Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Fuel plates - which one for me?

[TLarsen]

Yes, I'm sorry, another fuel plate post. I have been searching and reading a lot of threads, and I still have questions.

I have a '98 12V, stock auto trans, 4" exhaust, a 4kgsk, and about 138k miles.

I want to put a fuel plate in it (stock position). I lost a little power above 2300 rpm with the gsk install, and I'd like it back (and a little more). I also want a fuel plate that will play nice with the stock auto.

I will be installing a set of gauges this weekend. I use this truck for commuting (empty) and a few times a year I load the camper and tow a 7-9k lb trailer to south east Utah.

I was thinking about a getting a #8 plate because TST's chart lists the #10 as "NR" for my engine/trans, but Pier's chart lists the #10 as "220/570" on my 180hp engine. I also read a post by Mr. Donnelly that recommended the #10 for most trucks with a gsk because the throttle lever won't climb the fuel plate as fast and will continue to fuel the engine until a higher RPM. Would this hold true for me as well? How hard would a #10 or #8 plate be on my trans?

BTW, I will probably be upgrading the trans in about a year or so, the 2-3 upshift is getting a little slow under light throttle pressure, but it shifts great (for a stock trans) other than that.

Thanks.

One more thing, what is everybody's opinion of the TST fuel plate copies? I noticed that Ebay is loaded with copycats at half the price (with unknown origins), is TST's full asking price worth it, or is there a better source?

 

[Forrest Nearing]

you can always slide the plate back if it's too much...



I prefer a 100... after that a 10

 

[tp0d]

I`d have to side with Forrest for the #100 plate. I ground mine from my stock plate, wouldnt pay for another plate. Ground it to a half moon shape (#10) using the lowest cut in the plate as a baseline, then cut off the top half of the moon straight. (closest to the screw mounts) #100 is a #10 with a flat profile at the top half of the RPM area, closest to the mounts. If you do a grind, do it as slow as possible, and cool the plate as you go...

Also slide that AFC housing full forward, dont mess with the star wheel unless you have too much smoke then turn it down a bit. .

good luck

-j

 

[bmoeller]

With your trans, get the 10 plate. Works great. When the new trans comes, you can slide the plate full forward for more power. One of the best to use with a GSK, from what I've heard.

With the TST chart, if you notice, anything under 230hp, they say NR. 230hp is EPA approved. My guess is, they figure anything under the 230 isn't worth getting a plate for. The truth is, the hp ratings with those plates is just a rough estimate in stock position. Slide that 10 full forward, and you'll be over what the 8 is rated at.

The profile on each plate is different. Some fuel harder in different places than others.

 

[TLarsen]

Interesting info.

I'd rather not grind my stock plate for now, I'll keep as a backup for now. So who sells a #100 plate?

bmoeller, I've also read that the #10 works great with the gsk. I can see how the #100 would also work well.

Another question, what's the difference between running a #10 or #100 in the stock position, and just sliding the stock plate forward?

 

[TLarsen]

Bump. Still looking for opinions/suggestions.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

have you done a search of the 12v tech forum? years of good info on there and in the archives

 

[TLarsen]

have you done a search of the 12v tech forum? years of good info on there and in the archives

Yes I have, I've read a lot both here and other Cummins forums. That is why I am leaning towards the #10 plate. But there are lots of opinions out there, and a slightly overwhelming number of posts regarding fuel plates, many of which are irrelevant to or not quite the same as my particular case. It leaves my head spinning a little.



Right now I think I'm going with a #10 plate, or maybe a #100 if someone sells one. But I'm still looking for some confirmation, I think I'm hearing it, but since I'm not going to order for a couple days I thought see if anyone had more to add.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I prefer the #100, no top end defueling. I grind my own. If you don't want to be without a factory plate, just buy one off of somebody for $20 or so and grind it.