so could someone explain to me how changing the timing on these trucks affects the power out-put? or point me to a thread that does explain it? i have an idea of how it does it but i'm not sure if my idea is correct. thanks

 

Same as in a gas motor. By combusting the fuel sooner, you increase cylinder pressure. More pressure will make more power, but at the risk of damage to the engine if you go too far. Most likely lose a head gasket if you advance the timing too far.

I myself have been interested in what kind of gain people see from timing changes....anyone dyno a truck before and after timing change without any other changes???

 

the more timing you have, the more power you have higher in the rpm band because there is more time for the fuel and air to burn. you also get lower egt's and in my opinion, power loss down low is minimal. stock head gasket, i wouldnt go past 16.5*. i ran 16.5 for a while and even pegged a 60lb boost gauge with my twins on a stock head gasket. still didn't pop it.

 

They change timing to affect emissions also .
In the earlier yrs. [ and probably a little in newer ] they detuned the engine to be easier on the drive train , in order to not have to build a trans. to go behind the Cummins .

 

Lots of good reading about 12 valve timing here http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/FAQ/timing.htm

 

thanks for the replies and that is a pretty good link from infidel. i was wrong so its a good thing i asked! thanks again everyone!!

 

Bumping the timing up a few degrees is where the engine was designed to be run until the EPA said fewer emissions and Dodge said it makes too much power for the cheaper drivetrain we want to use.

 

Ive tried 17, 18 and 20 degrees on my setup and honestly aside from noise and a small amount of EGT it feels the same.

 

Kawi, you will feel it more up top with the higher timing. 3k gsk and no valve springs isnt gonna get you to where you feel the difference. 3000-3500 really screams at 20* and enough fuel.