Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) More Power

[billjackson]

I've been a TDR member since 95 and ocasionally search the web site for answers to questions. My search this time has led to much confusion regarding the best way to go about getting more horse power without spending a lot of money. There's so much out there about changing cam plates, injectors, pump timing, etc.

I have a 95 4wd auto that is stock. I'm interested in MORE POWER, but for the least amount of money.

Is going with the TST package worthwhile at around $235. I'd like to hear ideas from the experieced ones.

RN

 

[Joe G.]

The TST package is the most bang for the buck. However, you will need an EGT gauge.

 

[chrleb1]

Be careful how much power you add. You might end up paying a lot more for a transmission and TC after they have been fried. If you want power, and really aren't concerned about "quality" you could grind your cam plate flat to give the effect of a 0 plate. Or you could leave it alone and more it all the way forward. Put the AFC housing full-forward. If you don't want to pay for new injectors, you can sometimes get them extrude honed. Governor springs will be needed. Timing helps a lot in the fuel milage and HP areas... . because not to go too much with a stock head gasket and blow it. 16-17 degrees is alright. air filter and straight exhaust will help with the flow. I know that some of these sound harsh, but they are dirt cheap and you get some nice HP. I'm not quite sure what size DVs come in a 95 pump. I know that some came with 131s, change them out for some 181s or 191s. Disable you wastegate so it kicks in about 34 lbs of boost. Or you could go spend the money and buy all the good stuff.

 

[ronco]

Bill, I also have a "95 Auto truck that I have begun to modify. The plate should come first. That is your "best bang for the buck" modification. You can choose a plate that will along a longer life to your drive train, or lot's of power and a shorter life. Your choice! Let us know if you have other questions.





Ronco

 

[DSutton]

TST power kit is a great value. I installed it in my 95 auto almost a year ago and have not had any problems with the transmission (Sorry all of you AT bashers) With reasonable driving habits the 230/605 kit will work nicely in your truck.

 

[Got Smoke?]

Get an EGT guage, and install the pyro PRE-turbo. Then slide your stock plate full forward. That's FREE horsepower. While your at it you need to install a free-flowing muffler or straightpipe your rig to help a little with EGT's, and you'll need to look into a better flowing air filter.



All & all.



$150 for guage & Pyro

$20-60 for straightpipe (add more if you prefer a muffler)

$40 for a BHAF, or K&N Cone, etc.



For that you can pick up maybe 50hp, but like others have mentioned if you go to a TST plate you may end up spending A LOT more on transmission upgrades if you go to much.

 

[mikel]

These little plates kick butt, no question about it.



Like others have said though, be careful as that little plate may turn out to be a *very* expensive $250 toy if it takes out the transmission.



Also repeating others, "get gages first".



Mike

 

[ronco]

Got Smoke? Does he need a boost elbow with a stock plate slid forward?





Ronco

 

[Got Smoke?]

Originally posted by ronco

Got Smoke? Does he need a boost elbow with a stock plate slid forward?





Ronco

He doesn't NEED one, but I'd throw one in. In fact if he's interested I may have one I can send him next week. I've got an adjustable elbow I need to install anyways. :-laf

 

[Sled Puller]

Don't forget to shop around, used and new.



Boostelbow is a good example. Adjustable one-$12.



I have seen the ones with fancy names sold in the kits sell for $35 or more. Only about 400% markup.

 

[DDunse]

This is good reading as I am in the same boat with a stock 95 and auto trany. I have added a 4 inch exhaust just because the stock one rusted in two and I put a K&N filter in it. I would like to step it up a little and yet not hurt the trany. On long grades the race trailer ( about 8500 - 9000 pounds fully loaded with gear for a weekend of racing ) really drags it down. I travel with 2 other guys pulling similar weights, one has a stock 2001 auto and the other guy has a slightly bombed 97. I can run with them in the flats but they leave me in the dust when we get into the hills. So I am thinking gauges (boost and pyro) and a TST kit, but which plate # will get me over the hills and yet not kill the transmission? I am not looking to hot rod the truck just more power to pull.

 

[Joe G.]

The #6 plate is recommended for a stock '95 with automatic transmission. The #5 is considered to be too much. See the chart on the TSTProducts web site at: http://www.tstproducts.com/

 

[AWray]

I also have a 95 auto that is stock except for the ATS transmission and torque converter that I had put in because the stock one blew up at 78k miles. Until I can recover from the financial set back, I want to slide the stock plate all the way forward. Sled Puller, where can I get an adjustable elbow to push some more boost? Gauges are in the box waiting to be installed this week.