275 hp Cummins

[Vin5563]

I have a 275 hp Cummins in a 38 ft 1998 Monaco Diplomat with 27K miles, is it possible or wise to install a chip to increase the HP like you can in most diesel pickups. Thanks John

[DSDP_Don]

"Vin5563"......There's a company called Source Engineering. They make a replacement engine fan for the Monaco rear radiator coaches. I'm not sure if they go back as far as your year model, but it adds/returns about 40 HP to your coach. The engine fan on yours could propel a small airplane. Source Engineering redesigned the fan to be more aerodynamic, yet it still cools as efficiently as yours. They're about $600.00. Most can be changed from the bedroom access cover.

I added one to my 400 ISL and could feel seat of the pants acceleration. On mine, it only added 25 HP. The smaller the engine, the faster it spins and the more HP you save by changing to their fan.

If you can chip yours (transmission capable of more HP) and add the fan, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[hershey]

I have the same engine and an Allison 1000 tranny. The tranny will not handle any additional hp.

[WILDEBILL308]

I think first you need to find out what engine you have. Get the serial number and it would be a good idea to get the serial number off the transmission as well. Call Cummins with your serial number,most parts counters can give you the info but you need the serial number. Ask what engine do you have is it electronic or manual. The engine that Doge uses is not exactly the same engine as you have.
Hear is where to go for your transmission.
http://www.allisontransmission.com/my-allison/customer
Bill

[et2]

Blaster Man wrote:
First thing I'd check is if the transmission can handle the extra horse power and torque.

^^^^ this is a wise comment. There have been many diesel PU drivers who have blown a perfectly good transmission trying to pull their fivers faster by adding a chip or programmer. Not to mention engine damage.

Why does it need a chip?

[wolfe10]

Need more information as there is already speculation as to which engine and which transmission you have:

Assume this is the Cummins B engine with Allison MD3060 6 speed electronic transmission.

Please confirm.

[Blaster_Man]

First thing I'd check is if the transmission can handle the extra horse power and torque.

[glamisorbust]

I also have a 5.9 275 cummins ISB in my '99 endeavor. I have been wondering the same thing.

I ran into a gentleman at a gas station a few months ago that had a 5.9 cummins in his truck and swore up and down you could put a programmer into an RV with the same engine. He called it a smarty JR and said it cost about $500.

He also said that the engine would go from a 275 hp to a 325 hp(or more) with just adding the programmer. Not sure if this is true, but might be worth buying if it actually works.

[Ivylog]

98 is when the 8.3 became a ISC... Electronic controls, but it may have a 97 engine. They are easy to increase the HP by changing the fuel plate to a #10. I've ground the stock plate to a #10. Do a google search.