If you had a bottomless bank account, you’d get every available bell, whistle, and other attachment for your diesel truck to improve its performance and extend its life. Unfortunately, most of us aren’t billionaires or even millionaires, so we need to assess every possible upgrade with an eye toward our limited funds. Keeping your diesel-powered vehicle rolling doesn’t have to involve spending ridiculous amounts of dough! Here are 10 of the best diesel upgrades on a budget. Look them over and decide which one (or two or three) you can do right now. Not only are these upgrades affordable, but they’ll also make your investment in your truck pay off!

Cold Air Intake System

One of the most cost-effective ways to boost performance in your pickup truck is through installing a cold air intake system. This upgrade increases airflow to the engine, compressing more oxygen into the engine’s space and leading to better combustion and more power. With a cold-air intake system upgrade, you’ll see a big upturn in the horsepower your engine turns out. You’ll also reap better fuel efficiency and savings at the fuel pump. Plus, the engine will sound more powerful, with a deeper growl that announces your presence.

Performance Exhaust System

Want your engine to breathe easier? A performance exhaust system reduces backpressure, so your engine’s exhaust won’t back up into the engine and interfere with operation. Unlock greater horsepower and torque, making your truck perform better on and off the road. You’ll spend less time and money filling up, too. A performance exhaust system also delivers the roar that signals your truck’s inner power.

Diesel Tuner/Programmer

Your truck has an onboard computer, or engine control unit (ECU), that regulates different things, such as fuel efficiency and horsepower. Custom performance tuning reprograms this computer, changing the factory presets to settings that optimize performance. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase horsepower, torque, and fuel economy in your truck. Tune your pickup for different conditions, improve fuel delivery, and monitor engine performance in real time while you drive.

Upgraded Intercooler

An upgraded intercooler keeps the engine’s air intake temperature low, even during heavy towing or high-performance driving. Low air temperature means denser air, which means more oxygen, better combustion, and increased power. It also reduces the potential for engine overheating, so the components lasts long and curb engine failure. You will see positive changes in your vehicle’s fuel consumption habits, as well.

High-Flow Fuel Injectors

High-flow fuel injectors drastically improve your truck’s performance by delivering more fuel to the engine. With an improved atomization process, the engine generates more complete combustion. More fuel leads to greater horsepower and torque, so your pickup truck runs better, goes faster, and can do more work. Fuel efficiency also goes way up, improving mileage and reducing the number of trips to the gas station. The environment benefits as well since complete combustion means fewer emissions and cleaner air!

Performance Air Filter

Inspect and replace your truck’s air filters regularly to keep the engine free from dust and debris. High-performance air filters are particularly good at screening out the bad stuff while improving airflow to the engine. Clean air circulating means a healthier and happier engine. Horsepower gets a boost, the air to fuel ratio improves, and the engine is safe from gunk in the air and exhaust that could otherwise contaminate it.

Suspension Lift Kit

Installing a suspension lift kit is a fantastic and affordable way to lift your truck’s spirits and its performance. This mod gives your pickup better ground clearance, letting you easily traverse rough terrain. With a higher and more aggressive stance, handling becomes a breeze, as well. It makes your truck stand out from others and gives it a more rugged look.

Turbocharger Upgrade

If you haven’t upgraded your vehicle’s turbocharger yet, why not? Upgrading the turbo significantly boosts your truck's overall performance by compressing the air that enters the engine. A larger, more efficient, and higher quality turbocharger increases power output and improves throttle response, as well. You’ll automatically see increased horsepower and torque, letting you tow heavier loads and more cargo.

Acceleration also improves through faster spool times and improved throttle response. And yes, your diesel consumption will drop, providing greater fuel economy and letting you squeeze more miles out of each gallon. If you make only one upgrade to your pickup truck, upgrade the turbocharger!

Upgraded Fuel Pump

A fuel pump does exactly what you think it would do: pump fuel. Rather than the fuel pump at the gas station, this fuel pump is something you install under the hood, helping your engine receive all the fuel it needs right when it needs it. It works in conjunction with most of the other upgrades, supporting higher performance applications, ensuring consistent fuel pressure, and making sure the fuel keeps flowing for better combustion. Talk to your mechanic about the best fuel pump for your vehicle.

Upgraded Clutch

Some trucks work on manual transmission. If yours is one of those trucks, then upgrading the clutch allows you and it to handle the increased power from all the other performance modifications. Installing a heavy-duty clutch sends all the power your engine produces straight to the wheels without slipping. An upgraded clutch will handle all that extra power and torque, last a long time, and resist slippage even under heavy loads.

Those are 10 of the best diesel upgrades on a budget. As you can see, upgrading your diesel truck doesn’t have to mean going broke or bankrupt. Focus on these budget-friendly options to enhance your truck’s performance, efficiency, and longevity. From cold air intakes to upgraded clutches, these modifications offer great bang for your buck and will make a noticeable difference in your driving, hauling, towing, winching, and other experiences. Want to learn more? We offer some of the best and most affordable upgrades for power, efficiency, and longevity in your diesel truck. Contact us today with questions and for a consultation!