Scott, don't panic. With your auto pump (injection pump) the 8 is a really mild plate. And while I don't recommend adding fuel without gauges at all, you likely won't see damaging EGT's with that plate UNLESS; you pull large loads with the petal on the floor for miles at a time, race, pull in the mountains, fail to change the air filter when needed, or the cat plugs up. Not sure if your truck has a cat.
On the other hand, if you had a 5 speed, then the 8 is a fairly hot running plate. Providing lots of fuel and heat making gauges a necessity.
Having said all the above, I'd get a boost and egt gauge. They provide tons of info that you'll be glad you have.
Illflem may have found the best low-buck egt gauge ever, check it out, otherwise expect to spend around $200 for a basic setup.
And for a low buck enhancement that'll lower egt's and free up both the intake and exhaust, pull the stock air box and install a Napa 2790 or equivalent air filter, then remove the muffler and cat, adding a piece of straight pipe and enjoy life in your new truck. Don't worry, it's not near as loud without a muffler as you might think. The turbo has a muffling effect. Or see my sig for a muffler option (Walker 21468) that's in between stock and nothing at all.
Good luck, Ronnie
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