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Thread Title:

mods to a C15

Created On Friday August 22, 2008 13:40

droy

Posts: 12
Joined: Aug 2008

Friday August 22, 2008 13:40

Recently purchased an '04 Kenworth W900 with a C15, 475@2100; (single turbo, MBN serial #).
Took it to local KW dealer wanting to uprate to highest possible hp @ lowest possible rpm. Dealer contacted Cat, and was told iron parts would have to be changed for any uprate. After visiting another forum, several suggestions were offered that sounded good to me, however I'm not a Cat tech. Would like to toss them out and hopefully get some input, and maybe other ideas. Thanks in advance.

(1) Replace C15 exhaust manifold with one from a 3406B 425. (Flows much more exhaust gases than stock, thus reducing EGT).

(2) Resistor in fuel temp wire; (read a little about it in this forum, so no explanation needed)

(3) Install air compressor regulator between engine and boost sensor so ECM only reads 28# boost. (ECM derates hp @ 30# and above).

(4) Change injector trim codes to 5232

(5) Replace ECM with 6NZ ECM

Would like to get a couple of "second opinions" before I start modifying, and again, Thanks.

Also the yellow "check engine" light in my overhead printed circuit panel comes on momentarily when building speed, climbing a hill, overpass, etc. or if I really "gouge on it". Twice on diagnostic computer, and no codes. Was told that it is probably some sort of atmospheric sensor, (forgot the name), and would not show a code until it completely fails, and then I would notice a slight loss in power.

This truck is MUCH weaker than my two previous trucks (475 hp 3406E and 500 hp C15), and after learning alot about the "Much Bad News, MBN # bridge motors, I'd like to get a little more performance and mpg out of it without too much $$$$$$$$$$$

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mbaker

Posts: 16
Joined: Jul 2008

Monday August 25, 2008 15:41

The injector trim codes you want for your serial number are 9850, the ones you have are for older serial numbers. As for the regulator on the boost sensor, The most popular is to put a resisitor in the harness. If you look on ebay, there are many mini harnesses you can buy, including the one for the fuel temp sensor. I haven't heard of the exhaust manifold trick, but I do know that if you have the manifold and hot housing of the turbo ceramic coated, it will make more horsepower and less under hood heat. there is not too much you can do to a bridge engine to make it build more power, that was a Cat booboo trying to make less smoke go out the stacks, all they did was castrate the engine. I hope that helps.

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droy

Posts: 12
Joined: Aug 2008

Monday August 25, 2008 18:34

Hello mbaker, and thanks for your help!

If I cannot use the 5232 codes, could you tell me if the 9850 codes are comparable to what the 5232 are to an older engine? Or does the 9850 = stock codes?

As for the resistor in the harness for the boost sensor, I do have one- but it's no help! I'm told that the bridge ECM will de-rate the engine if it reads over 30# of boost, that is the reason for installing the regulator. The resistor was a HUGE improvement on my 2001 C15, 500hp; it really woke that truck up, also noted a .2 mpg increase overall.

I was also told that the fuel temp resistor will show more improvement than the boost resistor, but haven't got one yet, was also told that it probably raise my EGTs, hince the B model exhaust manifold.

Once again many thanks for your reply!

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DDS

Posts: 34
Joined: Aug 2008

Tuesday August 26, 2008 06:13

Hello

The best way to drop exhaust temperature is to flash your ecm to 6nz , this will repair retarded timing that the MBN file has. I would not waste your money on changing the manifold unless your in a racing application with a different turbo. Changing your FLS and FTS will give huge improvment and can lower you exhauast temperature. These numbers can advance the timing map. I have run lost of engine on dyno and have some good fuel numbers that I use that will give a good 200 hp above stock with fuel mileage improvment ( depending on how heavy your foot is!) I have had good feed back from boost and fuel temp mods, The boost mod will give .5 mpg as one of my drivers on a 4 axle tried on and off consistant results. You would not need boost regulator with 6nz file installed, will not derate. Trim codes work well on 6NZ and MBN. I have programs to adjust and flash Cat ecm.

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droy

Posts: 12
Joined: Aug 2008

Tuesday August 26, 2008 11:15
DDS, You have my attention! Not in any type of racing or other high hp gig, just an owner/ operator who would be satisfied if this truck would match the fuel mileage and performance of my two previous trucks. Would like to get a little more info from you on this, if I could; how would be the best way to contact you?

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mbaker

Posts: 16
Joined: Jul 2008

Wednesday August 27, 2008 14:38
that's great advice, Mine usually works on non bridge engines. Sorry for the confusion.

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DDS

Posts: 34
Joined: Aug 2008

Sunday August 31, 2008 05:55
I sent an email to you droy, if others need more information, contact me at davenportdiesel@sympatico.ca.

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Bulldog

Posts: 1
Joined: Jan 2008

Wednesday September 03, 2008 11:50

DDS i have 3406E 6TS have put put larger turbo and harness on boost sensor and put 5232 trim codes and all made some difference, mostly the turbo. it is 475 set at 550 at 1850 torque at dealer when new. it still just runs like a good 550. tried a few different settings but always came back to this for best power and milage. tried to change fls and flt to 30 fromm a c-16 but would not let us said not aurthorized, did not ask for password. any help would be appericaited. fls is 13 now do not know what is good choice numbers. i just try things if it works good if it don't i go back. thanks

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