Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) confused about upgrades

[jpogue]

I have a 1996 2500 4x4 automatic Diesel truck. About the only thing I have done to it is a brake upgrade (1 ton wheel cyl. ) and perf friction pads and shoes and drilled and slotted rotors. Oh and a K&N air filter. I am getting a new travel trailer 26 footer a lot bigger than the 17 footer that it pulled just fine the way it is. I am definitely going to upgrade transmission first,on my second one the dodge 36k warranty just ran out. Was going to go with ATS converter and valve body and lockup controller going to eventually get a pac brake also.

Now what I am confused about is all this power upgrade stuff. Injectors, cam plates,governor springs,turbo housings,timing adjustments,and so on. What about the GIT kit that banks sells? I am not looking to go overboard I would just like to add some more HP and torque without spending over $1500.

Is this possible.



Thanks,

Confused and sleepy

(truck driver I am always sleepy)

 

[Bhale]

Hi jpogue!



We have the same truck except mine is 2wd. See my sig for mods... .



First, gauges, boost and EGT (exhaust temp gauge).

Second is the transmission and IMHO, ATS is a fine choice

Third would be the 3k GSK (gov spring kit)

Forth, a torque plate. I put the #4 in a few years ago and it's all the power you'll "need", now and in the future and it's real easy to control the egt. Many suggest the #10 plate but Joe Donnelly (the designer) told me that it's better suited for the 215 hp manuals.



If that won't do ya, start looking for injectors like the 215's (~+40 hp)or go wild with the 370's (~+80 hp) at which point you'll need to address the turbo and exhaust.



Banks makes a high quality product but you can get a LOT more power for a lot less $$ with the added advantage that you can do it in steps and learn along the way.



I believe in doing these things one step at a time and drive it for a bit. That way if you run into trouble you'll know where to look.



Be careful... ... ..... like they say, it's a slippery slope you're heading down and there is no bottom Oo. Oo.



Have Fun!



Brian

 

[jpogue]

Thanks Brian for the info. It really helps a lot. But what does IMHO stand for? And as for the guages what about trans temp and fuel pressure? Are these 2 necessary or just fun to look at?

Thanks

 

[Bhale]

IMHO... . In My Humble Opinion



On our trucks, the fuel pressure gauge isn't needed and the trans temp gauge is more of a personal thing. If your pulling a big load (~10,000 lbs +) you may want to keep an eye on it. I don't have one but have considered getting one out of curiosity.



Brian



BTW, keep asking questions! The folks on here love giving advice (and opinions!)

 

[Jschafer]

I run a #6 plate in my 94 auto when everything was adjusted correctly it felt like it had twice as much power. I think the TST #6 plate with boost elbow runs about $250

This and gauges might be all you need.

If you have 4:10 gears go with the 3gsk as well. I do wish I would have put the trans gauge in way back when just for piece of mind.

Just my thoughts

 

[pwerwagn]

I'd say for $1500, try to find a decent torque convertor (maybe used?) like ATS, goerend, DTT, etc. Spend the rest on gauges (at least EGT and boost) and a plate. If you have any left, do an exhaust. I think you can get new torque convertors for like 900$. the 200 for gauges, 250 for plate, that leaves 150$ for the beer to drink while installing it all. If you could find a cheaper convertor, do it, the gauges/plate, and an exhaust (300$ from Rip).

The banks git kit is ok, but over priced. I think the git kit is just a plate, big head wastegate (maybe a 14cm housing too), and K&N filter (could be wrong, though).

-Jeff

 

[jpogue]

Thanks for the responses guys. The $1500 wasn't including the transmission I will probably dump at least $2500 on that. I have the 354 gears not the 410's so should I still go with the #4 plate and what's this about a boost elbow?Thanks again guys I love these forums,especially the first time I did my brakes.

 

[jpogue]

Oh and my new trailer is somewhere close to 10,000 lbs

 

[JoshPeters]

The Boost Elbow limits the ammount of boost the wastegate "sees" initially. That way the turbo gets a chance to build boost before the gate opens. A good transmission, guages, and a 4 plate is where I would start. The automatic with a GSK isn't quite as nessissary unless you are towing Heavy through the mountians where you can't old speed or the EGT's get out of site. I would put the plate in and see how it does. The GSK is a great BOMB, but in my opinion, not a nessissary one. I don't use the extra fueling that much. Other than when I'm sled pulling or drag racing. If you are pulling Heavy and can't hold speed and need to downshift, and now Need the RPM, it's one of the best BOMB's you'll ever have!



Josh