Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Timing question

[SMEdevoted]

I want to adjust the timing on my '98 CTD. I have a 180 pump and my stock timing is 14*. I have read that for a stock truck, there is no benefit in advancing timing beyond 15*... but i have some modifications, as you can see in my profile - #6 BD plate, 4 inch exhaust, 191 delivery valves, 3K GSK, 4 inch exhaust... (all I can remember right now). This truck is a daily driver around town but is also used to tow an enclosed race trailer for a lot of highway miles as well. I am leaning more toward 16* but am just a little leary of the long-term consequences of too much chamber pressure. If anyone has any knowledge/experience/recommendations concerning my setup, any help is appreciated... Carson

 

[JFaughn]

Mostly from reading lots of post it sounds like 16. 5 is about the middle of the road high end , you can always find someone that wants to play more on the high end ,
And thats were the fraze , you play you pay , but it seems that the reality is you pay for the mods and then go play and then pay again , kinda like the credit card co. they get paid at both ends , and we do the payin.

 

[Fred Swanson]

I would aim for 16. I usually set all trucks to there. It does appear to be a safe range, for the most part.

 

[SMEdevoted]

I'll probably end up at 16* then. Thanks for your input fellas.

 

[CumminsPower98]

I have been at 16 deg. for well over 150k and have been towing for a year now and 100k miles with about 50k of that actually towing and the rest dead heading. I am in the relm of 300 RWHP and still on the stock head gasket with a total of 242k+ miles so I would say it's safe. I try to keep my boost at or below 30 psi most times. It can get up to about 37 but I don't like to push my stock gasket so I keep it down. Mine was at 13. 25 stock and I noticed better mileage and better top end performance after the adjustment.