Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) TST#11 and 3k springs

[erempel]

Just installed a TST #11 plate and 3k governor springs, I must say that I am quit impressed! The whole job took about 6hr's and that was with taking several breaks (to help momma with our 1mo. old son).



I left the plate in the same position that the stock one was in and also reset the governor spring height to what the stock springs were. I did not have to adjust the AFC wheel, idle, or the arm that contacts the plate. I get a very small amount of smoke when I first start to squeeze on the throttle and then it goes away quickly. This is a pretty simple project with some good instructions.



Don't know yet what it did to my mpg, it will be tomorrow before I get it filled back up again. What it did do though was impressive. Before the upgrades power band was 1700rpm up to 2200rpm and would not go to 3000rpm, the 3rd to 4th shift (loaded) was like hitting a wall. Now it will pull hard at 1300rpm and really pulls at 2000rpm, it will go well over 3000rpm(I let off at 3200rpm) it will leave a cloud of smoke at that high of rpm and wot (wide open throttle) though. I use WAY less throttle to maintain highway speed now than before, and just guessing it uses the about the same amount of fuel as before.



For the first trip with the truck and trailer with these bomb's installed, all I can say is OHHHH YAAAAAHHH YOU GOTTA TRY THIS!



The great thing is, all this stuff and gauges too cost me less than $550 including shipping. I'd like to see someone gain that much power for that amount of money with a gas burner!



I'm not sure I might be hooked here?

 

[Bhale]

Ain't it great! I bought my truck new in '96 and waited till a few months ago before i started serious BOMBing. I still don't know why



So whats next on the list for you? It's 370's and injecters for me.



Have Fun!

Brian

 

[erempel]

My mileage went from 13. 3 to 11. 2. I would not have guessed it would dropped that much.



Not sure what is next, I can't do a lot more with my stock clutch. We will have to see, I need to pull the transmission to fix two leaks so who knows the stock clutch just might be history. Probably won't tear into that until winter though.



I am going to check the timing this week or next, but I was wondering what the safe range on the timing is. I was thinking 15 would be what I wanted to bump it too, but my brother (a diesel mechanic) thought that would be too much? Any suggestions on timing?

 

[Deezul1]

erempel



Usually the mileage drops at first because its too much fun to drive with the hammer down. After a while you MAY go back to driving more like you used to and the mileage will come back up and may even be higher. 15. 5 on the timing is what a lot of us have found to be a good number and if you have any doubts call Piers and ask, he will tell you good info.

 

[RHARVEY]

Mine also dropped the first tank full... but its back where it should be and a little more. Constant 20+mpg. . running empty.



Rick

 

[erempel]

Me hammer down, nooooo not me



If Piers says 15. 5 then thats what I will set it at, that guy knows his stuff.



Thanks for the timing suggestions.



Eric

 

[kchristopher]

Thanks so much for posting your results. I've been contemplating which plate to use (10 or 11). The 11 would allow me to keep my stock clutch, etc. I just wasn't sure if it would give me what I need. If it pulls hard from 1300 rpm, then it would be perfect for tooling around town.

 

[Dennis Garrett]

Don't let the # stamped on the plate fool you, you can get a whole lot more torque & hp than it's rated for. I have a #8 (230 HP) plate, it's moved forward about 1/16". 215 injectors, and a 3K GSK. I put it on the Dyno Jet monday, and had 300 HP to the rear wheels, and 695 on lb. ft. of torque, at 2200 RPM. All this with 165,000 showing, and through a stock, original Auto trans. (getting TC & trans. upgrades thrusday)

 

[erempel]

Since I put both the plate and the springs in at the same time I am not sure witch one did what. But it sure seems like the governor springs is what smoothed out the power band? Maybe someone else can confirm that, or not?



Dennis what was the lower RPM numbers on your truck? Those numbers sure do sound good.



I know mine sure pulls out of gear changes a lot better now, way more than just a noticeable difference and at around the 1800RPM range and up it is a huge difference.

 

[Reddog1]

I put in the 3k Gov springs. Every thing else stock. Really impressive. They definitely smoothed out the power band. First tank of fuel, MPG went south. Second tank, with normal foot, MPG came back to it’s normal 18MPG.



I then installed a #10 plate, stock position. More power, but not really that impressive. Moved plate about 3/16 forward. Really impressive, but wayyyyyyyyy to much smoke. At about 3/32 forward, pretty impressive, with a little smoke. First tank of fuel, MPG went south. Second tank, with normal foot, MPG came back to it’s normal 18 MPG.



The 370’s are on the dinning table. The auto transmission is still stock. With the first tank of fuel, I am concerned the transmission will go south.



Going to DTT next month, will install 370’s a week or two before I go. I will probably have to put a real stiff throttle spring on to limp north. :-laf



After the transmission and 370’s, I am sure the on first tank, MPG will go south, so will my new set of tires. :-laf :-laf





Wayne

 

[The patriot]

Originally posted by Reddog1



The 370’s are on the dinning table. The auto transmission is still stock. With the first tank of fuel, I am concerned the transmission will go south.

Yea, I got a #11 plate in the garage like that.

I'm waiting for the South Bend cluches to go on sale.

Eric