1st gen sleeper?

[SteveMiller]

First is there any 1st gens going to run at Truck Fest at Bandimere July 25th?



So here's the deal. The last time I went to a dyno day/gathering there were no 1st gens there. So I hope there are some nice 1st gens at truck fest but in the case that there isnt' I was thinking I'd rather run my 92 rather than my 97. For one big reason is my 97 I use for making money and don't want to risk breaking it.



And the other reason is I actually like my 92 and want to see more 1st gens at gatherings. So I'm trying to figure out what I might do to get the most out of it for the least money and with little time left. I know Pastor Bob has done a great job of doing each stage but I can't do it all before july 25th so I'd like to do some that will give me the biggest net gains and cost the least.



This is what I'm starting with. 3. 55 gears, getrag, boost gauge, pyro, hx35/40 hybrid with 12cm2 housing(does great up here at altitude, never have a egt problem and the wastegate is closed) Plan to turn up the fuel and adjust valves next week. My air filter housing has been swiss cheesed to get more air. I plan to also try to advance timing but don't have a tach. If getting the timing adjusted would cost about the same as just getting a tach I'd rather get the tach. I'd rather get the tach anyway but I'm not sure how best to spend my rather small slush fund I do have before the big day.



Things to note is that this truck does get driven around town but it has been promoted to "TOY" and doesn't get worked anymore. Also, if there is anything I can do temporarily for race day that may help me out that would be great. Obviously I'm not trying to just trash my truck but I wouldn't mind not being the slowest thing on the track that day.



All advise is welcome!

 

[BCaldwell]

Hi Steve,



I will probably be telling secrets but I got just over 240 out of my old early 91 no aftercooler and larger stock injectors. Wildman retimed the engine(loosen the pumpbolts and persuade the pumpto move as close to the head as possible Timed ) Loose the muffler, make sure you are getting full throttle travel. That should wake your truck up a bit.



Bill

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Steve, you have mail...



pb

 

["Mad Max"]

I'll be out of town - bummer

Steve, I'm in Peyton (suburb of Colorado Springs), and unfortunately I'll be out of town at that time, else I'd go for sure. I'd like to see what my numbers are up here at mile-high-level. The numbers in my profile were at PDR-level...



- Gonzo

 

[SteveMiller]

SamsRams,



I like the truck. Definately would love to see it run at truck fest. Maybe the RM area club will get a dyno day going later in the summer and you'll be able to make it up.



I have a question or two for you about your truck.



What tach did you use? You gave a part number but was that from the dealership? I need one in a bad way.



Also your dash is very nice. I've been contemplating the same sorts of "improvements" on mine. I definately like all the gauges. I was thinking about putting the gauges where the cummins lights are and moved those down to where the cargo light button is for better visibility. How well can you see the 2 low gauges when your driving and since you've had the dash apart is there any reason you wouldn't do it that way you can think of?



Thanks

Steve

 

["Mad Max"]

Actually the lower two oil and H2O gauges are tucked in just right - they don't really stick out, but you can see them right through the steering wheel. Worked pretty neat, and I just really wanted some numbers but not really in my face. The upper triple pod is a 2nd gen unit, Autometer #15002 (from memory... ?), that I trimmed to fit our 1st gen dash lines. All my gauges are Autometer Z-series (black bezel, black face) and look darned near 'factory'. The tach is #2888 (diesel tach) that has a trigger wire that straps to the alternator. Works slick.



I'm a fabricator, both metal and plastic, so for me the whole dash 'assembly' wasn't really hard, just time consuming. Worst part was first, drilling holes in the top of my nice dashboard and the front of the dash panel, and second vacuuming out all the plastic shavings from behind everywhere... .



I fabricate the 2-gauge panels out of aluminum myself, along with a few other items, but you'd have to PM me or call off-line about those, etc.



We'll have to get together and swap BOMB stories. I'd like to do a Rocky Mountain Bomb fest out here, maybe a small one at my house - sometime in late August. Any takers?



- Sam

 

[SteveMiller]

Sounds great. I'm looking to have/go to a get together sometime in August. I have a friend in the Springs that I need to go see too so I could kill 2 birds with 1 stone. Just let me know and I'm there. I bet I could drag a friend or 2 along too.



I have the autometer z series as well and like them but I have them mounted in a make shift mount on my dash. Nothing fancy just something quick to hold them. It wouldn't look as good in the 1st gens but I have a SPA dual digital in my 97 that's been spoiling me a little.



Anyway the autometer gauge may be the way I go. I was looking at the isspro but it wouldn't match my other ones as well.



Well hopefully we can get together sometime and checkout trucks and BS.



Thanks

Steve

 

[dpuckett]

Steve-

If you dont want to cut into your dash, go for the A-pillar mount. I have the autometer pod (number excapses my memory right now) set up with ISSPRO EV gauges. I have gotten used to it. Only problem is, I dont think they make a 3 gauge pillar mount.



Daniel

 

[SteveMiller]

You know i got the pillar mount originally but didn't like the way the gauges seem to point up and not at me.



I never actually installed it but I didn't think I would like that or the loss of sight that my friends 2nd gen seems to have from the pillar gauges. So I sold it off to someone else.



You like it though and don't have a problem with either of those things? All in all it would be the easiest for me to install but I think I'll try for the in dash look. I already made one mount for my 97 in dash gauge and it turned out pretty good. Plus it adds to the sleeper aspect if people don't see the gauges lining the pillar.



thanks for the info though.

 

[southpaw]

Steve , SamRams has pictures posted on his site they were very helpful for me , I used his idea and installed isspro in auto meter 3 guage dash mt holder it hurt to drill the dash but i did it and the install looks good i also have a dash pad that i cut and it snugs tight around the pod. I also used the isspro tach in my 93 after locating the plug it was a simple push in the connector and go i also believe there are little differences in the guages and i chose isspro because they seem to be easier for me to read at night eyes arent what they used to be. I would have been happy with any brand of guages advertised on the TDR. have fun .

 

[glhs]

Steve,

I didn't see you at the last dyno day (which happened to be my first).

I am going to try to have a new clutch and nv4500 in place before I try mine at the strip.

As for guages, I have the Banks four guage pod on the dash and am happy with them.

Kurt

 

[SteveMiller]

Well there was a Dyno day up in Ft. Collins I miss and maybe others but the last one I went to was a PSD sponsered thing just off Sheridan between I-70 and I-76. The dodge guys waited around all day and went fairly late into the evening. And they showed the best numbers of the day (of course) Oo.



However, I did not take a truck. My 1st gen was still my work truck and hadn't really been upgraded much yet. So I went with a buddy in his 2nd Gen. So the ATS festivities on the 24th will be the first Dyno my truck has seen. (Sadly meaning I have no baseline numbers) Actually I hope it will be the first Dyno both of my trucks have seen. And then off to the strip the next day.



I'm sure I won't have time to improve upon the looks of my gauges before Truck Fest so everyone get ready to see some big ugly.



Steve

 

[SteveMiller]

Just as an update,



I wanted to say thanks to everyone that gave me some info on how to get my truck moving. I still plan to do them but I checked for boost leaks and my intercooler is having some serious issues and I just couldn't get it taken care of in time for the races.



So I took my 2nd Gen instead. It was fun and I ran a 16. 9 but I really would have liked to see what the ol' truck can do.



Till next time

Steve

 

[drives mopars]

il would be over 300 and 960 to bad iam not there