TST power kit

[SGriffin]

Has anyone installed a TST power kit on a 96-98 12 valve, if so were you satisfied with the upgrade?

 

[DavidGardner]

TST kit

I have a 95 reg cab 2wheel drive and you can see by my signature what I have done. In my opinion the TST kit is by far and above the best and cheapest power upgrade I have ever done to anything. They are great people to deal with and will answere all of your questions. Some of the 96 and later trks were the California models and cant be modified with out some manifold work or swapping. Check with Mark Chapple at TST and he will advise you what you can do and your options. Good luck and have fun.

 

[R.Brooks]

I too have a TST plate, see signature, Very happy with it.

 

[Extreme1]

If you have an automatic, you'll NEED to upgrade the T/C!

Happy with the power.

 

[Dieselnerd]

The TST is a very well made product sold by a reputable person that is happy to answer your questions. It performs as good as or better than advertised. Unless you are all thumbs and totally non-mechanical you can install it yourself in an hour or two. My 230 HP plate registered 240 HP at the rear wheels on a dyno. It's in the stock position. Compared to some on this forum it's a pretty mild upgrade. If yours is an auto, you can keep your stock transmission and torque converter with the mild upgrade if you don't do a lot of heavy towing. If you intend to tow heavy, sooner or later you will probably need to upgrade the transmission. Stock power is often enough to ruin your TC clutch with a big load in tow. If you have the 5 speed it should be OK for the milder uprates. Lot of data on this forum about stronger clutches and other transmission upgrades.

 

[bstrong]

I installed a #8 plate on my '97, and it's like driving a new truck. Huge improvement in mid-range power (1500-2200 RPM). Do it, you won't regret it.

 

[drawson]

TST products are super!!!!!

 

[C Schomer]

If you have the 215hp, 5sp - you'll love the #11 plate(280hp/680?tq)with stock turbo. 300/700 w/16 housing. I have the 14 housing and really like the responsiveness and very little smoke! My stock clutch holds but I replaced 5th gear at 32k and now the ring and pinion are getting noisy - time for better lube. I like to use ALL the power on the mtn. passes! Time to pay the piper! Craig

 

[danandamy]

I'm with these guys!

Great upgrade! If you don't get too radical you can keep the stock auto for awhile (see sig. ). If you tow you will have to remember to KEEP YOUR RPM'S UP. If you do that you're transmission will last ok, though the extra power will make the already sloppy factory torque converter really look like a diamond in a hog's... well you know.

 

[wbrown02]

TST 230/605 has been in my truck for almost 4 years and has worked very well. Biggest power increase for the money.

 

[MY6EATSV8'S]

prabably the easiest thing you'll ever learn about your truck if you do it.

well worth the money if you need a name on your plate.

 

[SLang]

I have a 280/680 in my 97. Great plate. I have been in bank's powered pick-up's and the TST is much better. Did not change my fuel milage on normal driving. But it did hurt it since I'm constantly whipping Mustang and V6 Camero's. Smoke eat's up fuel.

 

[BillGotthelf]

TST products are good-customer service is good-what else needs to be said. See my signature for my upgrades.

 

[WKener]

I have the 280/685 plate in my '97, and I think it is by far the easiest and most cost effective way to upgrade power... The plate sure made a big difference around here, I used to kinda hang with the pack going through the mountains, but now I enjoy the look on people's faces when I blow by them up a steep grade! If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing.

 

[SLang]

Definitely the best bang for your buck! Even with my dual wheels, I still need to keep a light foot in the rain. That is if I want to stay pointed in the right direction!

 

[Forrest]

SLang,



When you put in the bigger turbo, you can step outside the TST 12,11 & 10 Bombing range of plates. You can jump into the #8 thru #4 range. By the way, the #4 was designed for gov spring kit pumps.

 

[John_P]

SGriffin:



Like everyone that has already posted, I too have the TST

plate in my 96'. I had the #6 before and both of them have

worked very well for me!! Best of all, Mark Chapple has

treated me VERY WELL and always has time to talk to me

about his products or diesel trucks in general. He is a

retired Cummins Engineer and really knows these trucks

and engines. As the other members said, for the money

"it is the best value out there for H. P. upgrades!" Also,

I believe he will still exchange out one plate for another

if you want more H. P. for a nominal fee.



----------

John_P

 

[drawson]

John is right they will exchange the plate up or down. TST is a great product!!!

 

[Swamp Donkey]

I also have a TST kit. I was not satisfied, because I got some disease, I think it is called BOMBITIS! All joking aside, you can't go wrong with a TST kit.

 

[SLang]

Off the subject but hey!

Forrest, replace the 300's with 370 injectors and that is the setup I'm going for. I just have a few questions.



1) Did you change valve spring when you changed governer springs?

2) The McLeod clutch: How's it working for you?

3) What kind of Torque/HP do you have right now?