Let's see what I don't know Diesels

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I have a 96 LWB 12 value with auto trans. exteneded cab with 93000 that is stock except for what appears to be TC lock up switch. This switch when engaged causes the RPMs to increase about 500 RPM. If this switch is engaged and the truck drops out overdrive, the vehicle has to be stopped and shut completely down before the RPM will return to normal. The engine does not lug out or die when I stop with it this way. It does this if I engage the switch before the truck jumps into overdrive.

Now for my biggest concern I pull a 31' travel trailer that is at between 6600-8800 lbs and i pull it in overdrive until it starts jumping into and out of overdrive (I have not had this problem yet). When pulling down the interstate at about 70 there seems to be no power or fuel petal let to increase speed or give anymore power for climbing hills. If I use the cruise control the petal is on the floor so I have quit using the cruise. I just received my TST power kit for it and have been reading the discussions on power and have gotten very confused. I have read some about a #8, 6 and different cam plates. Is there different ones are they all the same? Is the TST power kit hard to put in? This is my first diesel and don't know much any thing about them. I plan on taking a trip from Louisiana to Yellowstone this next year and need to get the truck up to good runnig power and the best fuel mileage I can before June. I don't have an unlimited budget to get it in shape so I need to know what is gonna be the less expensive to get it ready to go. Will increaseing the exhaust size help me much are is this power kit gonna be all I need? What is the deal about the gauges? Like i said i don't know much about diesels. As yall can see I need some help. Any iformation that anyone can give me will help a lot. Thanks AL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Archive]

Sounds like your exhaust system is plugged or in need of review. I think maybe kill the cat and remove the muffler replacing with a straight pipe. The tubro cuts the sound, power goes up, milage goes up, engine response is better. If you change your mind you can always add the muffler latter. Its a very cheap fix or a start on fixing the problem. Gages, yes, yes, yes.

 

[Archive]

"kill the cat" means ramrod out the guts of your catalytic converter. #ad
It is probably pluged up good.

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1972 Chinook class C with 96/215 5spd, 4/5" exh, 4"BD, MagHytec, 85gal fuel, K&N RE0880, AutoMeter, 370's, BD gov kit, BD afc kit, www.fostertruck.com/cummins

 

[Archive]

Al:

Welcome to the TDR Website!

About your question on the TST cam
plates:

Numbers for automatic transmission
trucks:

TST Cam Plate#8: 230 H. P. /605 Torque
TST Cam Plate#6: 250 H. P. /635 Torque
TST Cam Plate#5: 270 H. P. /650 Torque

Other companies also sell the cam
plates and their numbers for them
are different. They are not hard
to install. Mark Chapple (owner of
TST) sends a step-by-step videotape
with each one he sells and they are
easy to follow. If you are not com-
fortable with doing it yourself he
can probably direct you to someone
near you that can install it. His
phone # is as follows: (812)342-
6741. Before putting in the cam
plate you should buy a set of gauges
with EGT(Exhaust gas temp), Boost
gauge (Turbo boost) and a trans. temp
gauge(to monitor transmission temps. )
Check out the 12&24 Valve "Archives"
on brand names, prices etc. I have
"Isspro" gauges in my truck and have
had good luck with them. Gauges are
a "personal choice" thing.

Dyno testing of larger exhaust systems
by Joe Donnelly has shown that the
real large exhaust systems (4-5 Inch)
are not needed on mild H. P. upgrades.
However, as "sanger" and "Larry B"
already advised you, get a "good"
flowing muffler like a "Walker. "
And as they also told you "get rid
of the cat!" It is a BIG restriction
on these engines.

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Red '96 4x4 2500 Auto 3. 54, TST #5, Major Pump Mods, 370 injectors, Gov. Spring kit, AFC Spring kit, Banks Exhaust, Prime Loc, Cummins Chrome Kit, Pro-Torque Converter, BD Valve Body, Sendel 16" Alum Wheels w/ 33" BFGs

 

[Archive]

Al, Welcome. My advice: Spend a couple of hours going thru the TDR forums and archives. You'll be amazed at all the info that's there! Use the 'search' feature if you need specfic info.

RE: the TST kit. Go to their web site and read the installation instructions. It's easy. (tstproducts.com)

Hope this helps.

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1995 2500 SLT Club 4x4, auto, 3. 54, 3300 pound Elkhorn slide in camper, AirLift air springs, Ricka dual wheel adapters, K&N, DC tow hooks, Rancho RS9000, Hellwig rear sway bar.
107,000 miles and counting.