Ramblings and ITP cudos

[youngster]

Well, my attempt to fuse the three pillar guage (from the pickup) cluster to the existing factory a piller is a bit more challenging than I originally planned -- things just won't adhere. Still working on it and will post pictures when done.

UPS just arrived with my ITP fuel bypass kit (as well as the in tank, pre pump, and HX kit). My initial reaction was WOW! These kits are so well packed for shipping it is unbelieveable! The kits themselves are so detailed and complete (including tie wraps and teflon tape)!! Then you read the instructions and see the pictures and realize that there doesn't appear to be a way to screw up the install!! They have thought of everything! Even though the instructions are for the pickup, they will be very helpfull when I install the kit in my 01 van. I will be taking pictures and looking for a place to mount the regulator. I have agreed to send ITP pictures of my install so that they might have better instructions for those of you with vans that want to install their kits!

Purchased an intercooler element off EBay but it hasn't arrived yet. Think I have the design for the end tanks and hose fittings settled in my mind. I am still working on how to attach this beast using existing mount locations (from the stock grille). I will have to cut into the hood to run the charge lines. As the cooler will become my front grille, I will cough up extra money and get the entire unit polished before installing (the cooler, tanks and all fittings will be aluminum).

Between hanging new interior doors and doing yardwork I might get some time this weekend to start upgrading the van! Hope you all have a nice President's day weekend!
Colin
[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[Aceman]

Colin,congrats on being the first vanner to plan on installing all of the fuel mods. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
I'am thinking of installing these fuel mods too if I ever get a chance to break free from work. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]
Let us know how you make out on this project as I'am sure everyone would love to hear the results (especially the intercooler setup) [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img].

Take it easy,
Tom

[youngster]

Tom,
The intercooler is going to take a while. The fabrication work alone is stuff I've never done on this level. The 'cooler not only has to be funtional it absolutely MUST look cool too! Then there's the whole chopping the hood thing. It is hard to chop something up that you have 50k invested in.
As for the fuel mods, while I ordered the HX mod, I will probably wait to install it. After doing [a lot] of reading I, for the moment, have to agree with TexasTowncar in that if there is a differential in oil pressure between the rails, there is something wrong with the oil pump itself. I am anxious to get the in tank, pre pump, and bypass regulator installed. I'm doing the fuel filter at the same time - regardless of whether it needs it or not. Too much of a pain to not do it while everything is out of the way.
Currently, my van is only getting 12.8 mpg and it weighs in at around 9000#.

Now that I have the kit in my hands, I can more easily dream about what silence sounds like ( or atleast what my tires sound like when rolling down the road!)

Colin
[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[trucktech]

Instead of chopping your hood, get a used one from the wreakers to do the modifications on. If you screw up at least you won't feel so bad. Make sure you take lots of pictures and don't hold back on what is involved. I am sure there are a few who would like to install an IC in their van, but are just waiting for someone to come up with a good design. Good luck.

[Aceman]

Colin,have you installed the regulator and pre pump kits yet?
I"am interested in installing the regulator and hx mod along with a new 4 bank 4 program chip from David Lott at www.dieselinnovations.com this spring.
Let us all know how many labor hours the regulator kit will take you along with any obstacles you may encounter along the way.

Take it easy,
Tom

[youngster]

Tom,
While I ordered the HX kit, I probably won't install it. After emailing TTC, I think he is right in that if the oil pressure is not equal on each side of the head, this signifies a problem with the oil pump itself.
The pre pump mods are on and I don't like the plumbing layout I used (doesn't look neat and tidy--I am going to have some hoses custom made Tuesday or Wednesday). I am going to re-plumb it this week and will take pictures. I am also going to drop the tank again and remove the black foot this time. I did the mods in the tank and everything works well and things are noticibly quieter -- until I get to 1/4 tank when it gets noisy again. I am going to remove the black expansion foot and replace it with a rubber hose that has a spring over it to keep it on the bottom of the tank as it expands and contracts due to weight of fuel in it. I think this will make me a happier camper. I still haven't found a pre filter I like and will drop the tank a third time when I find something I like.
I have the bypass kit and will tackle this later in the month. I have major renovations going on in the house that are rapidly coming to an end. Once the carpet is in (within three weeks) I'll find a suitable location for the regulator. On first inspection, I am going to have to custom make a mount for it. I am trying to find a way to mount the regulator so it can be accessed by merely removing the doghouse--I sat in the van for over an hour the other night trying to determine the best mounting location. Haven't forgotten about posting the results, construction is just taking longer than expected (I should have expected this though [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] ).
Colin

[Aceman]

Colin,I agree with you on the hx mod.
I'am still deciding on who to buy the regulator mod from.
Either www.dieselinnovations.com or www.innovative-truck-products.com/ will get my business.
Whoever gives me the best package deal,I guess. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Tell me about being busy with work,I'am backlogged about 2 weeks with my business and I'am the only employee. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]
I can't wait for spring.

[Aceman]

Colin,I'am going to purchase the complete fuel,prepump and tank mod kits from Dennis at www.innovative-truck-products.com
Dennis is a great guy to deal with! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
David Lott lost out on some future business from me since he never returned my email I sent twice. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]
Dennis stated that you and I would have to fabricate a new bracket (as you stated above) to mount the regulator as the bracket in the kit is made for the trucks. I was wondering where you will mount the regulator since you have the kit already. I know you won't install the kit for a few weeks,but
does the kit include enough hose length so that the regulator could be mounted to the right or left of the front engine bay for our vans?
I would like to keep the regulator in an area that is easily accessible and not have to remove the doghouse to adjust the fuel pressure.
Dennis said he could make the regulator hoses longer if needed.

On another note,I'am going to have Dennis at www.tsperformanceproducts.com/ burn me in one of his new 3 position flip chips when they are available later this month. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] This combination should work great with the fuel mods. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]
An 80,125 and 140hp program should work well. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]
I'll need the "Colin intercooler Deluxe" soon. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
Take it easy,
Tom