I have a 1997 dodge 1 ton slt. its the month before the chip style was introduced. it can bearly climb hills with any kind of load. i believe its 190 hp.can any one give me advise on the most reasonable cost saver ideas on how to get at least 100 more hp. with out high cost. possiable fuel pump mods. ect. ive heard that you can change the fuel metering plate and put a higher rev limeter for about 300 or 400 dollars. is this true ? please help

 

First off, if it is an Auto, it should be the 180 Hp, and I pulled 20 plus K with a stocker. It wasn't snappy, but I wouldn't say it would barely pull the load. If yours is really anemic, when was the last time you checked the fuel pressure? If your lift pump or overflow valve is not allowing the pressure to be built correctly, or your fuel filter or pre-filter is restricting the flow, pump mods won't help.

First thing is to check your fuel pressure....... Then you can add way more than 100 Hp without spending much, but gauges to monitor the truck will be required so you don't burn her down.

 

The basics need to be checked before upgrades or mods are performed. otherwise ull prolly be pretty ****** when you drop $500 for no gains whatsoever due to maintenance items like pat said change fuel filter check prefilter clean if neccessay. check fuel pressure....it affected by lift pump health, overflow valve operation....verify fuel isnt restricted. same thing goes for intake and exhaust. make sure air filter is clean. is your truck straight piped or does it have a muffler still?

 

All the above and a #10 fuel plate added 75HP to my 98

 

Yep, I agree too that there is something wrong with your truck that should be sorted out before adding performance enhancers to it. Stock for stock, a 97 will keep up with or out-tow a 98.5.

 

thank you all for these responses .I will check these out.I m a good mechanic but have nevrer worked on a dieasel.i had better get a 97 manual and start reading. again thanks guys. please perhaps you can explain some of the suggustions cj360triders response.by the way it has a 5 speed.and the truck may have been babyied if that has any bearing.140000 never in a shop. i just love that about it

 

http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/94...-12-valve.html

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1996/14-07-96.htm

 

First hing to check is your fuel filter. If it has been changed recently your prolly good. 2nd your prefilter/fuel heater. If you haven't. Deleted the fuel heater yet you will want to...you will be doing yourself a favor. Infidel has a great write up somewhere on the fuel system as a whole its weaknesses and another write up on how to delete your fuel heater.another thing I am yet to do is install a fuel pressur gauge. This will tell you what kind of health your lift pump, overflow valve, and filters are in. Maybe bill will see this post and leave you links to all these write ups. Either way if you dig around in this forum you'll see these write ups

 

Second thing to check is the wastegate actuator for a leaky diaphragm. Very common cause of power loss.

Third thing to check is to make sure you are getting wide open throttle at the pump when you press the throttle to the floor.

 

thanks you all for all your wonderful support.its has been hard to get right at it .very busy but am very anxious to get started

 

then once all of those are in check:
1. Fuel plate, or just take it off
2. boost elbow
3. 3k GSK to stop the pump from defueling to early