Cat 3406 e change horse power

yes, you need the correct turbo, injectors, and computer program best I remember..

I was in the same boat as you back then, I wanted more HP......I had the correct turbo but in order to go 550 I needed new injectors and have the computer flashed...

 

My truck was born with a 435 and its a 3406E 5EK series. I have a 1Lw 550 BrakeSaver file and the hard part I have change is the turbo. You can keep the same turbo with a 500 file but you would be pushing it with a 550. The only other hard part I change was the dampner with a Vibratec, but that was cause I wanted the extra insurance and CAT recommends to be changed at 500,000 miles if I'm not mistaken, it's cheaper then replacing the crank.
You will need to fine someone who will be able to help you with a tune(flash file). There are several member's or what's left of them on here and hopefully they will chime in.
I wouldn't about the transmission long as you don't gas on it hard going thru the gears. Mine is a RTO16913 and had no issues.

 

I wouldn't worry about transmission either .. I've run and have buddies also who pushed 600 plus hp to a 1650 ft/lb tranny with no issues pulling 100,000 lbs other than the initial high mileage clutch going out sooner which you then upgrade no issues IF you take easy through the low gears . Hammer it hard through gears then you probably will break

 

stock 550 only puts down around 470 to the ground id just tune it and ride

 

You're only losing 5% I wouldn't touch a thing LOL.

 

if you been thinking you had 500 hp
can't you keep pretending you do
i been telling the wife about this 8" thing for so many years now
I even believe it