New RAM HD 1000 lb-ft

RoyJ wrote:
There ARE other changes to the engine than just "dial up the boost" - that's not how OEMs do it, nor would it pass their durability / warranty testing.

The new engine has a different head, stronger / lighter pistons, stronger connecting rods, and altered turbo geometry. All that just to gain 15 hp and 75 lb-ft of torque.

How many of us would change that much just to gain 15/75? Shows the much higher standards of OEM power validation compared to "tuners".

Nope, I worked at Cummins and can honestly tell you that while reliability is high on the list, it is not the most important thing, passing emissions is. In fact, reliability is even decreased in the way of EGR's, unproven fuel pumps, and less reliable VGT for the sole purpose of meeting emissions.

The OE's have to pass a dyno certification in order to sell their engines so they have to tune it to pass these tests as well as providing a safe generic fuel mapping for many users in many applications and many scenarios. The aftermarket does not have to pass a dyno certification. Well..... they have to, but most don't.

They can also custom tune a truck for different applications instead of the one size fits all generic tune from the factory. When you are not towing, you don't need to reduce fueling to keep the EGT's low and you are not putting that much strain on your trans so you can safely add more power(to a point) when unloaded and dial it back when towing. All I have to do is turn a 4 way switch and I can go from a tune that is safe for towing to a higher power tune when i am not. OE's can't do that with emissions regulations.

Also, Cummins does add power to many of their engines via tuning without changing any of the hard parts all the time. They did it with the 6.7L, ISX, ISL, and many other engines. In fact, they even offer different power ratings on the same engine and you have to pay higher cost for the added power depending on how the truck is used. Almost all of the diesel manufacturers do this in the medium and heavy duty industry. Heck, my customers used to be able to pay a nominal fee for the licence from CAT to have their engines turned up by one of my 120 dealers. All that was involved was loading a tune that came from CAT.