Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 3k GSK -- Wow

[bighammer]

The side plug has the advantage of not being able to loose anything in there and it's close to the opening. Kind of tough to see in the side though, and the plug can be difficult to thread back in. (we know better now)



Top has a pretty good view, but you are working down at he bottom of a small hole. I used a cheap little magnet from the hardware store. (basically a radio antenna with a small but powerful tip) The only close call was while puting the adjustment nut on. It turned sideways and the magnet sucked onto the flat spot of the spring retainer. I made a hook with a thin wire to make sure the nut didn't fall as I lifted the magnet.



I guess I still prefer the top because I can see what I'm doing. Maybe if I hadn't done the plate and had the tamper screw gone, the side may have been my choice.

 

[JWRowe]

GSK and plate

Installed PDR 3K GSK and D. D. 60 HP plate/AFC kit yesterday. Went in from the top as I was doing the plate though I did pull the side cap for retreival of a dropped piece. Top is a little awkward in my opinion. If I were to do just the springs again I would go in thru the side.

Difference is not like night and day but sure is significant. Low end came alive much quicker and smoother acceleration throughout entire range. First time my boost guage ever went above 19 lbs. First medium hard run put it to 21 without any load in vehicle. Had to be careful though as we had wet roads here when I did the test drive. Real test will be Aug. 10th when I leave for TDR national convention with 1130 Lance on board. As of now I'm smiling.



John

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Way to go John!



Let me know if you ever want to REALLY wake that `ole beast up... . I'd be more than willing to help you out... .



Matt

 

[Got Smoke?]

Do you guys think a novice could really install these springs?



From what little info and (1) picture I've seen I'm not so sure I could to it?:{



But for only $125 I sure would love to install the 3K GSK

 

[Jeff Burke]

J Rowe, check your hoses and clamps. That boost number sounds low, seems it should be up a lot closer to 30.

 

[JohnE]

<blockquote><em>...

But for only $125 I sure would love to install the 3K GSK</em></blockquote>

I noticed this morning on Piers' website the GSK is now $150 USD.

The overflow valve and 370 injectors are on sale though. I ordered an overflow valve and used the price difference between PDR and Cummins to slip in an AFC spring set on the preventative maintenance budget.



I installed the GSK with no other mods to a stock 97 auto. It really helped open up the 2-3k rpm band. I could get close to 3,000 rpm before, but it was really defueling. Put it on a couple different dynos and it will power right to 3,500 rpm with defueling starting around 3400 Advanced the timing and it really jumped the max hp curve.



Installed a #4 plate and <b><big>WOW!</big></b> (I even installed it all the way <em>back</em> as a safe starting point, too. ) I took my neighbor for a ride. He was running a 97 PSD gasser (propane) until recently. He was very impressed with the performance and said it pulls stronger than his old PSD with the gas turned on. He also said it runs better than his brother's &quot;chipped&quot; 2001 PSD.



I need to reset the timing, reset the governor springs preload, install the AFC spring set, and fine tune the aneroid (AFC) settings.



The best part is NO mileage or driveability penalty as you suffer on a performance gas job.



diesel on

-John

 

[Got Smoke?]

Originally posted by JohnE

<blockquote><em>...

But for only $125 I sure would love to install the 3K GSK</em></blockquote>

I noticed this morning on Piers' website the GSK is now $150 USD.

diesel on

-John

John you didn't answer my question :{

 

[Bud Fox]

for what it is worth i went thru the side and not a drop of oil came out. Maybe because I parked on an incline

 

[JWRowe]

boost

Jeff Burke,

I thought the boost might be a little low but as I mentioned in my post I had wet roads and I really didn't put the effort above about 2200 RPM. I will give it a better run shortly and hopefully before I go to Indiana. Thanks for the comment though as it will jog me to double check it. I will pass this on if it is higher.



Matt, nice to hear from you. How is your rig running?





