Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Plate and other mods

[MFrenchek]

I've been researching the site hear and need some guidance. I have a TST #12 plate I purchased about 6 years ago and had planned to install it soon (so I'm a late bloomer!), however most of the posts refer to the #10 plate as the preferred one with little or no mention of the #12. Like most folks, I'm looking for the holy grail of power and economy for towing and general use. I don't plan to get wacky (yet). A recent road trip yielded 23+ mpg (this is without calculating for the 245 vs 265 tires). With a heavy S&S camper (the "Brick"), I was running 16+ mpg on the hwy and mixed driving in town and countryside. However, towing the 30ft trailer to the dealer seemed to make the truck doggy and while it has been a while since I towed, I recall a lot more pep. Sould I stick with the #12 or go with the #10? Should I expect to see a large drop in mileage? Previous posts seem all over the map. I plan on the timing change to 15. 5 and the 3k gov springs. The truck now has 78,000 miles on it. Back at 25k I had the local Cummins center do the 318 routine on it (adjust timing, adjust valves and dyno, $318). Back then it was putting out 190 hp to the ground stock which they said was great for that unit. Valves have been adjusted on a regular basis since then. Thanks for your comments.

 

[bmoeller]

Your truck has the 215 pump, which is the biggest pump that was used by Dodge. You could use a 10 plate, but will need to keep it in stock postion or slide it to the rear some. The stock clutch will hate you for it otherwise. Haven"t seen the proflie of a 12 plate, but the 10 is is really nice towing plate. Has a half moon shape, and defuels on the top end to help keep EGTs in check. Really like mine.

 

[Matthug]

An 11 plate is a good compromise for towing and keeping EGT's down, although if you want to work with what you got now just put that 12 plate full forward- should be about the same power as an 11 in the stock position.

 

[w-cummins]

I agree that the 11 plate is just about tops for your setup. My truck was allmost the same set up as your running ( with out the od box). It ran really sweet with an eleven plate in it ( BTW if you have a TST plate they will exchange it for another model for $50 ). The No 11 was a really sweet deal in a 215 truck, but you know how that works, if a some is good some more must be better so I traded in the 11 for a 10..... Bye "Buy" clutch..... I allmost wish I had not switched

William Cummins... ...