Questions to a new Cummins ISX15 mechanic.

I can't see this method working out for you in terms of affordability, if you start searching for the exact spec that you want, a plane ticket would not be near the expense. All the manufacturers have websites that you can search the inventory anywhere, it just takes a little time, but still a lot cheaper.

 

I might be wrong, but I think you can only go up to 525 on that engine and then you need to change pistons/turbo and injectors. There are 3 levels and the top one goes up to 600. You are in the second level. I'll need to double check once I'm at work, but it sounds right. After market tuners will let you crank it as high as you want to go.
However its alot of time and money spent trying to make the truck what you want it to be. As taildragon says, buy what you want.

 

The engine cpl# says what the engine hard parts are. pistons, head, turbo, ect. There are usually many engine ratings within the same cpl. You can calibrate to any rating within the cpl without engine damage. The cpl# is on the engine data tag. Check with the dealer service dept. They can find the calibrations in the cummins incal program.

 

These companies main strength is in advertising used trucks, I thought you were looking at new trucks, Volvo, Paccar, Freightliner, Navistar all have their own websites that you can search their inventory, new as well as used. I once flew from Indiana to Seattle and another time flew to San Antonio to get exactly what I was looking for. It does take time, I am sure you would be more satisfied going this route, there is more than meets the eye going the route that you are thinking. You might even want to consider a glider spec'd the way you want it a few companies on line that are in this line of work, might be a tad cheaper as well, I haven't checked lately. Hang in there.

 

I have the same motor in my new truck. Although mine is rated at 450/1650 and I am running a 13 double over and slightly steeper gearing. Turn about 1500 rpm at 65 mph. I have not really felt the need for more umph out of this setup and I haul fairly heavy averaging over 100,000lbs gross and it does great actually.

I run mostly ND though and we don't have much for hills but I was out on I94 west of Jamestown yesterday and coming back east, I did not have to down shift for the Medina Hill for the first time in 6 years and I was grossing 98,000 lbs.

 

There is no need to upgrade the clutch and tranny to get a power increase unless it's still under warranty. I ran a 500 N14(1750) with a 9513(900).

 

The max engine hp is gonna be 450 and max torque will be 1750 for that engine.