TST #8 0r #6

[Deezel4x4]

what I would like to know is would a tst plate #8 230/605 or a #6 250/635 be the best with my 97 auto . I have the gauges and actually have sent my check to tst but did not specify a plate to send. I am going to call them monday but was wondering which plate would be the best. I have not done anything to improve the performance of the auto transmission yet.

 

[Cooker]

In my opinion always go as big as you can. Do you plan on addressing the stock transmission? How soon? IF you want to stay out of the transmission for a while, or you are towing often go with the #8. If you don't tow much and/or you don't mind getting into the transmission sooner go with the #6, or even #5.



-Ryan

 

[R.ebel]

Plates

You can never have enough HP Go for the gusto you won't regret it.

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[JohnE]

Jeez Deez;

I've been pondering the same question.



Have you asked the brains at TST of their opinion? I've heard you get a trade-in by swapping plates. Maybe that will work, too?



I've decided to reverse my BOMBING process. A transmission upgrade (preventative maintenance) is first. Gauges & TST performance is next.



Let us know what you decide.



John

97, auto, 4x2, stock power train. Added: 2001 mirrors, Geno's cupholder, and Saddleman rear console for the kids.

 

[Deezel4x4]

well my #8 plate came in today so ill prob just put it in and see what we have ,by the way will getting the bigger turbo housing(16cm) help with the #8 plate

jim

 

[danandamy]

I didn't catch if you pull anything or not, but considering both my Rams are set up with #6's slid all the way forward and I tow a 33' travel trailer and have over 100k miles on both my truck's trannys with no problem, thought I'd throw a little advice your way. If you do pull, keep the RPM's up. If you're in O/D and you're around 1600 rpms and you start honking on it you WILL slip the torque converter clutch. Rev it up and when you slip into o/d ease into it until you get the rpm's back up a little bit. Also, when you feel it locking up the torque converter, back out of it a little bit as it locks up. After all, you let off the throttle on a standard as you engage the clutch. My DTT valve body is set up to where you HAVE to back out of it to get it to lock up. This will make your transmission live long and prosper.

Good luck.

 

[Forrest]

Deezel4x4 - Did it get centered or slid all the way forward?

 

[Deezel4x4]

I centered it where the TST told me to,with the jig they sent bolted down then removed once the plate was bolted down.

I just drove it and I am pretty impressed. The low end has picked up dramatically and the 40-60 times have really jumped. Lots of seat of the pants pulling,now will the larger turbo help,you know the 16cm one that they sell for 175 that they say will help at higher power

 

[HerbW]

Does it pull better?

Deezel, I have a '96 4x4 auto and want to add the plate also. I'm STILL waiting for my ISSPRO gauges I ordered in April due to the factory has problems to work out. After I get them in, I want to go for the plate. Do you tow anything with your truck? I would like to know if hill climbing on roads improved afterwards. My only reason for more power is to pull my 19. 5 foot trailer better. Let us know. Thanks, Herb

 

[Deezel4x4]

The truck seems to pull harder and quicker off the line. It also accelerates faster from 50-80,I have had to play with the star wheel a bit. the power is better with more smoke but I had to get to a happy medium with power and smoke. I have not pulled any thing heavy yet. I pulled my little 8x10 trailer loaded with transmissions and leaf spring though and it semmed to pull pretty good. You could tell you were pulling something but it still would accelerate very well off the line and at 50 where it normally would have to build up. I wish I knew what it dynoed at,I wonder if it really is 230/605. I have driven a new HO cummoins and it feels stronger than mine with the plate.

 

[BCFAST]

Towing mileage/perf.

Last week, I loaned my Ram to a buddy who needed to haul his race car up north on an open trailer. The car weighs 2000lbs, the trailer another 1400, plus another 1000lbs of stuff in the bed (complete engine, tires, etc. ) . He set the cruise at 72mph, A/C on and got consistent 20-21mpg up and back, thru hills, rain and everything in between. I have the 230hp plate slid all the way forward... want more!

 

[Forrest]

BCFAST,



Order up a #8. You can probably find someone with the auto transmission that has upgraded & pick it up for $100 or so, or get one from TST. Start out by plopping that baby in centered & hang on.

 

[HerbW]

I'll buy a used plate

Originally posted by Forrest

BCFAST,



Order up a #8. You can probably find someone with the auto transmission that has upgraded & pick it up for $100 or so, or get one from TST. Start out by plopping that baby in centered & hang on.

I'll buy a used plate if anybody has one. I'm going to order a TST from D. I. S. as soon as my "EV" gauges are installed. Please see my profile below if you have one. Thanks, Herb

 

[Forrest]

HerbW,



Is yours the 215hp engine, 5 speed?

 

[HerbW]

Originally posted by Forrest

HerbW,



Is yours the 215hp engine, 5 speed?





No, I have the 180 hp, auto with the "Big-P" pump. I think it's still stock inside the pump, but the screws on the pump has been removed before I bought it. I could have a TST plate or nothing as I've never opened it up.

 

[Forrest]

Ok, then TST has a recommendation for the largest plate for your transmission, without transmission mods. I'd go straight for it, whatever the # is. You'll be upgraded to the max.



I personally know someone who bypassed the 605 plate & went straight for the 670, or whatever, & is tickled pink. The Alpenlite never towed better.

 

[HerbW]

Re: Towing mileage/perf.

Hello BCFAST,



What gear are you in when going 72 mph? Also what is your final gear ratio? Did you start getting better mileage after the plate install? Sorry for all the questions. I get about 17. 8 MPG no matter what I do so far. I have 354 gears and an auto transmission. I would rather have a 5 speed, but my knees say I shouldn't. Thanks, Herb