Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Power Upgrades

[Acesinthesky]

I have a 1998 12 Valve 3500 4x4 Quad cab and it feels like the power is lacking. I want to bring the Horsepower up to the 500hp range, but keep the engine reliability.



I Tow during the summer months a 40' V-hull weighing in at 14500lbs wet, When I pull hills at 40mph in third gear at 2600rpm, it gets to be a pain in the neck.



I see ads for cam plates that say that they are good 245hp, but in fine print only 80hp for the 215hp engine, bringing it up to 295hp. Or a plate #10.



Were do these number come into play?



Confused



Please Help

 

[JGheen]

It's gonna take a decent amount of mods to reach 500HP without spending a decent amount of cash. Anytime you increase the fueling into a diesel, the engine life decreases some(not very much though) due to the increased cyliner pressures, hotter piston/EGTs, etc. A stock Cummins 12v will go 500,000 miles easily stock, but you start throing more fuel at it and it probably brings that number down some, depending on how much fuel and how hard you drive it. You won't need 500HP to tow that boat any better than now. Just maybe a timing advancement, #10 or #11 plate, 3GSK, aftermarket intake and maybe some injectors, but gauges are the first thing to get to make sure your bombing doesn't melt the engine down, especially if your trying to make 500HP.

 

[BV]

And if you have an Auto transmission, you will be looking for a new unit with better VB and torque converter or a much better clutch/pressure plate for a standard transmission.



You will have to add more air which adds stress to the head gasket so you might be looking at orings and studs to hold it down.



From what I have read/learned on this board - 300hp is about the max for someone that tows heavy and still keep the EGT to a managable level.

 

[Acesinthesky]

I have a manual NV4500HD with stock clutch, I am planing to upgrade to south bend unit.



Also have 4" exhaust by jardine.

 

[bmoeller]

If you want 500hp and tow, you will probably need to go to a twin turbo setup to help keep the exhaust temp down. Probably a better cam also.



A governor spring kit (GSK) will help your stock setup. It will allow you to rev higher before the governor starts to defuel.



The horsepower ratings on the plates, are ballpark. The plates can be slid forward from stock postion for more fuel.