Detroit 12.7 turbo upgrade

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Idaho379, May 28, 2022.

  1. Idaho379

    Idaho379 Bobtail Member

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    I have a 2000 12.7 with DCS 3 stage tune
    470-550-600hp.
    I still have the stock turbo and am wanting to upgrade.
    I am considering 171702 171701 or k31
    I haul locally, 104k loaded, 32k empty.
    I usually use the 550 setting. Sometimes 470 when empty.
    Thoughts on which would be best?
     
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  3. Bean Jr.

    Bean Jr. Road Train Member

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    I have heard that unless you're putting out some serious horse pressure, on a DDEC4, the waste gated K31 is the best replacement. If you're insistent on a non-waste gated turbo, the 1701 would be the better choice. This is a thread regarding which turbo 7 years ago. @allan5oh on the fourth page explains why the 1701 is the better choice.

    Borg Warner turbo upgrade ??
     
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  4. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    I've tried multiple turbos on my 60. The K31 with wastegate plugged outperformed all others in every way.

    Quicker throttle response, much more boost PSI, and decent fuel mileage.
     
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  5. DUNE-T

    DUNE-T Road Train Member

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    I have two identical trucks, one with k31 and one with 702. 702 has more pulling power up top, but k31 has way less lag, spools much faster.
    I personally prefer k31 and I think it would be better in your situation since you are local. 702 is for people who like to fly up the hill doing 70mph
     
  6. Idaho379

    Idaho379 Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for the input guy’s!

    sounds like the K31 might be best.
    What psi does the waste gate open?

    Where has the best price on these?
    Prices seem all over the place.. don’t want to end up with a Chinese knockoff
     
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  7. Idaho379

    Idaho379 Bobtail Member

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    how high will your boost get with wastegate blocked?
    Do you have a tune?
     
  8. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    I'm running a stock 500 with ceramic manifold and K31. I can pull about 35 psi.

    With my tuned 11.1 and a K31, i was pulling near 50 psi.

    I would think your engine would have came with a K31. Why do you think you need to change?

    I buy all of mine from River City Turbo in Little Rock. Think they're 750-800$ now.

    Where are you located?
     
  9. Bean Jr.

    Bean Jr. Road Train Member

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    I have around a 500 hp tune in a DDEC2. I have a 1701. I keep my foot in it for a long pull. On short pulls and I have it wound up, it's close to 35 psi.
     
  10. Idaho379

    Idaho379 Bobtail Member

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    Mine is a Garrett. Seems pretty small and restrictive.
    I’m in Idaho.
     
  11. Bean Jr.

    Bean Jr. Road Train Member

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    That is "I keep my foot out of it"
     
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