Bully Dog vs. TST plate comparisons?

[JGK]

Last fall Bully Dog was selling their Stage 1 plates at a good price and I got one. Overall, I've been very satisfied (though when I had my pump bench tuned this spring, the tech custom-ground it just a bit for the low end). I also installed the AFC spring kit from TST. I've always wondered though what the difference is between this plate and the TST #11, all other things being equal. They are both rated at roughly the same hp/torque for the '97/early '98 12v manuals.



With all the talk lately about these, I was thinking now might be a good time to ask: does anyone have any comparison info for the two?



Also, while we're at it, those of you that have either one in a truck like mine (early '98 manual), what differences do you find sliding the plate forward. I hear a bigger kick in the butt, more smoke, I'd think, but what else? How's it affect your 'round the town driveability?



Thanks, kids.

Jay

 

[MikeR]

I bet the plate that Bully sells is a TST plate in their own package.

Most of the plates available from vendors and shops are TST plates from the start.



-Mike

 

[WKener]

I am not sure about the differences in the plates themselves, but I can tell you about sliding it forward... Yes, it will give more of a kick in the butt, top end will really be improved, while also giving much more smoke (depending on how far you move the plate, of course). If you decide to move the plate forward, you will need to be wary of the egt's, they will climb much more quickly than with the plate centered.



Around town, the driveability will not be affected too much, albeit with a little more smoke upon takeoff (especially if starting in 2nd). I have found that mileage seems to stay relatively the same as with the plate centered, as long as you drive sensibly. That means you are not constantly taking advantage of your newly acquired power.



Also one thing to consider, if your plate is rated similarly to the TST #11, and you are using your stock clutch, I would not recommend moving the plate much at all. Depending on how your clutch feels with the plate centered, you may be able to move it forward a little bit (like me), but if you get carried away you may find yourself with a slipping clutch (if you tow anything heavy, don't move it, your clutch will slip).



Anyone else?