Adding Banks Power Plus to 97 turbo Diesel 1 ton for pulling 5th wheel travel trailer

[apurdy]

I pull a 34RLT Cross Roads 5th wheel travel trailer with my 97 Dodge Dually Diesel with a 47re transmission and a 3. 54to 1 dana 80 and I would like to have some more power when going up in the mountains any suggustions

 

[Boldt's Wagon]

Buy a 2003 6 speed 3. 74 gears with 305 HP. Otherwise, collect about $4500+ and get:

1) Gauges

2) Improved exhaust

3) Get pump balanced and timed at 14. 5 - 15 degrees

4) Get a DTT by Kondolay transmission rebuild

5) Get Piers to install a TST #6 plate, 215 injectors, and 3,000 rpm Govenor Spring Kit.



This should be a better setup than the Banks. About 270 rear wheel HP at 2400 rpm.



6) For another $1000+ get the DTT transmission controller, exhaust brake, and valve springs (consider the 4,000 rpm GSK instead)



When you get done, you will have a 12 valve keeper. But, the money might be better spent on a 2003. If you must have an automatic transmission, a 2003 automatic will probably require the Kondolay magic at some time in the future.



Also, this thread should be moved to the 12 valve forum.

 

[TxDieselKid]

Thats a lot to do to a truck, but I don't think a new truck is in order. The 97 has the ablity to be a work horse as much as any CTD.



Get gauges- most important thing with these trucks.



Find a mufler shop around that will do a 3" stright pipe for about $50-$70.



Call Kondolay and tell him what you want to do, and listen to him.



Slide that plate forward, after you get a boost/pyro gauge



If this is not enough, then look into a set of 215 injectors, or I think 370's are cheaper that might be better.



Just telling you what I would do. Everyone will have a different opinion as to what is best if your case, but no one is right except for you.



Andrew

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I'd start with the TST #8, 230 hp Power Kit. As you get money saved up, consider gauges and transmission upgrades. At that time you can trade in the #8 for a #6 (250 hp) or #5 (270 hp) torque plate. The other stuff is OK but you can get more power--perhaps enough to satisfy you--inexpensively. The #8 can be used without gauges or transmission upgrades but both are worth adding, and I'd do them asap.

 

[LarryB]

You don't need no stinking new truck. Your 97 will do just fine. Do like Joe says and if you are still feeling the need for more it is available. Your biggest problem is the auto transmission, they are for cars. Still I think with what can be done with them your goal of a little more power is quite reasonable. Read and learn, have fun, and enjoy having the best pulling engine around. Having just pulled the hill at Tehachapi, CA at @70+ with my motorhome+ pulling a car, In 5th direct, I can say there is nothing like having power to spare.

 

[Boldt's Wagon]

What Joe says is the lowest cost. You will go from the stock 420 ft-lbs to 605 ft-lbs of torque with the #8 (230 HP / 605 ft-lb). With this change the transmission should have the line pressures turned up as a minimum (Bill used to have the instructions on the DTT web site).



With what you are pulling, never pull in overdrive with the new plate, the 605 ft-lbs will wipe your torque converter lockup clutch sooner or later (probably sooner).

 

[Animal]

What I'd add.

Originally posted by Joseph Donnelly

I'd start with the TST #8, 230 hp Power Kit. As you get money saved up, consider gauges and transmission upgrades. At that time you can trade in the #8 for a #6 (250 hp) or #5 (270 hp) torque plate. The other stuff is OK but you can get more power--perhaps enough to satisfy you--inexpensively. The #8 can be used without gauges or transmission upgrades but both are worth adding, and I'd do them asap.

The only thing I'd add to this is to do the transmission adjustments on DTT web site. The adjustment will raise the transmission line pressure and you could raise the shift RPM's if needed.

 

[Deezul1]

I pull a 6500 TT and can go as fast as I want up most hills only limited by EGT and thats easy to control with throttle. All my mods can be done for under $1000. Your biggest concern and cost will be the trans.