8.3 cummins

[63shult]

I just purchased a 1998 ford f series s/a dump truck with the 8.3 cummins in it. I am looking for a little more power and pep out of it, I don't want anything wild just perk it up a little. How much can the fuel be turned up and how much can the timing be bumped up? It has a five speed manual transmission.

 

[Bob4x4]

If it still has a p pump the 5.9 fuel plates will work ,stay mild for best results

 

[DonFitzwater]

TST products has plates and boost components for those engines....http://www.tstproducts.com/83cumminsengines-1.aspx

 

[Wayne M.]

Good engine with wet liners. Take care of the cooling system.

 

[63shult]

It is an ex VDOT truck 63,000 mi on it. I am not sure what pump is on it.It is a mechanical in line pump I think it is what is called a M or MW pump. From what I can tell from looking on the internet, if it is that style I have an idea of what to do, I just need an idea of how much to do. I have read that you can run out of turbo pretty quick. I am hoping someone on here is familiar with doing a little tuning on these things I don't know what hp it is rated at now, probably not more than 250 I don't understand why so short on power with it having a 146 CID more than a 5.9.

 

[Bob4x4]

The 8.3 is very torquey at low rpm and is governed down so the hp number will be low.

 

[63shult]

Would advancing the timing a little perk it up?

 

[Wayne M.]

No! It's not really the same as spark timing.
Get the engine serial or CPL number. That will give you the rundown of the parts in the engine. A couple of guys on here may come forward or a dealer can give you all the details on the engine.

 

[63shult]

OK had some time today to do a little looking around on this thing. The CPL# is 2101 and I believe it does have the p7100 pump on it also it is rated 210 hp at 2200 rpm the tach does not work where is the tach pickup located and how do I go about checking if it is the pickup or the tach it self?

 

[Bob4x4]

You can start here

http://www.tstproducts.com/tstpowerkitwithoutvideo.aspx

You will want to add a pyrometer to monitor egts and a boost gauge will come in handy for a number of reasons

 

[HHhuntitall]

The 8.3 is an outstanding engine. I have several in agricultural plait tforms, and once had one in a dumptruck. Most likely, the reason it's detuned is to spare the transmission. Is it an auto or 7 speed manual? If so, I'd seriously consider leaving it alone, as it will destroy the transmission if you get too carried away on tuning it. Also, looking at the HP rating, does it state that it is BHP or SAE HP? There is a difference. Stock timing should also be indicated on the data tag in front of the pump, much like the old Dodges are. Personally, I'd wager it just needs a little tuning, a turn or two on the AFC valve, and go with it. Also, there are mechanical reasons it could be doggy.... if a dump valve is stuck on the turbo, it will not perform as it should. A few gauges will tell you a lot. Being a '98, it is possible the timing is backed down a little. Being a State vehicle it is a possibility the dump valve is deliberately set low, or perhaps even the pump has been backed down or the throttle stopped moved out to prevent speeding.

As for running out of turbo, that can happen quickly. These engines have been tuned up to 270 BHP in the CaseIH tractors, such as the MX270, and up to 430HP in boats. But as you probably know, too large a turbo can cause problems, as well as too small a turbo.... Lots of things to look at and consider.

 

[63shult]

HHhuntitall It is a Fuller Eaton 5sp with 2sp rear.I know the 8.3 was used in a lot different applications, I have been looking around trying to find some information as far as getting a little more hp out of it, that information seems limited especially since there is a wide range of hp ratings. I talked to a tech guy at TST performance and he suggested that I put #5 plate in it which would give it a 150 hp more he said he has done a lot of them with no problems and he said it made a big difference. That is probably the direction I will go unless there is other experience out there.

 

[Wayne M.]

Keep in mind that it's a larger long stroke, 12 valve engine. It won't run up like a 5.9 or 6.7 CR mill.

 

[fest3er]

Keep in mind that it's a larger long stroke, 12 valve engine. It won't run up like a 5.9 or 6.7 CR mill.

Translated: run the engine in its torque range.

My brother complained that the diesel Bug he had didn't have any get up and go. I told him to run it in the torque range. Then he was amazed at how much get up and go it had.

 

[HHhuntitall]

HHhuntitall It is a Fuller Eaton 5sp with 2sp rear.I know the 8.3 was used in a lot different applications, I have been looking around trying to find some information as far as getting a little more hp out of it, that information seems limited especially since there is a wide range of hp ratings. I talked to a tech guy at TST performance and he suggested that I put #5 plate in it which would give it a 150 hp more he said he has done a lot of them with no problems and he said it made a big difference. That is probably the direction I will go unless there is other experience out there.

The 5 spd is why the engine is derated. That transmission is rated for 660 ft/lbs of torque input. An 8.3 will do that at a high idle. I'd caution you on turning it up much. I understand it's a little doggy, but be aware, just like we have to be in our Dodges, the transmission service life will fall off shortly in direct relation to the higher HP put through it. I wouldn't expect much more that 100k service life from the transmission with the engine HP increased. That said, you'll love the engine with a #5 TST plate, albeit, it may not even need it. The factory plate may have enough movement in it to give you the fuel you desire.... It should slide forward, toward the front of the engine some, and if it does, you'll like it a little better. Even 1/8" will give you quite a bit more fuel on mid and upper end.