Virgin truck power upgrades

[RTRAM]

Although I have had my 93 since 3 miles on the clock, I have not done any power upgrades, since its a daily driver and I didn't want to break anything expensive.



But, I am ready to take the plunge. I need to get the pump rebuilt due to mileage/age. I would rather get it fixed on my schedule rather than it dictate my schedule when it breaks.



Anyway, I need to get the pump rebuilt and I am looking for any suggestions on what to tell the shop. The shop is local and is a Bosch shop.



Also, I am going to get new injectors and would like to match any changes to the pump with the injectors. I am looking for something with some kick in the`pants and not much smoke. I don't tow much and need to get good mileage as a daily driver.



Your suggestions

 

["Mad Max"]

Well first off, cool idea . Not many 1st gens with their original owners, and wanting to crank it up a notch or two is all the better.



On the mileage thing, my rig has over double the factory power... and I get the same or maybe even better mileage as stock. When cruising the engine will only ask for enough fuel to maintain speed, and your mileage will be great. But, when you want to get up to speed, that's where the upgrades come into play.



Pump - I'd say the typical upgrades for a pump (besides turning screws) is the 366 spring, which will allow the engine to rev a bit higher and overall gain more legs in each gear, and top speed. The 366 spring should be a 'must do'.



Rotate the diaphram to max, and bring the starwheel to the top of the threads (which will keep the smoke to a minimum). Just those two items alone will gain great improvements. Put a couple turns of the fuel screw and you'll see a bunch more.



Exhaust - spend the $ and get the ATS 3-piece exhaust manifold, then get a 14 or 16 cm non-gated collar, and have a good 4" exhaust installed.



Turbo - PDR's HX-35 is a great upgrade and well worth the relatively low cost for it. While you're there, pick up one of our Intakes.



Injectors - talk to Mark or Josh at PDR and ask them for their recommendation. Lots to choose from and without a fresh set that'll flow some fuel the fuel mods won't really see their full potential.



transmission - If you have an auto, don't do any upgrades unless you plan to install a good aftermarket converter. Several choices: Suncoast, DTT, TCI - again, ask PDR. If it's a stick, overfill the Getrag by one pint and call it good, maybe a fresh clutch.



Gauges - at a minimum, install a pyro, boost, and trans temp (if auto). A tach is also a great addition.



If your truck has clost to 160,000 miles on it, your rear diff will need to be rebuilt very soon - they all do. Put in fresh gears and a limited slip - you'll need it.



After that... well there's a bunch mroe smaller stuff that'll make driving the old rig much better.



- M2

 

[Midnite]

I guess it depends on how much you want to spend. If you want to get into it and make it behave like a whole new truck, Mad Max nailed it. However, if you don't want to spend much money you can still wake it up and improve mileage without much money or risk to the transmission (assuming it's already in decent shape of course).

When I first got my '92, my first priority was to improve performance without putting the transmission at significant risk, and also to not risk high EGTs since at the time I was too cheap to buy gauges.

What I did specifically was:

1. Advance the pump timing
2. Replace the 21. 5 sq. cm. turbo exhaust housing with a 16 sq. cm ($150)
3. Replace the restrictive stock muffler with a straight through design one (in my case a simple glass pack).

Those three things really seemed to make a dramatic improvement in general driveability and were relatively cheap. After that I did bigger injectors and turned up the pump, and with conscientious driving my transmission still survived the next several years just fine until I sold it.

Mike