Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) What is needed for a good pullin 350-400hp

[WPeschel]

I'm fixing to buy a 12 valve 98 dually... . I was wondering what is needed to get a good solid 350 to 400 rwhp for pulling around 16-20k lbs... I want to stay with a single turbo. . . Or is that even possible?? Thanks in advance. .

 

[BHuebner]

View attachment 67085

Some of this for starters.

After that. . gauges, fuel plate.....

Stick or auto?

 

[WPeschel]

View attachment 67085

Some of this for starters.

After that. . gauges, fuel plate.....

Stick or auto?

It's a manual. . It already has guages. . It also has aftermarket plate and injectors but do not know what size they are.....



Is it possible to have that hp and pull with it, with a single charger???

 

[Fordiesel69]

I can tell you, there are not going to be any bolt ons that will give you that HP. You will need to pull the engine and build it up before even thinking of that kind of increase. Cam, head studs, have the head ported, possibly different pistons, and of course have the pump modded a little more than just a fuel plate.



If this will help, Ford's engines always have more HP, but not the TQ, if you get up around 650 TQ, even if the HP is only 250 or a little more, it will still pull great. Cummins engines are torque monsters not HP unless built for it.



Spend your money on a gear vendors OD, it will give you way more gears and you will not even need to go to mega upgrades on the engine.

 

[Woodenhead]

I disasgree with having to pull the engine. A #10 cam plate, injectors and GSK will get you that hp. I made 430 with just fuel and 460 with 100psi of -40 wiper fluid (water/alc) using my HX40 turbo. I was only able to use about 1/2 of that power when towing and keeping the EGTs in check.



To use that power you will need twins. To make it reliable you will need a minumum of head studs but still keep the boost low. Best is to pull the head and o-ring it. If you have the $$ then a cam will help with EGTs and to spool the twins. I didn't do a cam and my setup's working just fine :-laf.



Plan on spending some $$. There are twin kits anywhere from $2500 if you keep your stock turbo as a top charger (will work just fine) to $4500+ for one of the fancy kits that replaces both (not necessary IMHO). New injectors will cost anywhere from $400 to $900+. Head work o-rings $1000+ for a reputable shop to do it right. Studs $400+ for ARPs. Bottom line it's going to cost you about $5000 if you do the wrenching yourself. Shop around for used parts and deals, fab your own twins, maybe it's a little less. Buy top notch injectors, fancy brandX twins, cam, it'll cost you more.



Depending on injectors this can put you well over 400 hp. All this can be done with the engine in the truck, the bottom end will take this hp just fine.



Mike

 

[12V Ford]

A 215hp motor can get 350-400hp easy with bolt on parts. I would go with a 10 plate, GSK and probably the stock 215 injectors or a little bigger. I would do head studs with o-rings or the new cometic gasket for reliability if going to twins or larger single. A cam would be nice, but not necessary. If you go single, use a pdr 35, dodgezilla, or s300G. You can do the hp on those but most likely you won't be able to use it on hills or get on it too hard. The next best would be a set of twins using the stock charger or the s300G on top. Then you could use all that power, and it looks like your not in high elevation, which helps. Don't forget a good clutch too. It's only money:-laf.



Ps- I think the s300G could probably do that hp reliably as a single.

 

[Hammer]

I can tell you, there are not going to be any bolt ons that will give you that HP

False... .

The meare addition of a TST fueling plate since its a stick "could" net you in the 330hp/750tq range. It will come with heat so you will need to think about a larger charger than stock. With the truck he is buying having injectors and and a plate,his choice should be a good towing charger first. You would also need to find out if the truck has had a clutch upgrade as all the power in the world is useless if you can not lay it down.

If this will help, Ford's engines always have more HP, but not the TQ, if you get up around 650 TQ, even if the HP is only 250 or a little more, it will still pull great. Cummins engines are torque monsters not HP unless built for it.

False Again... .

