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Topic: Uprate power from cummins (Read 521 times) previous topic - next topic

Uprate power from cummins

This is a long shot but I'm at Cummins this morning to update my ECM. I had read somewhere that some people on here had Cummins also perform an uprate and bump up the HP.

How long ago has anyone done this? Cummins is telling me they can't find an uprate file to download based on my application. Maybe they stopped since these are so old.

Thanks
Dylan and Aimee
2001 U320 4013
Unit# 5896
450 HP/IFS
 

Re: Uprate power from cummins

Reply #1 –
Programming for the 500hp but will require a different turbo. Personally im happy with the performance and dependability. I read something about one of the members upgrading

Re: Uprate power from cummins

Reply #2 –
I believe it was Dave Metzler who bumped his 36' up to 500 hp. It was expensive and required his serial number to be strong enough for the upgrade. One other member tricked the ecm into thinking that it had the new turbo with the wastegate installed to keep from throwing codes. He did it with a resister on the wiring loom and was able to get a tech to modify the ecm.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Uprate power from cummins

Reply #3 –
Wondering if they do find the uprate file tune will they require me to install the hardware first (if it's actually required)
The tech is calling Cummins Quickserve now to see if there is a file availabe...if not I'll just get the ECM updated and be on my way.

Looks like there was about 5 updates to the ECM from 01 to 03. This coach has never had an update. Probably a waist of time and $$$$ ($210). Looks like there is some cruise control updates along with a hard start issue fixed (which I've never had an issue with) and some other random stuff.
Dylan and Aimee
2001 U320 4013
Unit# 5896
450 HP/IFS
 

Re: Uprate power from cummins

Reply #4 –
Quote from: craneman –
I believe it was Dave Metzler who bumped his 36' up to 500 hp.
Yup.  Dave loved to brag on his hotrod coach.  See example post below:

Hello, new to the forum

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Uprate power from cummins

Reply #5 –
Possible the update will give you better mileage.  Or it could get worse.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Uprate power from cummins

Reply #6 –
Quote from: turbojack –
Possible the update will give you better mileage.  Or it could get worse.
Since I'm just a weekend warrior I'm not too concerned about losing a little mpg. I'll probably only put 3-5k miles per year on this coach....just want that little extra grunt going through the mountains.
Dylan and Aimee
2001 U320 4013
Unit# 5896
450 HP/IFS
 

Re: Uprate power from cummins

Reply #7 –
Yup, engine manufacturers/vehicle manufacturers do engine upgrades for one of three reasons-- two good, one bad:

More power (least likely)
Longevity
Emissions (most likely)

Many suggest NOT getting am ECM update unless there is a specific issue that needs to be addressed that the update will address.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Uprate power from cummins

Reply #8 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Yup, engine manufacturers/vehicle manufacturers do engine upgrades for one of three reasons-- two good, one bad:

More power (least likely)
Longevity
Emissions (most likely)

Many suggest NOT getting am ECM update unless there is a specific issue that needs to be addressed that the update will address.
X2 it's 20+ years old, been my sperince if it's working leave it alone, unless you have issues. Also remember more HP means more heat for the cooling system to handle.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Uprate power from cummins

Reply #9 –
They weren't able to uprate HP but I did go ahead and updated the ECM. So far no issues...like I mentioned earlier, probably a waist of 200 bucks but it's done now 😁
Dylan and Aimee
2001 U320 4013
Unit# 5896
450 HP/IFS
 
 

Re: Uprate power from cummins

Reply #10 –
After Cummins updated my ECM3 years ago, I noticed a quicker turbo spool up, and much quicker engine starts...lowered the oil pressure threshold for injector permission.  Also the cruise control will now remember the settings even after shut down, trivial but nice addition.  No change in horsepower or mpg sadly.  Cummins tech said definitely NEVER up-tune the ISM450.  Your Allison will not be happy and you'll wear out the motor, u-joints, etc much, much sooner.  Just sayin'.

Quote from: dlkj07 –
They weren't able to uprate HP but I did go ahead and updated the ECM. So far no issues...like I mentioned earlier, probably a waist of 200 bucks but it's done now 😁
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold