Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Suggestions for 12 valve POWER upgrades

[myoldodge]

I have an early 1998 12 valve club cab LWB 4x4 auto that is completly stock. The truck has aprox 178,000 Hwy miles. I don't know which aftermarket company and what equip to use for horse power and fuel mileage upgrades. I have been getting around 21 mpg on the hwy at 70mph, but I want more power. I have been told the first few things I should do is to replace the "killer dowl pin" and to have the valves gone through. Any suggestions would be helpfull.



Thanks

Tyler

 

[snappy]

The KDp should be tabbed. If you're talking replacement, did yours fall out? Good idea to adjust the valves. First is gauges. Pyro, boost and a trans temp too. The auto trans has some mile on it, so you don't want to go to wild unless it is beefed up. Easy power would be a fuel plate and a 3k GSK.

 

[myoldodge]

Snappy, help me out a little. What is the GSK? And what brand and size of fuel plate? I would be happy with an additional 150-200 HP, without loosing fuel mileage. The dowl pin has not worked its way out, but planning on putting the tab in next week.



Thanks

Tyler

 

[snappy]

Go to PDR Diesel Performance they have a fuel plate chart. You will find it under 12 valve performance. As for brand, TST and for size, an 8 or 10. GSK = governor spring kit. The automatic trans in stock form will not live long with an additional 150 hp.

 

[myoldodge]

Thanks for all the help!! I will look into a stronger transmission too.

 

[snappy]

You are welcome. Power costs $$$ and bombing (better off modified baby) is very additive. Use the search function for power upgrades and GSK. There are hours of reading. Have fun.

 

[myoldodge]

Ha Ha Ha, very true... ... But truth be known this ol truck has more than paid for itself a couple times over, especially when looking at the cost of new diesel pickups. Just an opinion, but the old diesel's with out all this emissions B. S were a heck of a lot better engines. No smoke and burning almost twice the diesel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go figure that one, kind of a catch 22. Good talking to ya and thanks for all the help. Feel free to drop a line. Have a good one.



Thanks

Tyler

 

[KB0OU]

Myoldodge,

Don't forget a DTT Torque converter when you pull the transmission, you cannot beat it, drivability is far better. Need to upgrade the transmission to handle more power.

When I did mine I actually got better fuel mileage not worse.

Depends on how hard you push the pedal.

 

[hsmith]

Speeding them up is easy and not really expensive. Keeping them cool afterwards is another story.

 

[KBurgoyne]

get a cold air intake AFE or AEM and a new exhaust system 4in turbo back. you can get both for about 7-800 and get an extra 60 horses while lowering EGT's which would become a huge problem with all the extra fuel and a stock turbo. your stock injectors are good for about 350 horses. check out dieselpowermag for a parts list.

 

[CBoris]

bottom end help?

what will help with bottom end, from a stand still to pedal on the floor. ?

 

[snappy]

Gears and as much fuel as you can throw at it. The factory 12 cm exhaust housing gives about the quickest spool up off the line. You will find that heat and lots of it will limit "peddle to the metal".

 

[jkh]

fuel till you smoke... air till you're broke

gotta love the 12 valves!!!

 

[myoldodge]

I heard that, keepin it cool is gonna be expensive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

There have been dozens of articles on power upgrades in issues of the Turbo Diesel Register. You might start with Issue 65, the Have Ram Will Travel column.