Need input on 1986 Freightliner FLC120

1986 Freightliner FLC120. Set forward axle.
Engine: Cummins NTC315
Beige paint on engine.
Green pain on engine heads.
Engine has Jake Brake.


Single turbo.


History of truck. Purchased this truck from a friend years ago. The truck had been wrecked. Cab was bent. We replaced cab. The story of that truck is that it had a fresh overhaul before the wreck. The engine was supposedly turned up to a 400 horsepower setting at the shop that performed the overhaul.
Truck runs pretty decent. I does, in fact, seem to to run slightly better than 315 horsepower. We use this truck as a lowboy truck for our heavy equipment business.


The only trouble we have had with truck was a few cooling issues due to radiator. We had the radiator rebuilt with a new core. Engine does not run hot now.


I am pretty sure that it was put back as a low flow cooling system if my memory serves me correctly.


The truck is sentimental as my father is ill and we bought this truck together. I am aware that this is not a desirable truck as for example; Peterbilt and Kenworth classic style trucks.


The truck runs good, but I need more power because I haul in the mountains of Northeast Georgia. I need to be able to stay ahead of traffic so as to when I swing to make a turn into a side road or driveway, traffic is now backed up behind me and in a panic to pass me on the inside when swinging wide to make a turn in. Power in my area is actually needed for safety. Also, I pull heavy loads and power is necessary.


The truck is paid for. I do not drive the truck except for when moving between jobs. I do not need a new truck and I do not need a new payment. I can use the truck as I am fixing it up.


The engine plate ID tag is very hard to read due to corrosion on the aluminum tag. After taking a picture of the tag, Pittsburgh power replied via email saying that it was a CPL 749 engine.


I occasionally drive my friends Peterbilt trucks which have 6nz Cat engines with 18 speeds, pdi big hoss turbos, Pittsburgh power boxes, and PDI ECM computers. They are absolute beasts. That kind of power is exactly what I need in my truck.


I realize, someone is going to say.....just go buy a truck with a 6nz engine. Well, I do not want truck payments. Can I get a pretty close power output from my truck?


I do not want my truck to be a grenade with fuel only power that forces me to baby it and back out of it on hills and never allow others to drive it. I know that I could probably put a button in it and get lots of fuel and roll coal...but I want to do it right.


I would like to start with things that are foundation based modifications that allow me to. Build the power up as I can afford it.
Does my engine have the liners with the recessed lip in the block that is able to withstand more boost and heat? Or, do I need to to be done via a mobile machine shop and new pistons and liners?
If that is too much expense, what is a realistic setup to use on my truck? Or should I put that investment into it?
What is the mvp system that Pittsburgh power sells? Any pictures of it? Do I have to manually turn on the mvp system as I accelerate?


Will twin turbos help my truck? Do I need an intercooler system from in front of my radiator? Where can I find that setup at a junk yard?


Does anyone have the detail parts, part numbers, and instructions to convert my truck over to high flow cooling?
Do I need a harmonic balancer?
Injectors?
Lower compression Teflon coated Pistons?
Twin turbos?


Does anyone make a pyro gauge that has an alert when temps get over the limit? Is their a pyro system that cuts the fuel back?
Is my engine an stp timing engine?


And, in the end....what is the best cheapest engine I could look for in a junk yard that makes the best foundation for a modifiable motor that makes awesome power?
Fuel mileage is kinda....kinda important in case I want to make a long haul occasionally. But, it is not the priority as long as it is within reason.


I do not want to use the truck for truck pulls. I want solid power that is dominate to most other trucks on the road.


Has anyone seen that ugly Freightliner FLD heavy hail truck on YouTube that has the mvp system with. Twin turbos that puts out 800 horsepower? It has dual transmissions. Halas heavy transport? It is a red truck. Can I do that with my truck?


Thanks. Advice is appreciated.