Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Oh No

[Piersol]

Well, I just installed the TST #8 plate in my truck and after the test drive it appears I have caught the bombing bug. What a difference! I have a boost gauge but no EGT gauge. . I'm scared to death to drill into a perfectly good exhaust manifold. I know; I know. I should do it.

 

[csevers]

you should be scared

Of the damage you could do with out gauges or not watching them. Best case you install gauges and everything goes well worst case you screw up a couple hundred dollar maniflod you are still trying to save the engine buy installing the probe right? Good luck have fun driving can be so much fun with more power.

 

[Bhale]

Ahhhhh And so it begins. Now that you've opened the pump it's time to do the springs, GSK and AFC. Of course you'll need that BHAF or Mega Cannon to feed it more air and a turbo to help get exhaust out. Don't forget the injecters!



Did you put the plate in the stock position? If so you'll want to bump it forward for some more power.



Enjoy! It's Fun!!Oo.



Brian

 

[Piersol]

spring kit

Brian, the spring kit seems to make good sense. The plate is in the stock position. I don't plan on any more mods until I get the courage to drill my manifold. I don't pull much; my truck is mostly a daily driver so I don't think I can get in much trouble with EGT's yet but the gauge will be piece of mind.

csevers, Good point!

 

[Matt42]

Three Piece Manifold

I am also agonizing over where to drill the EGT probe hole on my non=bombed engine. I am faced with a similar dilemma. Maybe ruin a relatively inexpensive post-turbo elbow, or maybe ruin a more expensive manifold.



I have seen three piece replacement manifolds available that are predrilled for the probe. Do they work? What do they cost?

 

[WKener]

The three piece manifolds are from ATS. They are nice, but I really don't think you should worry too much about drilling and tapping your manifold. It is pretty easy, and odds of success are highly in your favor if you take your time

 

[Piersol]

Watch one, do one ,teach one. If I could just watch an exhaust manifold being drilled and tapped I would feel much more comfortable. I never would have bought the TST plate if they didn't send a video. Although I would like to know how long he worked on that break off screw before the camera was on. Heck, I had more trouble with the REAL screw at the back than he had with the break off screw. I was just about ready to give up after I mangled the heck out of it when suddenly it broke free.

 

[mcandies]

Piersol,



I was reluctant to dirll my manifold also. I did not like the method of drilling and removing the shaving with a magnet without looking inside the manifold to be sure that I got them all. So, I removed the four nuts that hold the turbo to the manifold and pulled it back just enough to tape it off. I was able to reach my finger into the manifold far enough to make sure there were no more shavings and that my probe was at the right setting. With a little cutting fluid, the manifold will drill like you are going into butter. Tapping was realy easy also. Just take your time and go for it. This link may help you http://www.tstproducts.com/gauge_install.html

 

[Doubleclutch]

Piersol- JUST DO IT!!! The bombing process is never ending, and you'll find like I did, that the 12v stock manifold IS going to shrink on you. Plan on replacing it eventually, so if you should be the only guy to booger his stock manifold, there is a back-up available (with perfect flats for probes). Use a center punch to keep the drill from walking and go for it. use a magnet if you like, for the chips. You'll do fine, and never worry about melting a piston from having fun. Greg

 

[PUMPERDUDE]

Start small.........

Just do it. Start with the 1/8 npt fittings ,you get a second shot (up to 1/4 npt)at it if you should screw up . Let the bombing begin

 

[illflem]

I've never heard of anybody screwing up, anyone else? Just take your time.