Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) need some upgrade advice

[JRS]

I've installed a TST #12 in basically a stock '97. (5 speed) I am running a stock exhaust, sans a muffler, and a Fleetgaurd filter dropped in the factory air box. The TST plate was installed in the same position as the stock plate. My question is, do I really need a boost gauge and an EGT? I am towing about 6,000 lbs of race car and trailer at 70 mph. I am thinking that at the min. I should install a combo. gauge. Where does the end of the EGT mount? I would imagine it would take some d&t. (drilling and tapping) Where does the boost signal source come from? What about an exhaust upgrade to 4"? recommended brands of exhaust? Recommended intakes? (instead of a stock air box and filter) Eventually I will be switching to an enclosed race car trailer, so my eventual tow weight will be around 10,000 lbs. thanks.

 

[onestackdram]

First, where you are at with the modifications you have, no you don't "NEED" guages. However I always reccommend them to anyone that tows anything. It is always a good idea to know what your engine is doing.



Second, your EGT guage will be mounted in one of two places. My personal preference is PRE-turbo and I believe that most on here will attest to that as well. You will need to do some drilling and tapping for that but it is not hard at all. The instructions will come with the guage itself. It will be in the ex. manifold approx. 2 1/2" before it mates to the ex. housing of the turbo.



Third, your boost guage will tie into the intake side on the block right behind your pump, there is not drilling or tapping involved here as it already has a plug there that you simply take out and replace with boost line. This is the most simple of either one.



Fourth, on your exhaust, I reccomend going to a 4". As far as what brand, that is really just a personal preference and how much your pocket book wants to spend. Anyone that advertises on this website is a reputable dealer/manufacturer and will be a nice addition.



Fifth, on your intake, again this is a personal preference thing. It again will just depend on your pocket book. If you dont want to spend the money to buy aftermarket, I personally have had good success in just drilling 3 2" holes in the bottom of my box and adding a K&N Filter to it. But like I said this is all just personal preference.



Russell

 

[ChillyDog]

You definitely need at least an EGT gauge! If I were you I would not pull any heavy loads or run the truck too hard until you get some gauges. You are more than likely safe on your EGT's with that plate in the stock position, but I would hate to burn up a $10,000 engine just to find out for sure. You have to drill and tap the manifold, and pre-turbo is the best place for the most reliable temp readings. There are many choices on exhaust and intake systems. The easiest filter choice is the BHAF. I would do a search on exhaust systems and you will find days worth of reading and opinions on the best system.



Bill

 

[Cooker]

If you don't plan on going farther up in HP than a #12 plate I wouldn't spend the money on a 4" exhaust. The stock exhaust minus the CAT and muffler (or a free flowing muffler) will be fine at that power level. If/When you decide to go up in HP you can always get the 4" at a later time.

 

[Deezul1]

Ditto on the 4" exhaust, doesnt help much till somewhere around 500hp. EGT gauge a must as noted above when towing. Good Luck and have fun.