Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 12 valve experts, what should I know

[RJPotts]

Alright,

I'm thinking about finding, buying, and then BOMBing a 12 valver.

The main reason, I can sell my truck and have about $12,000-$15,000 (for mods and the "house" fund) left over depending on what kind of deal I can find. Also because the future wife can't drive the 6 speed (and I'm getting tired of it myself), etc...

I know basically everything I need to do BOMB wise thanks to David Dunbar and Jeff Garmon, so I don't really need to know about mods, I just want to know about normal problems and things that I should look out for and be aware of from your experiences.

If it helps in your answers, I'm looking for a 97' or 98' QC Short bed 4x4 12 valve automatic.

Thanks a lot in advance,

R. J.

 

[JDougherty]

killer dowel pin.

 

[RJPotts]

What's that?

What's all this I hear about the "53 block"? Something I should/can avoid or is it a problem that is few and far between. This truck will be a daily driver, so the more reliable the stock truck the better the BOMBed truck will be.

My plan is gauges first, transmission second, cam plate will be nixed next, springs, injectors, head, twins, water meth.

I'd like to be somewhere in the 500-600 rwhp range.

What is the best year model truck to look for that will be reliable all around.

I can deal with little problems so long as there isn't a new one every week, but big problems, like a cracked block, I can't do.

Thanks,

R. J.

 

[JDougherty]

killer dowel pin.

its a pin in the timing case that has been know to fall out. search for KDP and you will read for hours.



53block - basically motors more prone to cracking. search on 53 block and read for many more hours.

 

[RJPotts]

Excellent,

I'm guessing those are general problems that all/any models could have, anything year specific I should look out for, or should I just go get the newest truck with the lowest mileage I can find that seems to be all good?

-R. J.

 

[CMckee]

pretty hard tp beat a 12v for cheap and easy bombing and relaiablityas a daily driver. have fun rj. !

 

[TrqMonster]

Only problem I have had was I blew the headgasket last year. Knew it would happen, just a matter of time. Good time to fire-ring or o-ring and studs, etc.

 

[RJPotts]

I figured the 12 valve was the way to go. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't opening a whole new can of worms. I plan, as I said earlier, to do the trans and gauges first then either get a new cam plate or remove it completely, then some injectors and shortly after that fire ring/o-ring and stud the head then build a twin setup (stock 35 and a HT3B until I have the money for a better top turbo). That's the plan for now anyways.

Thanks for your help.

-R. J.

 

[bmoeller]

Would suggest a '97-98 truck. It has the Hydraboost brake booster.



Don't run plateless, hard on the pump. Just grind your stock plate into a 0# plate.

 

[zstroken]

I would be surprised if you can find a clean 97 12V for less than $12k a clean 98 12 valve for less than $15K. I could be wrong. I am guessing your truck probably worth about $22K(mileage, condition, options???) and you would have to sell it outright. I have a set of stacks on mine and sometimes they aren't the best selling feature. Remember too if your going to an automatic, and gonna be near 600HP you need TC/VB, and minimum billet input shaft and probably a transmission rebuild while your at it. (TC<=$1000, VB<=$400, input shaft <=$600, clutchs and seals <=$500 , total of probably $2500 plus labor) I mean the 12V is a great for cheap big HP, but it is hard to beat the streetable HP of the 24V. I mean an in cab adjustable box is super sweet when it comes to smoke control, electronically controlled timing is marvelous also. Just depends on what you want I guess

 

[RJPotts]

Yeah, I think I talked myself out of selling the 24 valver, I'm gonna keep it, get the MAD ECM, a fueling box some sticks and probably an HT3B for the bottom and few other little things. Later on down the road, unless I find a good deal on one soon I'll probably just get a 12 valve engine and trans (maybe just a whole wrecked truck) and go with my original plan of building a race truck out of an S-10.

Thanks for the help anyways,

-R. J.

 

[biggy238]

See about putting some money into a fuel system to help your injection pump live easier if you havn't already.

 

[Swamp Donkey]

Can only get the quad cab 12v in the 98 model year. I have one of those gems!!!!

 

[TXDSLSHOP]

Count me in for 2 Gems then!