Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Strategic BOMB planning on an already modified 1996

[AndyMan]

Hey there guys.



I recently upgraded from a 3rd gen to a 1996 12valve. I finally got her on the road last night, and now am starting to think about next steps...



You may or may not know from reading that I bought the truck from someone I didn't know with a broken input shaft (NV-4500). The truck also had an EEP Dual Disc clutch (1-1/4" shaft no wonder it broke). Well, I put an FE in (THANKS to Peter at SBC), and it's holding nicely. It runs strong, I like it.



Okay, so I'm starting to note the things that I feel need to be addressed, and wanted to see if I could generate some discussion about things I need to do, and possibly get some help prioritizing them. Cost is of course an issue, so please keep that in mind when making comments and suggestions.



Here we go... Truck is an extended cab, long bed, 4x4, She's got a new short block, a 215 pump, a custom 100 plate (current position unknown), 370 injectors (manufacturer unknown at this time), 16cm exh housing on otherwise stock charger, NV-4500, South Bend FE, Valet Switch, 33x12. 50 BFG Mud Terrains, NV-241 DLD, and a Dana 80 out back.



Problems that I see are that it sometimes stumbles in 2nd gear (kinda pops and jumps around 2k RPM), and smokes like mad in 3rd 4th and 5th when really giving it the fuel.





Some things I know I'd like to do are:

1. Check plate position, adjust if neccessary (Free).

2. Check gov arm , and adjust if neccessary (Free).

3. Check star wheel position, adjust if neccessary (Free).

4. Have timing checked and adjusted (Cost unknown).

5. Have the pump tweaked (Couple hundread bucks).

6. Buy a new turbo. (Out of the question right now, but would like recomendations)

7. Buy new custom Injectors (Out of the question right now - Will probably buy super secret sticks that my buddy Michael at Hot Rod Diesels has been telling me about).



Does this order seem reasonable? Does it appear that I might be on the right track? Feel free to add suggestions and comments as you see fit.



Take care,

Andy

 

[Signal73]

I recently upgraded from a 3rd gen to a 1996 12valve.

:-laf :-laf :-laf

Ususally the 370's stumble with the smaller pumps. Maybe retarted timing. Sounds like your gonna have a monster otherwise.

 

[BTighe]

i just add the 370's about 2 weeks ago and i have the same issue. i have been told that timing advance really helps these.

 

[Got Smoke?]

Andy do I need to come down there this weekend and give you over-valved guys pointers on a correctly valved truck? :-laf



The popping/sputtering sounds like timing to me. You won't experience any stumbling with 370's & a 215 pump. The Gov. arm is easy to check. Turn the key to the ON position, pull the fuel shutoff solenoid all the way up, with the afc housing off the pump shine a light down on the fuel plate and slowly roll the throttle forward. You will be able to see where the Gov. arm hits the plate. Get with Dr. Evins I hear he occasionally makes house calls.

 

[AndyMan]

I think somebody's gonna have to Mark. I'm helpless standing around wondering where my other 12 valves went :-laf



Jokes aside, it's doing great excpet for in 2nd gear. RPM's will run up and defuel before 3k (which is odd, I can hit 4k in other gears). It just seems to have no giddyup in 2nd. Almost like I'm smoking the clutch. I don't think that can be though. . It's an SBC FE. That think oughta be holding strong. ??



I gotta save up a few $$'s and go see Dr. Evins out a Cedar City Diesel.

 

[DBogo]

if your not happy with the truck i would be more then willing to take it off your hands

 

[AndyMan]

Oh man, I'm THRILLED with it. I just want to maximize what I've already got.



I only paid 6k for it (130k miles +new short block 2k miles ago!). I got the FE brand new in a trade for the DD it had in it. only money out of pocket was tax and $175 for the input shaft and stuff.

 

[RJPotts]

Sometime later on down the road, especially when a new turbo or turbos come along you'll probably need to think about o-ringing the head, and you might as well stud it while its apart.

Otherwise, sounds like a good deal to me.

I would vote you check e-bay for turbos, with what you have described you'll far surpass an HX-40, and there are HT3B's B2's, etc... on there for reasonable, you just have to know where to look. Then you'll have to get an external wastegate, but even all that will be cheaper than buying one from one of the big manufacturers.

-R. J.