Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Low power after 3000 GSK install

[SmokinU]

Hey Guys,



Yesterday, Rams-n-Hogs and I installed a PDR 3000 GSK in my 97 Ram. The install went smoothly. When I took it for a test drive, it had good power in 1st and second gear, but third and up, it was a dog. It seems to loose power after 2100 rpm, but will run to over 3000 rpm. It seems to be idling a litter higher than usual as well. So today I took off the afc housing and made sure the governor lever was hitting the cam plate in the right spot and it was. I also moved the factory plate up just a hair, along with the housing. It smokes just a bit now, but is still low on power. Any ideas on what is causing a loss in power? If I would of known that I was going to loose power after the install, I would of never put them in.



Brandon

 

[chrleb1]

Some plates don't match well with a GSK. You could try a 10 plate or a 4 plate. Also you could have the GSK a little loose. Also check your wastegate. It could be opening up too early and resulting in a loss of power.

 

[Got Smoke?]

If your idle is much higher POST GSK install then your retainer nuts are to tight. Usually they take no more than 3 clicks. Do you remember what yours are set at?

 

[SmokinU]

Well, I loosened them two clicks, and it was improved a little. The idle is now where it should be. I would put a plate in, however I don’t have any gauges in. But as before, the truck runs very strong in first and second gear, but lacks a good bit of power in third and up. It doesn’t feel like a boost leak, but early defueling. I’m to the point where I want to reinstall the factory governor springs.



Brandon

 

[scramblin]

Originally posted by BPeiffer

however I don’t have any gauges in. .



Brandon

 

[SmokinU]

I was told the GSK wont raise egt enough to worry about them. The same goes for moving the plate just a hair forward, especially since I don’t tow anything.

 

[scramblin]

Originally posted by BPeiffer

I was told the GSK wont raise egt enough to worry about them. The same goes for moving the plate just a hair forward, especially since I don’t tow anything.

Boost and a pyro guages help determine the problem.

 

[Got Smoke?]

GSK was my first BOMB and it helped GREATLY! I was towing a friends 20ft gooseneck every once in a while with my 5K lbs Chevy K20 or some friends vehicle. 3. 55 gears and 33" tires kept me constantly shifting from 4th to 5th especially on any kinda hill.



With the GSK I can run all the way to 3,000 and even past! but don't for fear of floating a valve. No more constantly switch'n gears with a load. Lot of times I drive in 4th with a load through hilly areas cause I know I can just run up the RPM's and not have to shift.



The GSK was by FAR the best BOMB I've done to my truck. I would call Piers and see if he has any suggestions because even BONE stock I noticed a GREAT improvement with my GSK, but boy when that #10 went in she came ALIVE!:--) Oo.

 

[Dennis Garrett]

BPeiffer, mine's a 97 too, but with auto. I did put in the same 215 injectors your engine probably has, and added a #8 (230hp) TST kit. I added the 3K GSK later. If you were to add the #8, & slide it ahead just slightly, you should be getting about the same HP/Torque values I'm getting, which is just about 300 hp to the rear wheels, along with 700 lbs torque, at 2200 RPM. (on a 195,000 mile engine!)

 

[SmokinU]

I think I will give Piers a call. I would like to put a cam plate in it, but I don't think the clutch will hold, plus in need to get a set of gauges. I just whish I knew why It runs great in 1st and 2nd, buts is a dog in 3rd and up.



Brandon

 

[Got Smoke?]

Originally posted by BPeiffer

I think I will give Piers a call. I would like to put a cam plate in it, but I don't think the clutch will hold, plus in need to get a set of gauges. I just whish I knew why It runs great in 1st and 2nd, buts is a dog in 3rd and up.



Brandon

give him a call, you shouldn't have to run a plate to get the full use of the 3K GSK.

 

[hsmith]

Originally posted by BPeiffer

Hey Guys,



Yesterday, Rams-n-Hogs and I installed a PDR 3000 GSK in my 97 Ram. The install went smoothly. When I took it for a test drive, it had good power in 1st and second gear, but third and up, it was a dog. It seems to loose power after 2100 rpm, but will run to over 3000 rpm. It seems to be idling a litter higher than usual as well. So today I took off the afc housing and made sure the governor lever was hitting the cam plate in the right spot and it was. I also moved the factory plate up just a hair, along with the housing. It smokes just a bit now, but is still low on power. Any ideas on what is causing a loss in power? If I would of known that I was going to loose power after the install, I would of never put them in.



Brandon

Not sure what your problem is. I did the 3k and gov lever adj. with my #11 plate and the truck really came alive. EGT's can now get out of hand if I am not careful.

I now have full power through 3200 rpms. Will be installing a BHAF soon to see if it will help with the egts.

Must also say the economy towing on the first trip was almost 12 mpg. Today did the first check empty. This truck is a everyday driver with lots of short runs. 17. 9 is a likeable figure I could not get with the stock plate and adjs.



Good luck. The info on this site will get you on the right track. hsmith

 

[Rams-n-Hogs]

Brandon,



I sent you a PM.



Jim