Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Performance versus fuel economy

[pavegunner]

Performance versus fuel eco I just bought a 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 5. 9L Cummins 2WD w/ 5 speed. The truck has 230,000 miles on it. It runs really nice and smooth, although it hits about 2,000 RPMs and it does not pull after that. I'm not looking for crazy power out of this thing but I would like to get around 600lbs of torque and keep my MPG's as high as possible.

 

[Matthug]

Install a number 8 torque plate from TST and you're good to go, 230 horse and 605 ftlbs.

http://www.tstproducts.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=6



Wouldn't be a bad idea to install gauges either, boost and pyro. I would also get a 4'' exhaust system, any system off ebay is fine I got mine for $250.

On the RPM's... They make a 3000 RPM governor spring kit but don't waste your time or money with it. I just did the following mod myself and I have the same pump as you- You can crank down your stock governor springs . 015-. 020'' over stock and it pulls hard until 2800 for me now. The stock setting for mine was . 060'', so I cranked them down too . 075. Any more than . 020'' over stock and the truck stalls with less than a 1000 RPM idle speed, so be precise and get some vernier calipers measure before and after. This only seems to be a problem on the 175 pump (94-95 manual transmission pump) because I know some guys with 215 pumps than cranked them . 035'' over stock. I used needle nose pliers to turn the screw, you'll see what I'm talking about when you get there. Here's a couple links that will help you, read up on the install of the 3K gov spring kit and you can figure out how to crank down the stock springs-

http://www.piersdiesel.com/TechGSK12V.htm

http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/more_power/GovSpring.htm



If you keep your foot out of it and drive normal acceleration you will get 1-2 better MPG with these mods.

 

[Dual EE]

When mine was stock it was easy to get 20+mpg on the highway, but it was a dog. I can still get 20 now, but I really have to drive light footed or that will drop. The performance now is unmatched vs stock. So you can have both, but you will pay if you play. :-laf



Mine used to fall on it face at about 2250, but as Matthug explained that can be adjusted to.



A word of advise, one modification will lead to another and another. Once you start, it all down hill from there.