Sluggish Performance

[PCline]

I've just installed TST plate #8 (230/605 hp/lbs-ft) and I'm not getting the performance I expected from reading some of the posts here on the forum. It definately performs better, but not appreciably so. One of those "other" machines out pulled me on a mountain pass this weekend pulling about the same load. Everything else is completely stock (including air filter) except for the addition of boost and EGT gauges.



For example, I've read that for some people the filter minder moved for the first time after installation of the kit. Mine hasn't budged. I even unscrewed it and sucked on it to see if it was working. Works fine.



I've also read that @ 1500 rpm max boost should be about 30 psi when the throttle is "mashed". I've tried "mashing" the throttle and even rolling it on at 1500 rpm and I don't see a change in boost until the engine begins to rev. I tried this on a hill while pulling a boat and camper and stayed at about 12 psi and 1500 rpm for a good 10 seconds.



I'm suspicious about my cat, the pump timing (puffs a little white when starting), and fuel restrictions. I'm planning on gutting the cat as soon as possible, and I have the timing kit on order. Not sure how I'm going to check fuel flow yet.



Has anyone else had similar experiences? Am I expecting too much? Am I on the right track with my plans?



Any input greatly appreciated.

 

[Dennis Garrett]

You should be seeing about #30 on the boost wide open, are you sure you changed the little boost orfice that came with the kit?

 

[PCline]

I definately changed the orifice. I have no problem getting 30 psi boost, but the engine has to rev signifantly before the boost is achieved. This is what makes me suspicious of the Cat. Does anyone know what happens when the Cat is plugged? Does it show up in the boost value?

 

[R.ebel]

PCline, When you are at 30psi on the boost gauge what is your EGT? Freeing up your exhaust will definatley help somewhat... don't know if is the problem though.

 

[John_P]

PCline:



The "cat" on my 96' was REALLY plugged bad at about

98,000 miles. My boost did go down slightly but the

real indicator was a loss of power. When I took it off

and replaced it with the "Dodge Cat Test Pipe" I had

it cut apart. You would not believe how badly plugged

it was! All of the "honeycomb" area (thats what I call

it) was covered in black carbon, comparable to a

"Kingsford Charcoal Briquet. " When I left the garage

and accelerated on the highway the amount of smoke

and soot coming out of the tailpipe was incredible!!



But man, the truck ran so much better and from that

point seemed to run cooler too. I would definitely

"lose" the cat!!!



BTW, the part number for the Dodge test pipe is:

#52019170AB. Mine cost about $40. 00.



Hope this helps you!



---------

John_P

 

[dustoff]

i agree with john_p completely... my cat when amputated was completely restricting the air flow... . my egt went down about 75 degrees on average and it ran much better... . you might need to adjust the starwheel to help with your boost... i seemed to get a few more lbs. of boost when i adjusted towards the engine and low end improved also... cya

 

[drawson]

I would check your intercooler hose clamps and make sure they are tight. My cat was clogged but I didn't notice the power loose as much as the increase in EGTs just all of the sudden.



How are you EGTs and how about black smoke?

 

[PCline]

Started the cat guttting last night. Unfortunately I started too late and didn't realize those kitty's have claws. They can really hang on to those pipes!



I don't know if my EGTS are good or bad but here's my experience. When towing a tournament ski boat I've been keeping the EGT's below 1200 deg. I can get to 1200 almost instantly when accelerating from any speed with just a little throttle.



What should I consider my upper limit for EGT's? The pyro is located in the manifold. I was thinking the EGT's rising so fast was due to a timing problem (can't wait for that timing kit to show up) but now I really have a reason to gut that cat.

 

[John_P]

PCline:



The "safe" limit for your EGT's with the probe being in the

manifold is 1300 degrees. After the turbo it is 1000 degrees.

You can "spike" the temperature higher than that (1400-1500)

but I do not recommend staying there for long. I have read

and heard reports from other members going to 1700 but

that is too high for me!!! I have personally hit 1400-1500

with mine more than a few times and... ... ... so far..... so good.

But, I also know that it could "bite me in the ***" one day

too. My truck has 122,000 miles on it now.



The quick rise of your EGT's could be many things. Have

you tried "opening" up your airbox (taking out the

"snorkel" that goes into the fender)? I found that the

"Psychotty" Air Filter REALLY helped my EGT'S. On my

truck the temperature under hard throttle is about 150

degrees lower and I do not feel the EGT's rise as fast

either. But, the "Psychotty" does have more noise than

the stock airbox.



Hope this has helped you Paul!



--------

John_P

 

[Heetseeker_1]

Sounds like you need more fuel at low boost condition. How many clicks of the star wheel did the instructions call for?? I have the 250/636 plate which called for 10 (i think) and it will jump off the line well with a small exhale of carbon by-product. After you are sure your pressure system is not leaking (intercooler), I might loose the cat and play with the wheel some. You might find some low boost power there...



Keep the faith... Steve.