One thing a Ford does not do is make any outstanding torque number. Its a well known fact that a inline 6 diesel will out torque any V8 diesel from the factory. If your comment was true then in the Class 8 truck market,where torque rules,all new trucks would be V8's and not inline 6's. There are NO V8 diesels being made in that market at all anymore due to their inefficency. The 5. 9 Cummins can be made to make hp and tq with meare bolt on parts.



Fordiesel69...

It seems to me like you think the Ford Floweredpoke is the end all of diesels. So then I will ask,why do you even own a Cummins if your going to slice and dice them at will?. Seems to me if you feel a Ford is the best you would be driving one,correct?... ..... Andy



BTW... WPeschel...

Congrats on the new truck you will get endless hours of enjoyment out of it.

 

[Fordiesel69]

False... .

The meare addition of a TST fueling plate since its a stick "could" net you in the 330hp/750tq range. It will come with heat so you will need to think about a larger charger than stock. With the truck he is buying having injectors and and a plate,his choice should be a good towing charger first. You would also need to find out if the truck has had a clutch upgrade as all the power in the world is useless if you can not lay it down.







False Again... .

One thing a Ford does not do is make any outstanding torque number. Its a well known fact that a inline 6 diesel will out torque any V8 diesel from the factory. If your comment was true then in the Class 8 truck market,where torque rules,all new trucks would be V8's and not inline 6's. There are NO V8 diesels being made in that market at all anymore due to their inefficency. The 5. 9 Cummins can be made to make hp and tq with meare bolt on parts.



Fordiesel69...

It seems to me like you think the Ford Floweredpoke is the end all of diesels. So then I will ask,why do you even own a Cummins if your going to slice and dice them at will?. Seems to me if you feel a Ford is the best you would be driving one,correct?... ..... Andy



BTW... WPeschel...

Congrats on the new truck you will get endless hours of enjoyment out of it.

Andy,



No offense, but you read my post with your eyes closed. Re-read my quote, I stated ford "DOES NOT" have the torque numbers our cummins do. However pull up specs of same model year fords and dodge. Dodge always have the lead in TQ, ford always has the lead in HP. I will take the extra torque any day. I also saw in the original posters comment, he wanted, "to get a good solid 350 to 400 rwhp for pulling around 16-20k lbs... " and you will not be able to use this type of power for long without the EGTS going thru the roof unless there are other mods made that WILL cost some money. I am sure you could make even more power than what he wants, but you cannot use it for sustained periods unless BIG $$$$$$$ is spent.



As per ford trucks, the solid axle trucks are great, the engines are not. Too much electrical headaches, and no intercoolers on 94~98. I chose the 12v cummins for the engine, not the truck.

 

[Rams-n-Hogs]

It's a manual. . It already has guages. . It also has aftermarket plate and injectors but do not know what size they are.....



Is it possible to have that hp and pull with it, with a single charger???

I used to pull about 10000 lbs with my dinosaur without any issues. That's just with a hybrid turbo. No problems with EGT's as long as I kept my foot out of it. With my valet switch, I wouldn't even hit 1000* pulling hills, and I would still keep up to speed. That was with 370's, and a #10 plate, and stock timing. Right at 400 hp. If it has a plate and injectors in it, it might already be close to what you're looking for. What turbo is on it? The best thing to do is try it and see how it pulls, then go from there.

 

[SRath]

"Fordiesel69...

It seems to me like you think the Ford Floweredpoke is the end all of diesels. So then I will ask,why do you even own a Cummins if your going to slice and dice them at will?. Seems to me if you feel a Ford is the best you would be driving one,correct?... ..... Andy"



Don't sweat it Fordiesel69, this is Hammer's response ("why don't you go drive something else")for anything that even remotely questions the superiority of a dodge in all respects anymore.



The rest of us read your response for what it really said.

 

[BigPapa]

I also disagree with Fordiesel69's answer.



