Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) TST Power Kit

[kkriz]

I am thinking about getting a TST Power kit for my 97 Ram 2500 with auto trans. I don't want anything really gonzo, just a little more HP. I realize that my transmission might go south but I have no problem building my own (good excuse to justify to the wifey a new build kit and TC). Question is, does the driveability and fuel mileage suffer?

 

[Got Smoke?]

Originally posted by kkriz

Question is, does the driveability and fuel mileage suffer?

Only if you use your new found power. In most cases several members have told me mileage goes UP as they bomb as long as they drive normally.



I believe you would be ok with a #11 plate, but that's about the limit. I might be wrong (especially since I think Auto plates are #'d different). If you go with a mild plate your transmission should hold for a while, but with probably need some upgrading in the future.



I'm sure someone else with a slushbox :-laf will chime in a recommend a plate for keeping your transmission together.

 

[maint.man]

I had a #5 in my 96' , and the only mod I had was a DTT valve body. I used the truck primarily for a car , but it did see active duty toting the gooseneck. I had no problems with the trans , but for some reason my right foot seemed to get heavier after the kit was in.

 

[Got Smoke?]

Originally posted by maint. man

but for some reason my right foot seemed to get heavier after the kit was in.

As I stated only if you USE the new found power!

 

[dcasselberry]

kkriz:



Looks like we're aiming to do the same thing... ... from my research, it seems you can use a #10 plate and 3K GSK kit to get a nice power curve in the upgrade, but a lot depends on what you use your truck for, and how many miles you have on the transmission. I've spoken with Piers Diesel and Bill Kondolay for advice, and they've made some helpful suggestions. I'm intending to go with a new DTT setup a year down the road, and just want to get a little more power for now. Don't know what your time frame is for your upgrades, but I'm taking the plunge in mid January. I'll let you know how it turns out.



Dan

 

[rrausch]

I get a little over 21 mpg on trips. I've got a #6 plate in my '95. By the way, it ran ok with the stock trans for over 100,000 miles. The TC did slip a bit, toward the end, and it was headed for a problem, but luckily I went to ATS and got a complete Stage IV re-build.



It is a different truck now. It is perky off the line, and shifts quickly, quite unlike the stock trans. Try to find an ATS equipped truck to try out, you will be quite surprised!