Regards, John

 

[JohnE]

<blockquote>got smoke ? asked:

<em>&quot;Do you guys think a novice could really install these springs?&quot; </em></blockquote>

Definition of &quot;a novice&quot;...

An able mechanic but a relative rookie to diesel can do this without a problem.



It doesn't take a rocket scientist, but I've done three of them. If you lived close I could lend a hand. (I'm a propulsion engineer by schooling and often refer to myself as the <em>token rocket scientist</em> in a group.



diesel on

-John

 

[HoleshotHolset]

John (Rowe),



The truck is running very well with the new lift pump and all new rubber lines, a piece of steel line, new heater strainer, new fuel filter.....



SOTP increase in power is very nice so far...



BTW, how do you like all the ripped up roads in Orange?... my buddy that lives there is ... .



Matt

 

[JWRowe]

good news

Matt, That's good news re your truck. I knew you had a couple of issues with it. Roads here are slowly getting better. Wish I was back to work so I could get some of those road jobs. Looks like another couple of weeks though.

Regarding this thread, I must have fibbed a little with my post on the plate and GSK. I was able to take it out today to check on some other work I have done and I put it up on the highway. Man 85 MPH comes very fast. Never ran the truck up there before. Mid range is awesome. With my auto and right foot I get shift points up aroung 2300-2400. At least I think that is the range. I didn't take my eyes off the road for too long at any one time.

What did you have in mind to do to my truck Matt. I almost am afraid to ask after the nice performance increase I have now.



Jeff Burke, You mentioned boost. I did get a quick look at it up around 26-27 lbs. but it was real fast look and I had to let off. I'll bet it will be right in the ball park for what you suggest when I get to put it to real work.



All for now,

Best regards to all, John

 

[nfox]

3kgsk

I am running the stock camplate slid all the way forward, and i installed a 3kgsk, do i need to check my gov lever adjustment? After installing the 3kgsk my truck will rev to 3800rpm no problem. The 3kgsk was the best money i spent so far.

 

[JohnE]

Piers and Al both told me with a stock plate you shouldn't have to adjust the governor lever after installing a governor spring kit.

 

[Got Smoke?]

Originally posted by JohnE

Definition of &quot;a novice&quot;...

An able mechanic but a relative rookie to diesel can do this without a problem.



It doesn't take a rocket scientist, but I've done three of them.



If you lived close I could lend a hand.



diesel on

-John

a



I am an able mechanic, but DEFINATELY a rookie to diesel's still.



I wish you did live close by though, could really use a hand whenever I decide to do this.



Does it come with decent install instructions?

 

[HoleshotHolset]

J Rowe: Just like I tell everyone... the wallet is the only limit. But it all comes down to what you use the truck for and if you are happy with it or not. Some insane fueling mods just are not streetable... . but a lot of 'em are.



There will always be some of us just not satisfied until we see 150psi on a boost gauge..... then we will need another "fix" so that the 150psi doesn't seem so lame anymore. It's a vicious cycle...



Matt

 

[carson6]

I played it safe..

and let pier's do the install... but it rev's a lot more than 3K and I LOVE IT !:--)

 

[JohnE]

<blockquote>got smoke ? asked:

<em>&quot;...

Does it come with decent install instructions?&quot; </em></blockquote>

Yes the written instructions are good. One of the photos was misleading. You use the vernier calipers to meaure from the top of the nut to the top of the stud. You do not measure to the opening.



I really really suggest a call to Piers to talk spring settings. He has a wealth of knowledge to share that cannot get put into written form. telephone number 604 888 0057 or 604 888 0143



John Rowe;

I noticed my shift point increased to around 2300 after the GSK install on my stock 97. After the #4 plate I can get 2,700 rpm shifts and boost will go to 34 psi on a blocked wastegate. I haven't checked the TPS voltage, yet. Something must be working good to get those new higher shift points and take better advantage of the GSK?



diesel on

-John