Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Horsepower $

[Tim Galyean]

I am new to the tdr, and just recently purchased my first cummins,

I have a 97 3500 standard cab with 60,000 miles. The truck is a virgin, and I intend to change that soon My question to all of you is in your opinion if you had $1000 to spend what mods would give me the most dependable horsepower. I would assume that one of these mods might be to change the injectors. How hard is it to change the injectors? Does any one have some info? Thanks for your help.

 

[Blackcloud]

The first mods i would/did do are a aftermarket fuel plate and a good set of guages(exhaust and boost). That should leave you with plent to play with afterwards(injectors). Have fun.

 

[Extreme1]

Manual or automatic?

 

[Tim Galyean]

Manual

 

[SlyBones]

1. Gauges and Pod $300

2. TST #11 Plate $225

3. PDR 3K Governor Spring Kit $150

4. BHAF filter, heat shield, turbo shield $125

5. 3" in/out flow thru muffler $100

6. Nuke the cat during the muffler install ( inc )

7. Kill the KDP

8. Timing to 15. 5* - 16. 0*



This should be in the ball park. Depending on where you shop you can beat these prices. Just estimates. And assumes you do the work yourself and spend all $$$ on parts.

 

[Blackcloud]

Maybe before you get injectors,you should save what you have left of the 1000 for the clutch,cause the extra horsepower is so addictive enough is never enough.

 

[KPerkins]

Black Cloud is right, the stock clutch won't stand much. Talk to Peter at South Bend Clutch, he can set you up with something to match your horsepower goals.

 

[JohnE]

Ever hear of the 5th gear nut problem? (Ken recently found out. ) That's part of the preventative maintenance clause that should come BEFORE the fun stuff.



gauges

gauges

gauges



Manual? I would go with a #11 or #10 plate to compliment those governor springs.



Oh, did I mention gauges?

 

[Deezul1]

Gauges first is a must. #11 plate is a great all around plate and with 370 injectors I made 417 hp before adding the 4K GSK and setting timing to 15. 6 but it will make the stock clutch cry the blues. By setting the plate back a ways you can get by with the clutch for a while but if you go with a lesser plate you will be changing it again later. The injector change is pretty easy if you have mechanical experience. I had never done one and it took 1 1/2 hours. My mileage has stayed the same throughout the HP mods once I quit hotrodding it.

 

[SlyBones]

I edited my post above to include the timing. That is one I forgot. It can be done yourself if you have the special tools. They cost more than what a good shop will charge to just set it. So unless you plan on doing several buddies, just shop around and pay the labor, is my opinion.



Deezul1 is right, get a larger plate and keep it slid back till you can afford a clutch. Then you can slide it forward and will not have to trade up.