Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Best Torque Plate for 180 hp?

[4nells]

I am trying to figure out which torque plate to go with on a 1998 12 valve 180 hp auto? I want the 300hp range. I have read a lot of threads about the #10 plate, but I don't know if people are talking about a 215hp, manual trans or a 180hp auto trans. Which will work best with the 180hp? What else is needed to get to that HP range? I do have gauges, k & n air filter and new trans and TC are coming. Is sliding the AFC housing forward necessary for proper boost? Thanks for any advice.

 

[BPonci]

The #10 plate is the best all around plate . You can set the plate and gov arm position to meet your power needs. I have found that the afc is best at 3/4 forward. Adjust you starwheel and fine tune with your preboost adjustment. Hope this makes since. Good luck.

 

[bmoeller]

Welcome to the forums!



I think the profile is the same whether, it is on a man. or auto transmission. The pumps are setup a little different for more power (barrels and pungers, cam). In stock position, the #10 is around 220hp/570trq. on the auto. Can be slid forward for more fuel.



Makes a big difference from stock. More than I though it would ( in stock postion on mine). Sliding it full forward might gain about 30more hp. If it does, and add 215 injectors, I would think you should be pretty close to 300hp. Not 100% sure though.



Hopefully someone will correct me if I am wrong. That is the direction I am heading power-wise once I get a good transmission in there.



With installing a plate, they do have you slide the AFC forward to help with smoke.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

The #10 plate is the best all around plate . You can set the plate and gov arm position to meet your power needs. I have found that the afc is best at 3/4 forward. Adjust you starwheel and fine tune with your preboost adjustment. Hope this makes since. Good luck.



I agree with this statement, I did a 98' auto with a #10 (3/4 forward) 3K's and timing only that made 285/697 on a dynojet!



Jim

 

[Dennis Garrett]

I have about the same motor in my 97 w/Goerends TC & transmission upgrades. I put in a #8 plate, scooted it forward about 1/16" or so, put in a set of good used 215 injectors from Piers, and added the 3K GSK. Mine dyno'd 300 HP at the wheels & 700 torque, in locked up "D". You might do a little better with a #10. Mine has 200k on it right now & still feels as good as ever. I also have the K&N , gauges, stock exhaust & a hollow cat. Most of this work was done when near new & still in warranty, but never had any trouble. I still have stock timing too, never have messed with it, or had it checked. I'd imagine it would have about 350 HP at the flywheel.

 

[mullady76]

I was told that a #4 plate was rated for 300hp. and 700tq. in a 180hp pump.

 

[JohnE]

I broke 300 rwhp with a #4 (about 1/3 forward in slot) gsk, and 16-17° timing. AFC is full forward with soft spring and star wheel about 5 clicks back from full.



A #10 is OK in a stock auto but much better with 3 or 4k governor springs. A #4 is designed for governor springs and really punches the fuel curve as a #10 but doesn't have the upper rpm cutback. You can really roast the EGT gauge too.



If your new balve body is setup for shifting at higher rpm then a GSK is a great add.



Welcome to the TDR boards.

 

[1sand0s]

Mine has the #6 in it.

Before I took that slushbox out and replaced it with what BELONGS BEHIND A B SERIES... . (A Clutch and at least 5 forward gears)

It made good power. Trashed many trannies.

As I understand it, the 10 is more calm in many ways... . ????



The 6 is a powerhouse.



I suggest a set of big delivery valves and a set of DDIII along with it MUHAHAHA



I dont get smoke under normal conditions and have to watch out not to go out sideways.



Good luck.



PM me if you want a number 6. I think I have one.

 

[tgrfan2]

I have had a #6 in my 95 auto for 5 years with no transmission problems so far. Towed a 9K TT with it. I am going to install a #6 in my 98 auto this morning and will let you know how it responds. I decided on the #6 because I did not want to fool with the rpm. The 98 will turn about 2800 now. I would like to have a GSK in my 95 though since it defuels at about 2100. Using my light pole test track in the country, the 95 went from turning 52 OE to turning 74mph after the plate. The 98 turns it at 58 stock, but seems alot stronger towing stock than the 95 did.

 

[mstimac]

tgrfan2,

You'll like the #6. I have that and 370's in mine. Next is a step up in turbos. Got to watch the EGT's since I added the injectors. Plate alone and they were fine.

 

[tgrfan2]

I got it in! Truck is a little sluggish off the line with less smoke than 95, but I don't want to push a stock transmission with 117K on it. My light pole runs netted a 0-64 for a 6 mph improvement. The uphill run was much stronger going 55- 70 as compared to 55-60 between poles. Still takes a while for the power to kick in. I'll know alot more in a couple of weeks when we take the fiver out for the weekend. EGT's ran almost to 1000 on the short bursts and boost maxed at 26#. Stock I pulled 1025 on some hills pulling the fiver and boost maxed at 17#.