Sounds like to me he's wanting a tow truck, not a dragster or puller. Fuel plate, injectors, GSK, a turbo, BHAF, and larger exhaust will give useable 350-400HP. He already has the first 2 items so I count less than $2K for the parts, even less if you go with a hybrid turbo as suggested. You won't touch a Gear Vendor's unit for that and you still don't have the towing power. As far as the clutch, even a stock clutch will get you by for a long time if driven properly. Upgrade when you need to. Driving style will have more to do with EGT's also.



I think what got Hammer so riled up is what sounds like an inexperienced new member giving out incorrect information.



Have fun with your Properly Valved new-to-you truck WPeschel!



Scott

 

[WPeschel]

I really appreciate all the good info... I was kinda thinking about upgrading the turbo, and going from there... I dont really want to race this thing just tow heavy and have plenty of power... Thanks again...

 

[Hammer]

The rest of us read your response for what it really said.

So tell me then all knowing and wise Mr Rath.....



What did his post really say???????

 

[SRath]

Hammer, for God's sake just go back and READ what he actually said!



Then read how you MISQUOTED him when you as much as told him he wasn't welcome here.



It's the same thing you are doing in the thread about the suspension: NOT READING WITH COMPREHENSION and just looking for a fight and ways to disrespect other TDR members. Members who, by the way, pay the same money to be here as you do and don't have to echo your opinions.



Did you get a lump of coal in your Christmas stocking or something? This isn't like you at all.

 

[tgordon]

I would encourage you to at least try it out as is. Considering the work that has been done you might be happy with it. I have towed appx 20K payload with my 97 and that was fine, and I was not going very far. Something you might want to keep an eye on, or fix it first is the 5th gear nut if you are going to lug the engine much.

What did his post really say???????

I do not know what makes one "Experianced" vs "Inexperianced", but Hammer even what you quoted said the same as what you wrote, turds produce horse power and cummaparts produce torque.

 

[Moose Truck]

Hammer, Did you get a lump of coal in your Christmas stocking or something?

He must have, He is from Pennsy... . :--) Moose

 

[Woodenhead]

Some good advice as given above is to add a good single turbo to what you already have, get a clutch (highly recommend South Bend) and see how you like it. If you want more later down the road then add to it, that's what I did. You may eventually end up with what I had posted, you may find you're happy with less. I'll also add that fixing the KDP is a good thing to do if it hasn't been already.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I can tell you, there are not going to be any bolt ons that will give you that HP. You will need to pull the engine and build it up before even thinking of that kind of increase. Cam, head studs, have the head ported, possibly different pistons, and of course have the pump modded a little more than just a fuel plate.



If this will help, Ford's engines always have more HP, but not the TQ, if you get up around 650 TQ, even if the HP is only 250 or a little more, it will still pull great. Cummins engines are torque monsters not HP unless built for it.



Spend your money on a gear vendors OD, it will give you way more gears and you will not even need to go to mega upgrades on the engine.

man, talk about coming out of left field...



my 97 I made 450hp/950tq with 370 injectors, HX40, and exhaust... pump was only at 12. 5* timing stock head gasket finally let go at ~250k miles



my last two 98's have made over 500rwhp with a 62mm turbo pump never pulled from the truck

 

[Fordiesel69]

man, talk about coming out of left field...



my 97 I made 450hp/950tq with 370 injectors, HX40, and exhaust... pump was only at 12. 5* timing stock head gasket finally let go at ~250k miles



my last two 98's have made over 500rwhp with a 62mm turbo pump never pulled from the truck

Yes, but could you pull with this power? Original poster wanted good solid pulling power.

 

[BHuebner]

Hey Peschel,

like Gordon said. wait and see how it tows the way it is you might be surprised. if you do injectors and a turbo, do a search to find a good combo. im runnin DDP III's with a 62/14. i pull my 35ft 5ver that weighs approx 13k when loaded. truck has enough power but the temps are a little too high for my liking in the hills(1400 worst case). gonna try a new I. C. this summer and see what happens. if i was to do it over, think i would've done a 12cm housing on the turbo instead of a 14cm. gets hot quick and doesnt recover as much as id like. ive been told twins myself... . but im not ready or fully convinced for that kind of $$$

Brian