Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Mods for 97

[sadlbum]

Hey guys. My girlfriend wants me to get a few things done on her 97. I've decided the first is the KDP. Then gauges, exhaust, intake. If I do this, Can I turn up the pump and bump up the timing to get a modest power increase?



Also do I need to do the whole intake or will a drop in be good enough for what I'm thinking? If so which drop in? I have not heard anything good about K&N.



All suggestions that don't break the bank will be appreciated! Thanks, RC.

 

[mjoppie]

i will trade you girlfriends mine hates my trucks, "to loud and big" she says.



a good bump would be a plate and gov springs. replace muffler with 3" straight pipe and put on a bhaf. that should make her grin

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I'd start with KDP, check exhaust manifold for shrinkage (probably need an ATS by now), torque plate, low restriction 3" exhaust, new clutch and especially pilot bearing if a 5 speed; also 5th gear nut and mainshaft. Stock air box and filter are OK to 500 hp.

 

[mjoppie]

joe, when you say check the manifold, what are you refering to? leaking gaskets. or would it cause a restriction out of the head (kinda similar to port matching)? theres quite a few trucks around here running 300k+ and no obvious signs of damage.









matt

 

[sadlbum]

I tried a straight pipe on my 03 but was WAY to loud pulling a trailer. Will the 97 be bearable? Do you suggest useing the stock down pipe and over the axle?

 

[sadlbum]

Also she just rebuilt the transmission just before we met 2 years ago. Need to break it again before I can fix it "right"!!!

 

[sewman]

what joe's talking about is after years of getting hot & cooling the exhaust manifold shrinks & the holes end of it will hit the stud & break off the ears on the head,so you need to look @ them & see how close they are getting.

ATS makes a 3-piece one that expands & contracts w/o shrinking permanent like the stocker.

Bob

 

[mjoppie]

if you leave the tailpipe in the stock location you wont notice the difference. ive done lots of them and no difference at all. just replace the muffler and cat with pipe and enjoy dont break it just yet, i would throw in a vb kit and maybe a converter. that would be fine for a while. until you start the bombing process.



matt

 

[IC Smoke]

All suggestions that don't break the bank will be appreciated!

"bombing" is a very addctive thing! finacially and emotionally!

Soo not to break the bank you might be limited to decals, freebies, oil changes, air filter, and straight pipe... ... after that its all down hill... hahah youre bank account goes with it as well :-laf as for the wife she might not see much of you since you'll be under the hood and then out on the road!



Matt is in quite the situation also (wife and truck fighting for the wallet :-laf ) Id consult with him for information! hahahah



Ian

 

[mjoppie]

thats very true ian, im not sure which ones prying harder. but the wife has a secret weapon... ... CREDIT CARDS and CHARGE ACCOUNTS damn women :-{} i need to get her a house arrest teather. Oo. Oo. with no phone access