Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Gov springs ?

[Matthug]

Hey guys I plan on eventually getting the 3KGSK springs, but I was just fiddling around today and decided to see what cranking down the stock ones would do. First I measured and noted what the setting was stock, it was . 060. At first I cranked them down way too far, like . 125. I didn't know that just a little makes such a huge difference! I the idle jumped to like 1300 and when I tried to adjust it down the engine would just stall with any less than 1000 RPM. So I figured that was way to cranked down, and backed it off to about . 090. It's kinda cceptable, I didn't feel like tearing it back apart again for the 3rd time. I got it to idle around 800 RPM but it will stall until the engine is warmed up substantially so I have to hold the throttle. Also just turning the steering will make it stall even after warmed up, so I plan to back the springs off too about . 070-. 080 and then I think that will be a good compromise. Boy oh boy did it make a difference, I got way more power in the top end. It used to start making less power around 2200 and then shut down at 2600. Now I got full pulling power until 2800, haven't had the itch to go above 2900 it's really screaming and I'm still running the stock valve springs. I think once I back the springs to . 080 I'll loose a little maybe around 2600 RPM but having the extra 400 RPM really helps out I can't wait for the 3K GSK.

I have just one question though, can any harm come to the engine with cranked down stock springs?

 

[Joe G.]

I turned mine in two clicks. It will hit 3K that way which is plenty for me. Idle is not affected.

 

[DJWyckoff]

I ground the head off the linkage stop and mine turns to 3600 the shop said if I want 4000 turn them two or three clicks and try it then reset idle. I need springs for my valves. but its fun to out run the new dodge diesels with a ten year old truck

 

[Matthug]

Well I'm not sure about the click method because it didn't click for me until over . 100'', and that was way too much. I backed off the springs just a hair, they were at . 085''. I found that . 070-. 075 is about perfect, it runs out about 2800-2900 RPM and idle is not affected anymore I don't have anymore stalling. This is great, it's like a free 3kGSK. Well I guess whenever I get GSK I'll just go for the 4K kit and buy it from PDR with the valve springs all for $225 can't beat that. The more I learn the more I love 12 valves, grinding my stock plate and turning the stock gov springs saved me $300 with just a little time of my own R&D. I just love mechanical things, too much crap goes wrong with electrical stuff.