Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Getting to 350 HP without going crazy....

[arthr31]

Hi all,



I have a '98 5 speed, it's a 180HP base truck. recently i had the timing increased to 16*, 3K GSK installed, and have an aFe filter in the stock box. I also have the 4" mbrp (without CAT)... Oh yeah, stock plate is forward. I'm probably about 250 rwhp (guess?).



So, i'm interested in going another 100HP or so. . And, I do understand about the clutch slipping, so I want to play on the safe side of 350 ...



How can I do this? TST #10 plate? 370 injectors? Is there any advantage to doing one over the other? How difficult is the tst to install?



For the most part, this is a daily driver truck. I occassionally tow 1-5000lbs, haul misc materials, etc. But, for the most part, this is for speed and performance. And, i will say, with my existing settings/mods, the truck is pretty quick... So, like I said, I don't want to get crazy... (or is it already too late )



oh yeah, almost forgot, I have about 108k on the engine, no worries right?

 

[Signal73]

If you have a 98 5sp. you have a 913 p-pump which is rated for 215 HP stock! Very good base to start with, throw a 10 in with some 370's or DDP stage III's if you can afford em and your near 350. For your towing needs, Maybe a larger charger so your EGT's dont get nuts. something like a Phat shaft 62/12 or a HTB2 will suit your needs quite well. Oo.

 

[Signal73]

PS, check out the Mass dyno day on the regional forums if you havent seen it already, I see your in Mass.....

 

[Matthug]

Signal73 if he has a california truck he would have the 180 pump, or if it was ever replaced it could be a 180. My previous car before my truck was from washington state! Otherwise, yes it would be a 215 pump.

Anyway, if he does have a 215 pump a 10 plate full forward would get him about 350 RWHP. I would NOT run 370's and a 10 plate, the stock turbo cannot handle it at all EGT's will sky rocket. Doesn't sound like he wants to be replacing the turbo and the stock turbo can handle 350 RWHP barely.



108K mileage isn't even broken in yet LOL. I have 248K on mine.

Oh and go with this intake right here-

http://www.tstproducts.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=81

 

[Rams-n-Hogs]

A #10 plate by itself will slip the clutch, and can get the EGT's up, if you don't keep an eye on them. I would just start with a # 10 plate, and see what you think. It's a good plate for a daily driver, and for towing, and with the mods you alreay have, it should be at least 300+. The plate is fairly simple to put in. Just follow TST's directions. It's just like sliding the plate forward, only you're replacing the plate. I would also adjust the AFC housing, and spring, (if not already done).



Jim

 

[arthr31]

thanks for the responses, guys. looks like i need to do some homework to see how much $$$ I need to save up One thing for sure, I want to hedge having to replace my clutch at this point...



My truck was originally built for sale in mAss, so it has the lesser pump. .



Signal73, I didn't know about the dyno day, thanks for the heads up...

 

[arthr31]

OK... So I have another few questions...



I'm thinking about either 370 injectors OR a TST plate. The plate would be cheaper, but is it as good a solution as new injectors? Which would you go with?

How different would a #8 plate be than having my stock plate forward?



Is anyone using the 370 injectors without upgrading the delivery valves as well? Is there a lot of chatter?



Question about the plates: I may stay away from the 10 since it is "not recommended". But, used carefully with a stock clutch, will it matter? (Will I be able to use it "carefully" is really the question !!! )

Also, on the tst site, i see a number of plates, ranging from 12, 11, 10, 8, 6, & 4. However, i see people posting about 100, 0, and other number plates... Are these custom? I'm thinking that I would go with either the #8 or #5.



Sorry for so many questions, and thanks for the responses!!

 

[rsaderlund]

Go with the # 10, I had the #5 in mine, granted it's an auto but you will like it! Alot of adjustablity.

 

[Signal73]

OK... So I have another few questions...



I'm thinking about either 370 injectors OR a TST plate. The plate would be cheaper, but is it as good a solution as new injectors? Which would you go with?

How different would a #8 plate be than having my stock plate forward?



Is anyone using the 370 injectors without upgrading the delivery valves as well? Is there a lot of chatter?



