Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Advice on Bombs

[CThomsen]

Finally got guages put in and am needing more power. Need to get KDP killed and valves adjusted first. Local shop wants to pull pump, calibrate, custom ground plate, gsk, and new injectors=$$. Or do I just get a TST plate and gsk=less $. Am saving for a new transmission also. Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[rs454]

I did the upgrades slowly myself and only spent about 600 in engine upgrades . If you have the shop do everything at one time it will do 2 things it will give the engine enough power to break the trans and it will delay the trans work by costing more money. If you want the shop to do the work I would do the trans first (which will make a stock truck faster by a good bit) . Rich

 

[Rdunkin]

I just installed a TST #10 plate, boost elbow and AFC spring kit. Also a AFE stage 1 filter kit and 4" exhaust... ..... WOW what a differance!!!!

Richard

 

[HoleshotHolset]

What did the shop quote you to pull/push the pump and calibrate it?



The 'bang for the buck' factor just isn't there compared to what you can do on your own in your driveway with some basic hand tools... and a Saturday afternoon.



I'm not against the idea of pulling the pump and tweaking it - but I am against taking the pump out and tweaking it for the sole purpose of making a little extra power. You can make quite a bit of power before you need to yank the pump out of the truck...



After the gauges - do the GSK and grind your own plate... if you need more - ask on here and we'll advise the next step.



Matt

 

[BTighe]

i just slid my plate today. how would you recomend me grinding it. would it be better than a #11 plate. i have a 215hp engine. can i get any power from turning the starwheel in the afc housing. thanks

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Most people don't get too creative when it comes to griding plates. The extent to which you have the ability to control EGT's with your right foot will determine how much you can grind (and where you can grind it... ).



A ground plate can undoubtedly allow for more rack travel than a #11. The best part about the pre-made plates is that there's a lot of R&D work into them to allow more rack travel at some RPM's and less at other RPM's. Another good part is that they're quick and easy... slap it in and forget about it. Not to mention that most of 'em are properly hardened, etc... .



The bad part is that they're $$.



You won't get any peak HP by adjusting the starwheel. But, you will get a solid shot in the butt in pre-boost fueling conditions. Adjust it for a good balance of smoke/power... it'll take some fiddling around.



Matt

 

[CThomsen]

Shop wants $660 to pull pump, calibrate, grind plate, and put in GSK

 

[TrqMonster]

Others are right about the cost of paying a shop. If you get going with modifications, you will need the transmission upgrade. I would do it first and get it out of the way. Plates and such are fairly cheap and easy upgrades to do yourself. You can buy the plate and springs from TST for half the cost of that shop grinding your old one and doing all the work for you. You could also just buy the plate that is within your current transmissions capabilities and upgrade later on. TST will exchange plates with you for $50 so you can move from like #11 up to #10 when you get your trans. taking care of.