Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Need your opinions

[jrad]

I have a guy that I met on another forum that has his own diesel shop, etc. he seems very knowledgable and I have developed a certain amount of trust from him by reading his posts and by the help he has given to other members on that sight.





He is going to come this weekend and install 3K gov springs, #6 plate, and set my timing.



Do these mods sound compatible? He didnt say what he was setting the timing to and I am a little concerned. I dont want him him to set it too high. . but I dont know what too high is. What is too high?



My primary use of the truck is pulling. I am a very conservative driver. I dont race or pull sleds, and its my daily driver. I have a stock rebuilt transmission with upgraded VB and a mild TC. I have 4in. exhaust already and a full line of gauges.



Please share your thoughts or questions on what I should ask this guy.



Is the #6 plate going to screw my towing EGT's?

What is a good timing setting for towing and milage without shortening the life of the engine?

What kind of performance numbers will I be looking at with all this done?



Thanks for the replys.

 

[McLaughlin]

Most people seem to be setting their timing between 15 and 17 degrees with most around 15. 5. From what I've seen anything over 17. 5 is to high and 17. 5 seems to be at rather extreme.



Regarding the plate, apparently the #s aren't always the same so it is had to tell. You might look at the chart here

You probably really need to ask the guy about the plate.

Most seem to think a #10 plate is one of the better all around plates but I can't say since I don't have any experience with one.

 

[Matthug]

I've heard the 5 and 6 plate and 3kgsk don't mix well in 160-180 pumps. I'd get an 8 or 10 plate, I wouldn't run a 4 if you tow anything substantial.

 

[Howard Durand]

If you have reason to trust the man, don't second guess him. Let him do what he thinks will work for you. That will set a baseline and if you are disappointed then tinker with a different plate.

 

[jrad]

If you have reason to trust the man, don't second guess him. Let him do what he thinks will work for you. That will set a baseline and if you are disappointed then tinker with a different plate.

That is very true. I never thought of it that way. I know I am going to like the 3GSK, and the timing adjustment. But if I dont like the plate, Thats easy to change.



I did go back and reread some of our PM's and he mentioned he customizes his own plates. So. . I will just have to wait and see. He said it would be a killer setup for what I use the truck for.



Thanks for all the replys guys... . I'll keep ya posted of the outcome.