Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) More power - next steps

[guldam]

My 97 seems to be pretty dialed in these days. I can easily exceed 35psi on Turbo boost, and I can pretty easily exceed 1200-1300 degrees EGT. I've turned my boost elbow down to keep the boost to no more than 35 though, and that's helped with EGT. The truck gets up goes compared to a stock truck. It's a different animal.



But I'm not satisfied. I want more power, but don't want to have an overheating, difficult to drive or unreliable truck. After reading a bunch on the subject it would appear I could go to 400-500 hp without too much effort and the truck still remain reliable. So the question is how to get there.



I still have stock injectors, a #100 plate moved all the way forward, 3k GSK, a high performance transmission, and gauges. It has a K&N drop in filter I want to replace with a BHAF soon to help with EGT.



I'd think a set of 50 or 75hp DDP Injectors or similar would give me a bit more snort. But am I rapidly going to have issues with EGT by adding new injectors? If so, then I figure a new Turbo is called for. Scratching my head on this one. I don't have a bunch of money to drop...



Then if I am making 400-500 hp, do I need to do a head stud job?



Would like to see all the various articles Mister Donnelly has written on the subject compiled into an FAQ. I struggle to find the info in the old magazines.



Thanks for feedback,



GulDam

 

[Cosmo]

I think you're going to need a turbo before you start adding more fuel with bigger holes in your injectors. I also think you're going to want to swap in an aftermarket 3 piece exhaust manifold, and 4" turbo-back exhaust if you don't already.

It seems like you've probably hit the wall with air on your stock turbo - turning it up just gives you hot air. More air in, more air out, then more fuel.

 

[guldam]

Thank you, Cosmo. That makes sense. Got start saving my pennies...

Let's see... Me: Sweetheart, my turbo has a bad bearing... probably outta order a new one. Wife: That damn truck is going to eat us out of house and home. grrrrrr, Oh Alright. Order your durned Turbo. ​

Guldam...

I think you're going to need a turbo before you start adding more fuel with bigger holes in your injectors. I also think you're going to want to swap in an aftermarket 3 piece exhaust manifold, and 4" turbo-back exhaust if you don't already.



It seems like you've probably hit the wall with air on your stock turbo - turning it up just gives you hot air. More air in, more air out, then more fuel.

 

[The patriot]

Imo

Injectors, delivery valves, a 16cm2 exh side on the turbo, a 4" exhaust, and some tuning should get you to 400.
Oh, if you havent already, get a BHAF.

I have the cpl 2175 engine (215 hp) and marine injectors and I'm told I should be around 350~ish. BHAF, bumped timing, ... otherwise stock.

edit: I dont think studs are necessary @ 400, but best to check on with the SME's. Joe G or Joe D.

 

[MLee]

Issue 23 JD done a article on uprating the 12 valve. A lot of the process that he went through on his 97. I understand in the buyers guide there is also information on this same thing but it might be limited. You'll have to read a bit to find it.

 

[guldam]

Thanks, I re-read the Buyers Guide, and that was very helpful.



Unfortunately Issue 23 hasn't been made available in electronic form.



I'll just keep investigating, and go the low budge route first with a BHAF, and work on tuning a bit more. Truck runs great. Maybe I outta not mess with it anymore... Right...



I still think that perhaps a fresh set of Stage one injectors wouldn't hurt. My originals have 193k on them and I've run some pretty nasty Biodiesel through them. I suspect some deposits...



GulDam

Issue 23 JD done a article on uprating the 12 valve. A lot of the process that he went through on his 97. I understand in the buyers guide there is also information on this same thing but it might be limited. You'll have to read a bit to find it.