Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Anyone close???

[AndrewGray]

Hi Im wondering if there is anyone of you that may be close to me. I live in central South Dakota in the Pierre area. I am a first time owner of a CTD. I've got the bombing bug but need to learn some pointers and advice. No one i know of even close to me is even thinking of bombing so need some advice and help. Just would like to knlw if there is someone i could visit from time to time and check things out. Im startin on my truck but its all stock and REAL doggy. I have taken it to different mechanics and they say its ok but belive me this thing is BAD. Has fair low end torque in lower gears but 4th and 5th are sick only way to get any kind of go is run the star wheel all the way forward. Thanks for any info. Sure would like to hook up with some one. Oo.

 

[JJW_ND]

Been there!

I ran into the same situation 6 years ago when diesel knowlege was still only availble in monthly printings (no TDR or other websites availble.



The good knews is you have a truck will make very cheap and easy HP.



We have a small group of diesel junkies up here in ND/MN. We usually meet at Mikes Custon Truck in Northwood ND. This is a fair drive for you 370 miles. We will probably get together sometime in January. If you can wait until then, you could have Mike check/set your injection timing (fairly involved process) for a nominal fee and "we" can help you with suggestions for free as well as advice on how to do the install. He also has a Dyno if you really need to know what HP you have.



You can get all the advice and more from this site. Just keep in mind how you use your truck and what you want it to do for you.



jjw

ND

 

[AndrewGray]

Thanks JJW. When is the meet? I m goin south for a week in Jan but would love to come up and meet you guys. Geez everyone that has the CTD here just chip the 24's or nothing at all and a few 12'vers just turn the star wheel and call it good. Then drive the blank out of them and then trade. Im green at this so have to learn a lot. Let me know whats happenin with your group . Thanks again

 

[AndrewGray]

P. S

The dodge dealers here are of no help. I asked them and have no idea of what im talking about as far as groups or people trickin their trucks. No support from them at all. I have been lookin for others that are interested in this but no luck yet. Glad to meet ya and anyone else that gives me a holler on this. Thanks again

 

[edgrim]

Andrew look into a #10 plate from Piers or TST (see links in forums). Turn star wheel forward, also a 3k gov spring kit so you can keep fueling at higher rpms. Get a AFE or BHAF air filter, dump the stock air box if you can. A 4" exhuast will keep your EGT's down and the truck will spool up faster. Injector timing for your truck should be 15. 5 to 16. 5 depends on how it responds. With that engine you'll feel every improvement and have more power then those plug-ins.

 

[w-cummins]

Andrew look into a #10 plate from Piers or TST (see links in forums). Turn star wheel forward, also a 3k gov spring kit so you can keep fueling at higher rpms. Get a AFE or BHAF air filter, dump the stock air box if you can. A 4" exhuast will keep your EGT's down and the truck will spool up faster. Injector timing for your truck should be 15. 5 to 16. 5 depends on how it responds. With that engine you'll feel every improvement and have more power then those plug-ins.

Yep and be sure to save up a $1000 for a new clutch after the #10 plate and his right foot wipe it out!



William Cummins

 

[AndrewGray]

Thanks guys. I did put a K&N in with holes in the box and stright thru exhaust . Helped some but not much... . i just cranked the star wheel all the way and left it. Works a lot better but need more. The powerjokers are runnin rampent around here . They sure have a chip on their shoulder and in their trucks but they dont realize the one on their shoulder is blowin more!! lol Anyway, im goin to start bombin Thanks Oo. :-laf

 

[Howard Durand]

Andrew, I am not an expert on the 97, or any of the others for that matter, but it really sounds to me like you aren't even gettng stock fueling. With the AFC fully forward I would think you should be putting out a bunch of black smoke under heavy throttle.

Check your fuel pressure and check the fuel lines all the way from the tank to the injector pump. The rubber hoses and overflow valve may need to be replaced. Change the fuel filter as well.

I think you should be seeing 25 to 30 lb. of fuel pressure.

 

[AndrewGray]

Hi Howard I will check . Im not blowin much smoke at all if any with the star run all the way forward. Im not impressed with the way it torques in the higher gears althought its a lot better with wheel cranked all the way, but barely holds a 6% grade in 5th. thanks



P. S. How far are ya from Lewiston Idaho. I go there cause my brother lives there.

 

[Howard Durand]

Andrew, some of the folks that tune in here have mentioned the fuel shutoff solenoid as a place to check. With the truck idling, push up on the plunger to see if it is being held all of the way up. If not the solenoid may be bad or something in the linkage could be holding it back. The rubber cover could be damaged and getting in the way. It has to up tight in order for you to get full fueling to the injector pump.

You should also check the throttle linkage to make sure the throttle is against the stop when the pedal is fully depressed.

 

[Rattlin_Ram]

Do you have gauges (egt and boost)? If so you might want to post what kind of numbers you are seeing. If not, I'd buy some. Especially if you want to add power.



Cheap n easy, slide the stock plate ahead. Then adjust the AFC and starwheel for the amount of smoke you can live with. That is if there isn't anything actually wrong.