Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) new member ideas?

[pmeyers]

Looking for ideas. 12v-1997-5spd. 150,000mi. My injectors are in need of a rebuild. I have a reputable shop just thought I'd ask for ideas for more power out of my stock ( minus a K&N Filter ) 12 valve. Truck runs strong, just is becoming hard starting. What are some options on 12v injectors. Don't want 150 extra horse maybe 30 - 80 would do. Any ideas other than injectors would be welcome. What is this " plate " others keep refering to. This 1997 is my 20th DODGE and 4th diesel pick-up in 15 years can't get enough of them. Dodge Makes it Cummins Shakes It

 

[Bhale]

pmeyers



WELCOME to the TDR!



WARNING!!!! Once you start BOMBing you won't be able to stop! This is your only warning...



If you don't have one already, get a Haynes manual from your local parts store. Next, get an EGT and Boost gauge from Genos garage because once you start down the BOMBing path you'll need to know what your engine is doing. For the hard starting, check the operation of the fuel shutdown solenoid as sometimes with age they begin to react slowly. Rebuild kits are available and will save bunch of money compared to a replacement. Are you sure you need injectors? I've got 137k on my stock set and am only looking to replace them for power reasons. If the truck runs strong now, the injectors could most likely wait till later. For moderate power upgrades check out TST's website for a fule curve plate (torque plate) and wastegate elbow. Any one of their sets will be a dramatic increase in power and responsiveness. Seem my sig for what i've done to mine. The plate, GSK springs and AFC spring will cost you about $400 and is a great start. Later you can look into the 370 injectors and turbo housing for some extra punch.





I'm sure others will offer their advice and wisdom and correct me if i've mislead you.



Have Fun!



Brian Hale

 

[KPerkins]

I would check your pump return line or could be your pressure relirf valve. They will cause the hard starting. Injector failure will cause a miss or at least a rough idle.

 

[Dennis Garrett]

http://www.tstproducts.com/power_kits_trial.htm

 

[drees1]

Bhale's post is right on the money. read it a couple of times. The #11 plate and the AFC kit will really wake it up and take it up to the limit of the clutch. No sacrifice in economy either, and only a small haze of smoke when you really stand on it. After those mods, the price of admission rises, custom clutch, turbo, bigger injectors, etc. , but you may be very happy with the fuel plate, AFC, and gages. The fuel plate is one of several factors controlling fuel delivery and is partly responsible for the HP "personality" of the engine which is taylored by AFC springs, adjustments, and plate changes.



I am very happy with my set up which recently allowed me to tow 25,000 Lb (scaled) gross over Jelico (4-5% grade for miles, I75, Tennessee) at 52 mph in 4th over, (same as 5th direct) at 1750 rpm, 25psi boost and 1100 deg EGT preturbo. I know I could have ran the rpm up and gone 65mph with higher EGT and 35 psi boost, but the water temp climbs on this long grade. It was a walk in the park for the Cummins. Stock with this load, 35 mph, maybe.



Try the AFC kit, #11 plate (385 Hp, 685 Ft-Lbs torque) and gages.



And, Welcome aboard!!

 

[WKener]

Try the AFC kit, #11 plate (385 Hp, 685 Ft-Lbs torque) and gages.

Probly a typo, but I think Drees1 meant 280hp/685ft-lbs torque. These numbers are meant to represent flywheel power, but they are known to put these kind of numbers to the ground. Any way you put it, it really wakes the truck up! You already have the 215hp injectors, so your next real step up in that department would be going to some 370's, so I would recommend sticking with the 215's for now and swapping plates (until you get hooked and need more).



Again, why do you think the injectors are in need of a rebuild? They tend to hold up very well, and you would definitely feel it if one of them was bad, as KPerkins said. What do you mean by "hard starting?" If it takes a little extra cranking time, it could even be something as simple as an old battery...



And, let me make the obligatory chime-in for gauges first!



Wes



edit: I almost forgot... Do you know if your Killer Dowl Pin has been taken care of yet?? At 150,000miles, that would be priority numero uno in my book!!

 

[PUMPERDUDE]

"I would check your pump return line or could be your pressure relirf valve. They will cause the hard starting. Injector failure will cause a miss or at least a rough idle. " KPerkins



Do that first... ... ... ...



" Don't want 150 extra horse maybe 30 - 80 would do. "pmeyers



Famous last words of a stocker,soon to be bombaholic



A 97 5-speed?It would be a mortal sin NOT to bomb it!

 

[SlyBones]

Spot on

Advise here is correct.



1. Fix existing problem. Prolly not injectors.

2. Killer Dowl Pin fixed right away

3. Gauges.

4. TST Plate, AFC kit and Gov Kit

5. You already have K&N filter

6. Chase away the cat and get a 3" flow thru muffler at the minimum. Max would be get a 4" exhaust along with chasing away the cat. Helps on EGT's and will sound really cool to go along with the new power.



This should run you right around $1000 - $1200 if you shop around. Do it yourself, go to bomber events and find members to help install and all that. Save big on labor. Drive this for a little while, while you save up for a South Bend clutch.

 

[WKener]

SlyBones laid it out as well as possible I think.

Drive this for a little while, while you save up for a South Bend clutch.

Exactly!

 

[pmeyers]

Thanks to all

I'll research all of the ideas and get back to each of you that took the time to respond. Thanks again, more to come.