Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 98 12V torque plate questions

[m1ashooter]

98 12V stock manual,



I was looking at the TST kit which has the torque plate, and they include a dowel pin tab kit for 245 beans...



I am wondering about guys here who have went from stock to a #12 or #11 plate profile. I find myself wanting more when towing, and lackluster throttle response off idle, but don't wanna get to the point I am replacing clutch components or high EGT's, hence why I am not considering a #10, but how much difference do the #12 and #11 make seat of pants, or real world feel?

 

[hsmith]

Start with the #11 kit. Anything more will be bad on the clutch and cause high egt's. Even with the #11, you will need gauges as the egt's need to be monitored. You will not notice much over stock if you choose the #12. I am now with the #10, but have also upgraded injectors, turbos, clutch, etc. Tows my 37' Alfa Gold great.

BTW, you need to drive that truck. It is barely broken in with only 42k!!! LOL

 

[Diesel Fever]

I have the #11 plate aswell as the afc kit, and both are full forward. I have also done other mod's (see sig). However, if I had to pick 3 that you feel a real "kick in the pants" right away, I would say the #11 plate (afc kit helps too), 3k governer spring kit, and bumpin up the timing a few degrees truely wake her up. I have the stock clutch and it still feels strong, and my egt's are well in check. Just my $. 02 worth, good luck on choosing with what you decide on.



Best Regards,

Matt

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The #12 gives a strong increase in torque and horsepower at the normal driving rpm range of 1600-2200 rpm, and less of an increase over that rpm. The intent is to maximize power without egt or clutch problems. The #11 gives a bigger increase, but pushes the clutch and the egt to its limits. At high altitudes, the 11 may be too much for egt's. If your clutch is getting a bit weak, the 11 may “kill” it. The “micro” slippage normal to a clutch under high torque will eventually glaze it and it won't hold as much torque in the future. The 11 is about 45 hp stronger than the 12 at 2600 rpm. Install the plate in the stock position. Full forward will result in more power but a lot more egt and negates the intent of TST to give a power increase that addresses potential egt and clutch issues.

 

[hsmith]

With your goal in mine, you probably don't want to go past center with what plate you choose. Might want to think about gov springs and a bit of timing also.

 

[CToney]

You don't need gov springs with a newer man truck. I had a '97 and put a #10 in it and slid it back a bit. you will have room to grow in the future if you want. I had to adjust the gov arm to get the proper fueling I wanted. I saw 33psi of boost and 1200 deg F. I had a poor lift pump and overflow valve which limited power until I fixed them. Check the torque on your headbolts before increasing the fuel. I had headgasket problems after I turned up the fuel. I didn't install the boost elbow on my truck as any boost over 35psi leads to even more headgasket trouble. Just my experience of learning the hard way. My truck pulled great but had to get a quad cab for the kids.