98 ram auto upgrade help

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looking to install torque plate on stock 98 auto with k&n filter would like advice on which plate to use and which company is the best to buy from ( i do not tow just looking for hp gain) also what is a good exhaust temp once my plate is installed any other ideas for hp gain would be greatly appreciated(nothing to radical please use this truck for work) thank you

[This message has been edited by RedNut (edited 09-20-2000). ]

[This message has been edited by RedNut (edited 09-20-2000). ]

 

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Red Nut,
If you just want a mild increase, not worry about excess smoke, high EGTs or having to beef up your transmission, I would just put in the TST #8 plate. Enterprise Engine Performance seems to have about the best price that I have found, $225. 00. That will give you 230hp/605lbs torque. Anything more and you will need transmission work to hold the power.

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1996 3500 Clubcab SLT, auto, 4. 10 limited-slip, TST #5, 370s, AFC spring kit, Psycotty, Dunrite converter, Trans-Go, Straight pipe, DiPricol EGT, boost & trans temp. gauges, 9 ft. aluminum flatbed and tool boxes with Venco dump. Custom front bumper, Hadley air horn.

 

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Rednut
I agree with Koaman I have this plate on my truck a95 auto with k&n airfilter. I also have a stock auto trans with 95,000 mi. with now problems so far. My truck also has combo boost & egt guage and even towing 24ft travel trl up long steep grades my exhaust temp has never exceeded 850 degrees (post turbo). The power increase is very satisfying for the amount of money and time spent for the install, a little over an hour for me and I"m no mechanic. I say go for the TST plate. If you have questions e-mail them at their website they will recomend what you need.

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95 slt auto,bd exhaustbrake, TST 230/605 plate K&N airfilter, primelok fuelfilter relocator. Who say"s six in row don"t go?

 

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Koaman, i was looking at bullydog for the torque plate and pyrometer their specs are #9 plate with 260 hp and their directions are the same as TST (word for word ) i wonder if they buy from TST and just change names they also have an internet special of 199 ever heard of them?

 

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Yes, I have heard of Bully Dog, but did not know they were selling plates. Their hp/torque specs are different from TST. I don't know how well their plates work. Maybe someone who has them can help you out on that one. I know TST's plates work very well, as probably others such as BD, JRE etc, but I only have experience with TST's plates. I believe Mark Chapple of TST was the originator of these modified plates, someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

 

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I have the #8 plate in my 98 auto and got good increase in performance. Tried the # 5 plate and it was even better. If you get a TST plate you have 30 days to exchange it if you wish. If you need advice Mark Chapple will talk to you on the phone. He worked for Cummins for 30 plus years and knows the 5. 9.

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98 12V SLT 2500 4X2 AUTO,3. 54 limt slip rear, QC SB Driftwood W/color match Topper, Full alum Boards,Delux OE mud guards, Bugflector,SS Wheel well trim,Reese 15K slider hitch,30 ft. Coachman 5er,TST #8 plate TC lockup Sw,Trans-go kit,Heavy duty TC. Isproo Boost,EGT,and Trans Temp Guages,Hitco Exhaust Blanket, Uniden CB.

 

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I had tst #8 in my truck-ordered # 5 plate two weeks ago. Charged me $200 with $150 credit back after I returned #8 plate. Can't beat that- I have bought alot of things from tst-two thumbs up #ad
#ad


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1996-3500 tst #5 plate, K&N air filter,4" exhaust,bigger injectors,b&m trans pan,Amsoil all around,temp gauges out the wazzo,much trans work,double tow 33' 5th wheel and 12' trailer w/motorcycle(Honda Valkyarie Interstate)Also have 1999-2500-stock.

 

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Koa Man, I too am looking to install a plate. I wanted to get about 250 h. p. or so. I wanted to install a plate first and order guages later. Do you think I would have a problem with exaust overheating ?? I do not tow, just mainly drive up and down the freeway & once in a while haul a couple thousand pounds in the bed. I have opened the exaust up with a cat be gone bypass pipe & a 4" Dynomax straight thru muffler.

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96,longbed,clubcab,driftwood,custom bumper,K & N Filter, Filter Engineering Remote Fuel Filter & Coolant Filter,Scotty Air,4" from KAT be gone,4" Dynomax race magnum

 

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albacore44,
I would get a boost and pyro gauge first. That can give you a good base reading BEFORE you start to modify your truck. If you have an auto trans, you should at least put in a valve body if you go to 250 hp. I know the #5 plate, (270hp) can easily get you to dangerous EGT temps.

 

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albacore44,
The only time I've seen EGT problems is under full throttle for an extended time. Solo, if you've got a 605 plate set up the way you are, I'll bet hot rodding around you won't get close to 'too hot'. Towing, you may have to be under full throttle, hot day, long grade to get close.

Maybe someone else can chime in, but the 605 plate is gobs more torque with moderate EGT. Of course, safest is to get the guages. But if you aren't into it all the time, you may be safe. #ad


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Money Sink - 96, 5 speed, Injectors, TST #11 set @ 340hp.
4" CAT back & CATless, 4" chrome turn down straight out back.
ISSPRO Pillar, Delvac 1 & Amsiol, K&N, Monicas silencer ring removed, Exhaust brake, Mag-Hytec, 3:54, 235s.
HX35s days are numbered, HX40-16 is here.
Un-Bombed = Boring

 

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albacore44--

lets see... New engine $4,000. New guages $200.
I have the 230hp/605ft-lbs. plate in my truck, and I can get into dangerous EGT territory without hauling anything. It happens where you wouldn't expect it-- about 43-50 mph. The engine doesn't seem to be working hard, but with no boost (and no cool air being forced into the cylinder) the temp builds fast. I suspect a manual might even be more prone to this effect if the driver gets lazy and doesn't down shift like they should.
Just my stupid opinion, but it seems like a no brainer to me. If you change the factory specs, wouldn't your concience rest easier if you knew what you were doing to that mighty fine 5. 9? I am my own warranty station.

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Dean Jahnz
Black '94 dually (first on the block!), TST 230hp, Transgo shift kit, combo guage, 151,000 miles (I think it's starting to break in!) and counting.

Pulls: 15,000# 28' gooseneck camper/hauler & '83 Toyota extreme terrain 4x4. --and anything too heavy for a Powerstroke!


BOMBing is a slippery slope with no bottom...