Mods to 1989 CTD

[jeff77indy]

Well my old '89 just turned the odometer over for the third time.

It still holds 65 psi oil pressure at start up and above 20 when warmed up and idling in drive at a stop light. When I had the new pump put on last year Jessup looked the top end over and said it looked good.

What I'm needing to ask is if the old guy is up to a little pepping up. Nothing major. Maybe a turbo housing and injectors and a free flowing exhaust.

I have a 518 to put in and also have a 1992 CTD that I could use or take the heads off of.

What is your all's opinons.

I like the 1st gen and have had this one since 86,000 miles.

This will be done in phases along with rebuilding the front end, paint, and other general sprucing up.

Also does anyone still have the Dodge part # for the lug nuts to put 2nd gen wheels on a 1st gen? They are supposed to be 1/2" by 15/16" hex. I have wheels on my '89 but had to do some engineering to get the center caps on and they are working out good.

Thanks.

Jeff

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Aside from the obvious (guages) you should consider fitting an intercooler. It will be a tough fit since the grille is not curved to accomodate it like the later 1st Gen's but it can be done. If you're going to up-rate this thing you'll need it.

The A518 is a good transmission. Consider changing the second gear band strut, and having the line pressure increased to around 57psi. (60 is MAX. and can start bulging the front drum seal)

This will help reduce some slippage in the trans. and reduce wear/heat A BIT.

If you're going to change turbo housings, go with a 14cm non-wastegated. The 16cm is a good all around choice but not as 'peppy' as the 14cm. I'm gonna change mine to 14cm soon.



Have the pump re-timed to around 14*~ 15* advance. (1. 5mm + or -)

From there its just a matter of injectors and pump tweaking for your personal liking.



Good luck.



Bob.

 

[jeff77indy]

I have the inner-cooler and radiator tower from the '92 where the 518 and extra engine came from. So I plan on installing it and a late 1st gen. grill when I get going on this project.

Would the '92 radiator be any better than the '89? How about the '92 verses the '89 head?

Thanks.

Jeff

 

[backroad]

Definately go with the '92 crossflow radiator. It's the desired conversion that the earlier truck go with.



From what I understand, If your '89 head is in good shape, you might want to considering staying with it. It's considered to be the industrial version and the injectors do flow more than the '92 ones do. On the other hand, if you still want more injector, go with the '92 and use the PW or the POD injectors. (at least this is the general consensus here)...



I just recently traded off my '90 CTD with 318,000 on it. Never used a drop of oil and ran like a scalleded A-- Dog. Now i'm sorry that it no longer belongs to me.



Dennis...

 

[Lil' Dog]

You'll need the whole front clip if you want to put the 92 grill on your 89. The headlights are just a little down and to the outside on the 89-90's vs the 92 grills. The headlights won't line up in the holes. .



You can just shave the guts out of the original grill to fit over the intercooler to keep the stock appearance. Most of the plastic can be cut out using a dremel tool.



I had an 89 with 180 Hp injectors and stock housing, 3. 5" exhaust and it would blow this one off the road. It did get hot without the intercooler but it was fun to drive.



Good luck on the build-up.



J-eh



(edit) Oh ya, the older heads on the 89-90's have 9mm injector bores. They are able to hold bigger injectors but are more prone to cracking if you get too hot with them. . the 7mm heads are a little more robust.

 

[jeff77indy]

Thanks for the info. I'll probobly stay with the stock grille. The one in it is in bad shape so it'll be a good one to experiment with.

Will also swap to the '92 radiator and keep the '89 heads which are in good shape.

Lil'dog would it be better to go to a 16cm or 14cm housing or stick to the stock one, seems you did good staying with the stock one. I'm not needing alot more power.

Jeff