Documenting my Cat RE-Rate and unlocking Allison 6th speed

[Peterjk]

My bus is all done, but I still want to re-rate the ECM as well as unloack 6th.
Im going to document the journey here:
2005 Cat C7, specs are attached....


Allison MD3060 SN 6510521594
Rear Axle, Dana ModNO: 22060S

[Peterjk]

Step 1, where to look up a Re-rate....

[TJones]

I think you would have to go to a Cat authorized service center or find an aftermarket company that will tune CAT. The service center would look at your engine serial # and determine what HP tunes are available for the specific components installed in your engine. Higher HP rating often require different injectors and other internal parts.

Ted

[Peterjk]

Thanks Ted. I will start w that. Im about 200 miles north of Peoria IL which is Cats headquarters so worst case Ill look for one there.

[Peterjk]

Going to start w these guys to see what they say...

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

another important question is if the head bolts need to be changed to head studs to handle more power as well as some of the internals.

[fo4imtippin]

Theres a video on Deboss Garage where he swapped a 3126 into a 1993 Superduty. He had two donor motors and went over how to review the parts to see the max rating of each component and used the strongest of the two. At the end, he had the flash upgraded to like 325hp. I didnt watch every video in the series, but it was informative.


Also, i watch adept ape. He reviews this as well in a better summary for not making physical changes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOgm...JhdGluZw%3D%3D

[Peterjk]

Yep, Ive seen the Adept Ape video, thanks! What I would like to see is a re-rate chart for my engine. I don't think I should have to be a diesel shop to have access to that ? Could I just call Cat and ask if a re-rate is available ? I also have my own CAT ET so could just flash the ECM myself. How hard can it be, its not even a real computer. So same principles would follow, back up the current image, then flash, cross fingers. Something like that.

Regarding stronger head bolts. I hadn't heard that from anyone else doing a re-rate in any other discussion on this forum and swapping head bolts.
I wouldn't want to get into doing anything crazy like that.

A re-rate of +50 horsepower or so wont [shouldn't] upset the apple-cart in any way, I would think these engines are set under-powered in the first place. I can attest to that when my speed drops from 65 to 45 when doing even a slight uphill in the mid-west. The engine doesn't have enough power to pull even a gentle hill and stay on speed.
I'm usually passed by other RV's which Ill bet have like Cat C7's like I'm standing still : )

[cadillackid]

snag the cracked version of CAT ET with factory password and set the rate to whatever you want.. just be careful as just like the IH engines there is different hardware in the high rated CAT engines... so you can break them bad by just uprating something crazy..



getting 6th gear unlocked - theres several 3rd parties members have used here with great luck..



going the factory route may sound noble but its a crap ton of paperwork and lots of waiting and $$$ only to most times never get done..

[Peterjk]

Thanks @cadillackid
RE:
snag the cracked version of CAT ET with factory password and set the rate...

Ok, I have that version : )

So where do I go to set that. I'll look around of course. I "thought" I needed a flash file to do a rerate.

Same goes for the Allison, I heard of folks unlocking 6th at Schooliepalooza. I have that hookup too with NextIQ, just no clue how to. I'll need to spend some time under the bus to hook into the Allison and see.

[Peterjk]

So looking at his 5yo video, I need to stay within my family of engines.
According to the chart for non-emergency vehicles, C7's, serial number starting with KAL...which mine is.
Mine is 300 hp 800ftlb torque, assuming its never had a rerate.
I have 2 jumps I can make....but, still need a flash file.

So one simple question might be, does anyone have such a flash file ? for 330/860

[Peterjk]

This DOES NOT require changing any hardware but, you should note if your trans can handle the additional horsepower.
I have an Allison MD 3060...given the chart below, does is appear it can handle it ?
370/1100. Appears so ? Im not sure what the (276) means.

[Peterjk]

Found a cleaner rerate chart:
https://ww2-secure.justanswer.com/up..._Nov06_Rel.pdf


Does NewInj mean I would have to flip injectors? Thats a non-starter for me to gain 30hp.


Another helpful forum I found talking about rerates. Takeaway is, its around $500 for 30+ hp, possibly worth it.

[Peterjk]

A Cat C7 Tuner ? Ive not heard of this, but it was mentioned in several forums.
Interesting...
Has anyone tried one ?
https://www.usdieselchips.com/cat-c7-in-rv-motorhome/
At $445, it would cut thru all the bs of a rerate and its a quick install. IF it works that is...
https://www.usdieselchips.com/2005-cat-c7-mh/

[cadillackid]

I havent seen a C7 tuner.. doesnt mean they dont exist though..



the charts for your trans.. be sure to read any notes.. the new charts for allison transmissions are misleading as the torque and HP ratings on anything after about 2010 or so require SEM.. (essentially where the TCM tells the ECM to reduce power before and during a shift).. since transmissions have much better holding power than they do braking power.. (every allison shift is some sort of braking action on a clutch)... SEM aims to increase the torque rating.. I dont know of any 3126 or C7 1st gen to have that capability..



flash files ....


there Might be flash files available on MHH or Cartechnology.

[Peterjk]

This video seems legit

..., Id be interested if anyone here has tried this. Im going to call em to discuss how this hooks up. clearly there's no re-rate required for this.

[Peterjk]

This is another option Im considering via this forum, sending in the TCM to be reprogrammed:
Express Equipment Sales
Charlie Ball
571-251-5811
cballexpressauto@aol.com
https://www.pcmperformance.com/TCMs.html


https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f33/a...-15746-11.html


I sent a email to Charlie asking if he still performs this service....

[Peterjk]

Regarding Allison shift-points, I also was not aware of this feature, economy and performance modes:


"Every time you start the motorhome or bus, the transmission is in Performance Mode. This is the default setting. If you push the mode button, it goes to Economy Mode and the light illuminates."


The article is found here:
https://familyrvingmag.com/2012/03/0...n-mode-button/

[Peterjk]

Sent a letter to Thomas Busses via this link and customer service asking for a Authorization letter to unlock 6th for Allison.


https://thomasbuiltbuses.com/about-us/contact-us/

[Peterjk]

Received my unlock 6th letter from Thomas...yey!

Also got an email from Charles to get the Allison TCM reprogrammed. Ill be sending in later. I think this is the simplest and best way to go about it given what Ive read so far on the subject.
_____________________________
Hi Peter
I would be glad to get your 6th gear unlocked for you.
...can mail your TCM to me and I will program it and mail it back.
The cost is $400 for the programming and that includes return shipping.
Fell free to call or text me. I get a lot of email so text would probably be best.

Thanks
Charlie Ball