Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) What would I gain?

[Chrisw]

I believe my truck has the stock governor springs, It has a 12 plate with a gutted afc, it makes 35psi of boost from 2000 rpm till 2750 rpm, 2750 to 3000 rpm it falls to 30 psi of boost. Then it fall very fast after that, truck will turn 3500 rpm if I hold in on the floor in neutral.



My question is would I gain much by adding 3K governor springs

 

[CToney]

I wouldn't change governor springs the autos benefit more than 5sp and the later 12valves rev more freely than the early ones. I wouldn't want much more boost at high rpms as the headgasket doesn't like it. I would check torque on my headbolts and keep boost under 35psi for sure.

 

[GAmes]

The benefit of having a 3K kit with a 5 speed is getting past the huge ratio differences of 3rd and 4th gear. Under load and climbing a hill I am able to get enough speed at 3500 rpm to shift to 4th without bogging down. You do know that a valve spring change to 60 pounders is highly recommended, right?

 

[JDKammin]

I installed the #10 plate and 3000 rpm gov springs at the same time on my 96 with 5 speed. Night and day difference. Truck revs right up to 3000+ rpm and will set truck sideways on gravel roads, if not paying attention. The main purpose of the 3000 rpm springs, is to keep the pump from defueling at 2200-2300 rpm of stock springs.

 

[CToney]

Don't be so worried about boost as it is a sign of load and resistance to airflow. If you want more power and a freer breathing engine change your turbine housing and/or turbo and that will make more difference. I have enough power and I only rev to 2750rpm when upshifting up hills under load. I can only get 33psi and my truck doesn't smoke.

 

[JHastings]

The GSK was one of the best things I did to my 5spd. Like said before, it helps with the 3-4 shift. However, I have 60# springs.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I installed the #10 plate and 3000 rpm gov springs at the same time on my 96 with 5 speed. Night and day difference. Truck revs right up to 3000+ rpm and will set truck sideways on gravel roads, if not paying attention. The main purpose of the 3000 rpm springs, is to keep the pump from defueling at 2200-2300 rpm of stock springs.

For some reason the untouched orig. pump on my '96 5-speed pulled strong to 2800 then suddenly fell off around 2950. Power increased with RPM to about 2700, leveled off then dropped. Max RPM unloaded was 3150.

 

[Chrisw]

thanks guys, should i skip the 3k springs and put the 4k springs in? Just because the truck would rev that high doesn't mean i will push it that hard. I have done a lot of reasearch and I am trying to find out were i want to stop with the horse power on this truck. I am looking for the best set up for fuel mpg and still tow and tow heavy.



all mods need to be made with heavy towing in mind.



quick question i am looking for the best mods for fuel mpg and towing. I would be happy for sugestions.



thanks chris

 

[Chrisw]

The other day I pulled 10,000 lbs a little over 100 miles. When towing any time rpm was below 2300 even with full throttle egt stops at 1000 deg. Its kind of cool because i never have to worry about egt but a little more power would be great. I am not sure if more rpm would help or hurt, as soon as i get high in the rpm it gets close to 1300 but won't go over.



Truck has a 12 plate pushed forward and a gutted afc.

 

[Dodgentwo]

I dunno who said you wont tell a difference, but they are smokin' something. The larger GSK makes a HUGE difference. It will not make your boost numbers any higher, but it will open the truck up alot. If you are not sure when you wanna stop with HP, I would go with the 4K kit. I put the 3K in my truck, and wish I had gone with the 4. The 3k will leave you wanting more.

Also, 60#springs are not needed with the 3K. They are recommended for the 4K, BUT if you are not going to be hitting 4K or above 3500, you wont need them either.

Good luck,
Travis

 

[Dodgentwo]

Also, someone said you cant push over 35lbs on the stock gasket? Never heard that before.

I have a stock headgasket and no studs, and run 50lbs quiet often, and have hooked to the sled about 7 times with 25* timing, BIG injectors, LC DV's, no fuel plate, and gutted AFC and my gasket still in place.

Just my . 02

If you want more boost, plug up the waste-gate

 

[Chrisw]

Dodgentwo thanks, I don't care about the boost as long as the head dosent leak, I want as much power as I can get and still tow. I would be just as happy if the truck only makes 20 psi and had the same power with no rise in egt. I guess that best way to learn is just start buying parts to see what I like.



Any one have a slightly used 4 gsk, or a 10 plate for sale

 

[Woodenhead]

Dodgentwo thanks, I don't care about the boost as long as the head dosent leak, I want as much power as I can get and still tow. I would be just as happy if the truck only makes 20 psi and had the same power with no rise in egt. I guess that best way to learn is just start buying parts to see what I like.



Any one have a slightly used 4 gsk, or a 10 plate for sale

Not much I can add to what's been said above but if I could only have one single mod for a 12valve it would be the 3kGSK. If your not looking to go nuts with the power then I think you'll be quite happy with the 3kGSK. If one day you do decide to go farther and want a 4k you can always get the extra springs from Piers to make it a 4kGSK. The few times I shift at 3k I still have strong power and have never wished I could rev higher, but I just use my truck for towing, daily driving and entertaining myself (no competition).



Dodgentwo, I don't doubt what you claim is true but I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. With your 25deg timing and 50psi boost on a stock head setup it's just a matter of time before your headgasket goes. This setup is certainly far from what I'd call reliable and will almost certainly leave you stranded one day:{.



More boost does not equal more power. You can make 50psi with a stock turbo, your EGT will be at nuclear temps and you certainly won't be making no 500hp.



Mike

 

[JAmos]

I pulled my plate out and I tow whatever I can find. I just got my pyrometer in since my last haul so don't know what my egt's have been. I can slip my clutch at will, just chose to limit how crazy i get till I can get a better clutch in. I had a 4k gsk in my 95 and it was the best mod that I did. My gov springs are tightened up for now, need the rest of my gauges and a clutch before I get the real deal. But I'll get a 4k kit.



Jordan