best mod to do first

[JustinLee]

I've had my truck for about a month now and have been looking around this site and its about time for a couple of mods. First of all, its a '98 12 valve 5-speed 4x4. Things I want done in the next six months are intake, exhaust, e-brake and maybe the injection pump. Is there anything else? With Christmas zapping the finances, I can only do one at time. Where is best place to start? One other thing is this constant talking of different plates for the injection pump. What's the differences between them? I'm sure I'll learn more as time passes.



Thanx for any input

Justin

 

[SMorneau]

Gauges are first. Monitor your EGT in the manifold or better yet both manifold and elbow.



Second a fuel plate.



Go from there and plan carefully when buying big ticket items like e-brakes. If you want a bigger exhaust or larger turbo you won't want to be saddled with an elbow mount brake for a stock turbo.



Another good item to slap on right away is the DSS for your steering.

 

[JSykes]

Gauges First

I agree with everyone else, get yourself a good set of gauges first. For sure, get a good Exhaust Temp gauge that will read up to 1600°F and a Boost gauge that will read from 0-60 psi. I've got a 24 valve and will also be adding a Fuel Pressure gauge that reads from 0-30 psi to monitor my lift pump.



For fueling plates, check out http://www.tstproducts.com/ and see what they have to offer. You might want to give them a call to discuss your set-up and what power you want to get to.



Just remember, gauges first.



Good luck with it.



Jay

 

[WadePatton]

TST 3K GOVERNOR SPRING KIT!!!



$125 dollars, you WON'T believe how much better your engine will respond. Gauges not necessary. Need magnet and screwdriver. Not that hard to install. Slide OEM plate FWD while you're in there.



Cut some 2" holes in the factory airbox (below the filter ) Remove Silencer Ring. Remove Muffler.



If you don't care to smoke up the world, do the TST AFC spring kit too. Crank that starwheel when you do the spring kit. $35- or something like that.



Now put some gauges on. I can only recommend Hewitt gauges. The pryo does NOT require all sorts of extra wires. The boost gauge comes in 0-50 model and is more responsive than my Isspro. Don't get in a hurry with gauge install, it can be a real FEMALE DOG. You'll have to look beyond our regular vendors for Hewitts.

 

[JustinLee]

Looking at TST, I found their guages. They seam good. Does anyone have pictures showing the differences between the half and full pillar mounts that hold 2 2" for the '98 Ram? I wish there were pictures on the page. Or should I splurge now for the 3 guage holder and add a fuel pressure guage. Does that need to be monitered carefully? And then perhaps a #10 plate.



Thanx

Justin

 

[WadePatton]

BTW-- Welcome aboard Justin!



Fuel pressure is not the big issue on the 12v's--usually. Guys with BIG fueling mods will sometimes measure the FP on the 12v. The lift pump on the 12v is not the frail little thing that it is on the 24v trucks.



Get the three holer and put an oil temp gauge or something in the xtra hole.





GSK, GSK, GSK!

 

[y-knot]

Hey, just send 4-5 bucks and get a big'ol Cummins "C" decal, it makes a great "first" addition, and cheap.

 

[JustinLee]

Looking at TST torque plate chart, the bottom reads:



"The '96-'98 CA Manuals and autos are both EGR engines 180 hp and 420 lbft, which my not be upgraded to CPL #1553. "



Since I bought my truck in CA, why can't I upgrade? Are there differences that modifications would harm or is it just for emissions sake? Are my horses really that low? It isn't registered in CA if that changes anything.



Thanx

Justin

 

[Mtngoat]

Please consider gauges an important first upgrade, and if you are going to add power, a clutch upgrade, then the skys the limit with the advice of the TDR members!



Robin