Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) New to the "undervalved" world...

[snowracer69]

Gentlemen,



My friend just purchased a '97 Dodge 2500, 12 valve CTD, Auto, SLT, most of the options. I'm a 24 valver myself, but he would like my input on things he should do to it. His truck currently has 91,000 miles on it, and he doesn't want to void the warranty, so he's going to wait 9,000 long miles to do anything to the engine. He's looking for what else he can do though... here's what I've told him, and I'd like to know if I'm leading him in the right direction... .



First of all, gauges. EGT, boost, and transmission temp. Next, straight piped exhaust. Third, air filter.



What other easy (read 'cheap') fixes can he do to this truck to make him love it even more? After his warranty is gone, I figure he'd go with a fuel plate first, or what is the correct order for BOMBing a 12 valve?



Oh, I also told him to get the KDP fix, and get it done NOW!!! This is a factor on the '97's, isn't it?



Thanks for any help. Later, Josh.

 

[Missouri Mule]

snowracer69,

Looks like the right start.

But check warranty book I thought that fooling with the exhaust voided warranty also.

I believe one can increase airflow to engine, that doesn't increase hp.



Fuel plate sounds right, exhaust,injectors, turbo exhaust housing

afc spring kit, new air intake system (filter housing) if not already done... . (after warranty ends)



After warranty period is up he can go into afc housing and turn up afc starwheel ( helps out low end power increases/decreases fuel ratio according to boost).

Wastegate elbow to increase max boost or block off wastegate. I would go with the first mentioned.



More will reply with exact details. GoodLuck



On the kdp you can read my post I believe we found the easiest way to install seal in cover. As of now the kdp fix is on the owner unless it damages engine.

 

[Hammer]

Josh...

The KDP while seen mostly in the "properly valved" trucks is not just limited to them. I have seen and know of a few out here in the other motors,24 valvers,that have gone astray and caused damage like the 12 valvers do. Remember this,this is a widespread problem not just limited to the B and ISB series or motors as my company has had them fail in the M & N series also.



Guages are a safe and smart way to begin his quest. If he is wanting to wait to his warranty is expired before any commencement on his B. O. M. Bing mission begins then I'd wait and do nothing at all till that point. Reason being,any air flow modification,no matter intake or exhaust,will void warranty. Most will argue this point or scream M-M Act to stand behind,my thought is this(my opinion only here,decide for yourself)either you wait till the warranty is null and void OR you proceed as planned and accept the fate of your mission and the minor little pitfalls it may bring along.



Its his truck and his choice,just make him aware of the concenquences both ways and go from there. There is plenty of input for some easy tune-ups all he has to do is search. One last thing and I'll end with this,Dodge has a service Bulletin out about K&N and simular air induction systems/filters and will not accept them as recommended parts so if a engine failure happens and the stealer sees them,your outta luck. Now does this mean they are bad,I'll not go there I have my opinions as does others and many wars have been waged due to this here,research air filters,ask around and make your own decision... ... Andy

 

[Piersol]

warranty is over anyway, isn't it?

Isn't the warranty 5 years or 100,000 miles? We are splitting hairs with 9,000 miles left but more than likely the warranty is over unless it was put in service in Oct, Nov or Dec.

 

[WDaniels]

Hammer,

You say that the 24v can have the pin come out also. How is that possible? In 98. 5 they changed the gear case so that the hole the kdp is in is stepped. That way if the pin works loose it can come out only so far then the case will stop it.

WD

 

[Missouri Mule]

WD,

Actually I believe that Cummins stated they built a step in the cover in 98. 5 for 24 valves. I recently did search on 24 valve section on "Killer Dowel Pins" reading thru threads on the archives there are quite a few 24 valves that are loosing dowel pins(98. 5's and early 99's).

I also thought it was taken care of when 24 valves came out. If you do the search you will also have some threads come up about blocks with 53 and 54 stamped on them.



In one of the thread a member post a e-mail from Cummins (from there road club) stating that it was taken care of in the 24 valves.



Later in the thread I believe that Joe D. posts that the timing gear case was changed sometime in 99. They made more of nipple with a smaller whole.



I will be going in for exploratory surgery on my Freightliner soon because it is early 99 model so the KDP doesn't damage the engine.



Ok here is one thread I copied info from the 24 valve archives. In the one by Cummins I don't know if it the case or cover they are talking about they state gear cover has blind hole design not step in cover.

Thread is "4bt Kdp?"