Question about the plates: I may stay away from the 10 since it is "not recommended". But, used carefully with a stock clutch, will it matter? (Will I be able to use it "carefully" is really the question !!! )

Also, on the tst site, i see a number of plates, ranging from 12, 11, 10, 8, 6, & 4. However, i see people posting about 100, 0, and other number plates... Are these custom? I'm thinking that I would go with either the #8 or #5.



Sorry for so many questions, and thanks for the responses!!

Let me see if I can touch on some of these questions...



The 100's and 0's are custom grind plates. People usually make them at home. A 0 is a flat plate, no profile, a 100 looks like a 10, but no top return curve which means no top end defueling. Im running a 100 and I wouldnt want to tow with it with the 370's. No one really pays attention to the Recomendations on TST's charts anymore. If you slip the clutch with a 10 in the stock Pos. slide it back to the cab and youll be good.

With your pump with the 370's there shouldnt be an issue as you have 181 delevery valves.

The TST kit would be cheaper to start with and then throw some injectors in later.

If you need help I will be at the Dyno day, It takes about an Hr to change up plates and put in the boost elbow. Can even get a before and after dyno.

Sliding your stock plate forward is good for about 40 HP from what Ive heard.



Jim

 

[arthr31]

Thanks, Jim, I think that's the way I want to go for now. . tst plate. I'll contact you offline. . Thanks all for the responses... -art

 

[wildmanben]

350 hp? easy...

I got the same truck with the 215 pump. This is what I got 351hp and 887 ft/lbs.



0 plate midway

5" straight pipe

BHAF intake

17* timing



All for less than $600. It slipped the crap out of the stock clutch. So I had to get a con ofe for it. The EGTs are pretty good really, highest I have ever had it is 1300*.



Just my 2 cents.

 

[sstockton]

I ran a 95 auto, with a custom 0 plate, and 370's. I wouldn't recommend it, really. It got extremely hot, and if you ever want to tow anything, you have to be extremely careful, I could hit 1450* unloaded in a snap. Sounds like you are making a wise choice in just going with the plate, also you are doing yourself a favor by buying a quality plate, IMO.

Sean

 

[Cummnzpowr]

.,.

Either that truck came from California, or Massachusetts had the EGR/180 hp trucks too. . is my guess. My friend has 96' 5-speed truck {180 CALI PUMP}. . with a zero plate all the way forward with a stock clutch and it doesn't slip hammering the heck out of it. I'd say add some governor springs and timing it would start to let loose for sure.

 

[Kawi600]

Heh heh, Im from mAss too. . Also looking for a 215 pump. Looks like some guy on ebay is selling reman pumps for 900$, might be a good way to replace an old 160 like I got.

Im not too keen on doing it just yet. Id like to save up 5k and head over to mass diesel and get the trans done first.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I thought only Cali trucks had 180 pump & EGR and Mass trucks were the 215, since Mass didn't adopt California's tougher emission standards until recently, right?



mAss, LMAO

 

[Cummnzpowr]

..

Vaughn. . You may be right. . i am not sure though how a 180 5-speed truck would end up all the way up there from Cali... i guess 1 in a million if someone moved. . just RARE as Hen's Teeth u know.

 

[arthr31]

hey there,



I think that the fine commonwealth of mAss :-laf adopted the cali emissions in '98. My truck did have a CAT... But, i'm not much of a CAT person so it had to go.



I'm going to look at my parts plate this afternoon and find out for sure.



Kawi600, are you going to replace the whole transmission? Will it cost about 5k? I was thinking that at some point i'll need to replace the clutch, and figured that'd be about 500. 00 (southbend probably). Massdiesel is a good shop, i'm lucky I only live several miles away... If I have to spend like 5k, i'll be dead. . i'm already on the wife's radar for "unnecessary upgrades"... :-laf :{

 

[Dual EE]

Kawi600,

Make sure you have the transmission shop put in the updated cooler lines. The stockers have plastic retainer clips that have been know to break off.

 

[arthr31]

hey all, i finally checked my part list plate, i have the 215 pump... so, i'm probably up higher in HP than I originally thought anyway... i'm still contemplating the 10 plate, but have to save up $$$.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

You're a lucky man arthr31, the envy of everyone without a 215 pump



All 12-valves built beginning Jan. 1, 1994 have cats (unless, of course, it's been neutered).



Vaughn