Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) New Optix gauges in... do these numbers give any clues to MODs?

[CStansbury]

Hey Guys,

Finally got a chance to get my Di-Pricol Optix boost and EGT gauges mounted in my a-pillar pod today. I have really been looking forward to it so I can do some safe towing and so I can get some clues as to what mods have been done to my CTD.



The gauges went in flawlessly. They really look nice and I like the style much better than the mismatched ones (goofy EGT) in my '04. 5. The LED lighting is nice and bright and makes them very easy to read at night. No, it's not a perfect match with the dash, but it comes close enough for me. The stepper motor in the EGT gauge is nice and smooth and seems to react very quickly to change.



Now, for the engine data. My truck is the '95 in my sig. I am the 3rd owner. The previous owner said the original owner had modded the truck with bigger injectors and maybe a pump adjustment. The engine will blow white smoke when cold and rev'd up to 1500rpm or so. It will also smoke, pop and stutter at higher revs until warmed up a little. Sounds like a pulling tractor on the line :-laf . Once warm it will give a haze at idle and will roll the coal at 2300-2500rpm. It has really good power and feels great on the highway. No towing data yet.



I watched my numbers today through all types of driving. Cruising at 60mph yielded temps around 600* and boost around 5-10psi. Hammering on it going up the on-ramp gave temps around 1000-1100* and boost between 25 and 32psi. Putting around town yielded 400* temps and almost no boost.



I have read posts that say a stock '95 will only hit 24-25psi. I'm guessing the extra fuel from the injectors has something to do with that. Could I get those kind of numbers with a stock plate and bigger injectors or did the PO have the pump modded?



Thanks for any clues here guys!

 

[tp0d]

Hmm...



For a comparison, my 96 auto with a 180 pump (I believe a 95 manual has a 175 pump), with a #10 plate, afc forward, wastegate plugged... Cruising around is about the same, but I can get 38-40psi max and about 1350 if I really lay into it on a hill in OD. .



Sounds like the PO may have slid the stock plate forward, mebe messed with the star wheel. As for the injectors, mebe he put a set of 215hp injectors in, but doesnt sound like a set of 370s.



Now that you have your gauges, you can do some good moddin. Take that plate out and slowly grind a half moon shape in it, so that the deepest part of the grind is about 1/8" lower than the furthest edge from the mounting holes. Make sure you mark where the plate was in the pump before removing, and I`d recommend resetting it about 3/16" from front with a stock turbo. Slide the AFC houseing forward with the 4 screws slightly loose also. Mebe give the star wheel a few clicks towards the passenger side.



1400 degrees is the absolute max for these engines, and for only a few seconds at a time. I recommend 1350 or 1300 to be safe. That 95 should have a WH1C turbo also, capable of about 35psi max.



As for the feel of the engine, how does it compare to the 2004 you had? The electronic injection does have some lag to it (I know my 05 auto does), but the power should be different. Doesnt sound like you have anything more than 200hp at the rear wheels with those temps and stock turbo.



good luck



-j

 

[CStansbury]

Thanks for the input tpOd. It's always tough trying to figure out what the PO has done when there is no documentation to support it.



The turbo is a HX35 and it looks to be stock. Can't tell if the wastegate has been messed with.



As for comparing it to my 2004. 5, well the raw diesel sound and actual throttle cable make it feel pretty strong, but I am sure it is no where near as powerful as my new truck was. Still, it feels great. I can't wait to start tweaking the power. I feel bad for my clutch Do you have a photo of a plate ground as you described?

 

[BHuebner]

I just finished installing the same gauges in my 95'. the pyro gauge isn't as bright as the boost or transmission. is yours the same way? kind of disappointed! might try an led bulb see if it makes it any brighter. couldn't get much over 800 degrees driving to the mtns today (unloaded). im sure that will all change with the DDP III injectors and 191's to install

 

[CStansbury]

My EGT and boost are the same brightness. They are all LED illuminated and I'm not sure if you can dig in and replace them yourself. Might want to call where you got them and ask.

 

[CStansbury]

Went out and did some more driving last night to generate some more numbers. We don't have any hills around here so everything has been on flat ground. Rolling along in 4th gear at about 40mph I can mat it and the boost will run up to 32psi and the EGTs will climb to about 1200 if I stay into it until around 2500 rpm. By that time I am exceding the speed limit by about 10 mph and have to let off (we only have 55mph roads around here).



Think that sounds like 215 injectors with a stock pump, BHAF, and straight pipe?



If so, would a 3K GSK and a #5 TST plate be a good combo? The #5 is supposed to make 270/675 with stock injectors so with the 215s could I expect around 300/700?



Thanks,

Chris