Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Where do I go from here??

[garyk6irz]

I have a 1997 ram 2500, manual transmission,4x4 with 119,000 miles on it. Several years ago I had a Banks power pak installed which really made a big improvment in performance. I now tow a 13,000 # trailer and although the engine seems to have all the power it needs, I can't seem to get it to the ground. I am running 3. 5 gears and on flat ground love the fact that I can boogie along at lower rpm. The problem is when it comes to hills, I am constantly having to run in third gear to keep the exhaust temp down. This limits my speed to about 35 mph. If I shift to fourth, the temp climbs to high. I was told to make more engine mods to increase hp, but I am not sure this is the way to go. I was even thinking of having a under drive installed, or a six speed transmission. anybody have any ideas???



Thanks

Gary K

 

[Deezul1]

I have no idea what comes in a powerpak setup but removing the cat and mufler and installing a good after market air filter will help as will going to a 16cm turbo housing. With my setup (see sig) I tow a 6500lb TT and it will pull any grade I point it at in 5th gear at 65mph and very rarely do I have to back off because of EGT problems. More power allows you to pull with less throttle applied which will help EGT also.

 

[kentdiesel]

Increasing air flow will allow you to lower EGT's and still maintain your present power. Is you current setup building proper boost pressure? I would think 30 to 35psi peak is about right for your setup. A free flowing exhaust is important, straight thru mufflers or no muffler is better than a baffle muffler. Catalytic Converters can become blocked. I think the banks power pack supplies a 14cm exhaust housing, you may want to try a 16cm but I suspect a larger turbo is what it will take.

I have read on this forum where a power pack fuel plate is close to a TST#10 and I know from experience if you want to tow heavy and use the full potential of a #10 fuel plate you will spend some money on air flow. You can look at my signiture below and see the air flow improvments I have made so far and I need a few more. If a $1100. 00 turbo scares you off you could slide the fuel plate back toward the firewall in 0. 030 increments til EGT's are acceptable but this will also reduce power. You may want to check your exhaust manifold for shrinkage, high heat makes the POS stock manifold contract even faster, and can damage the head. Some have noticed lower EGT's from using aftermarket air filter setups. Advancing the timing to between 15 and 15. 5 degrees will lower EGT's, give alittle more top end power and increase fuel mileage.

Hope this helps,

Kent