Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) New here, 1997 5spd w/ 293K miles, leave it stock, where's the limit?

[MPascino]

Hello all, great forum, looking forward to all the info! I've just purchases a 1997 extended cab long bed 5 spd truck with 293k miles. The truck has been very well maintained, with the trans rebuilt and clutch replaced about 30K ago. I guess my first question is, at what mileage do you leave good enough alone? The truck, to my knowledge, is completely stock. I am not against things like air intake improvements and exhaust, but are items like a #10 plate/boost elbow, and governer kit a bad idea? I assume the clutch wasn't replaced with anything special. I assume I would have clutch problems down the line, no? With the 300K mile mark approaching what should I check over on the motor? Am I putting anything at risk by upgrading the performance? What is the down side to not sliding the 10 plate all the way forward? I know I only say it now, but I'd be happy with 600ft/lbs. :-laf Oo. I'd like to minimize the under the hood time over the next couple years... . Do these things require injector and pump rebuilds every 100K like the old chevys? Any advise is appreciated. Oh yeah, is there any way to tell if the KDP has been addressed without taking the truck apart?



Thanks,

Mike

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

"where's the limit"

At the bottom of your pockets.

I'd like to minimize the under the hood time over the next couple years...

Pbbffffttt!!!... just what we like around here... a sense of humor. :-laf



I just evolved back to a 97 12v. After searching the threads I've pretty much decided that I'll limit my mods to another exhaust brake - a necessity that I sorely miss, a 4" exhaust, 3K governor spring kit, 300 marine injectors, timing advanced, a #10 plate, and possibly a BHAF air filter.



This seems within reason without destroying the intent of my going back to a "paid for" 97.



Of course, I dream of putting a 6 speed in and changing the axles to 3:73s.



Good luck and keep a tight hold on your wallet. :-laf

 

[tp0d]

Mike:



Welcome to the TDR! This is a great source of knowledge on our engines, I`m sure you`ll learn a lot by doing some searching and a whole lotta reading. I know I have.



Anyways, the mods that Ol'TrailDog mentioned are a very good way to go, I would recommend the BHAF first, as it is the cheapest mod for the value.



As for the KDP, you can check the timing case bolts (the case is attached to the oil filler), to see if they have been recently removed. Otherwise, you can check to see if the previous owner used a KDP jig on the problem, there will be a stainless phillips screw in the body of the timing case, not the cover, just above and to the right of the fan hub. This may be covered with dirt or oil residue, so you may want to clean it out before inspecting. I maintain the KDP jig in the NorthEast area, so if you want to take care of the KDP problem in less than an hour, PrivateMessage me to get on the list. (click on my nickname and hit 'Send a Private Message to... . ")



As for the power, if you up it too much, you`ll toast the clutch unless you know its something good. So now is a good time to save up for a new clutch I have a home-ground #10 plate in mine, slid it about 3/4 forward, gives me all the power I need. I havent dyno'd yet, but the seat-o-pants meter tells me i`m o. k.



If you picked up a clean truck with no rust, sounds like you got a good deal. Just watch for the dreaded door rust, spray some lithium grease or the like inside your door drain ports, cant hurt a bit. It saved mine from dying an awful death. .



No, these trucks do not need major injection pump maintenance every 100k. The one thing I do recommend is a very close inspection of your fuel supply system. Any rubber hose that looks suspicious, replace it. It will just cause you grief in the long run. And also, if the previous owner didnt replace the lift pump, with 300k, I would recommend it. They usually last about 200-250k.



Good luck



-jerry

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Hi Mike, I turned up the power on my '96 a little shortly after getting it last year and so far no ill effects to the motor. It had 352,000 then, 382,000 now. If it was maintained properly it shouldn't mind having the power turned up



Vaughn