I started a thread not long ago on what was the worst modification, or the least liked modification. To my surprise there were very few negative reply's which is good for us Diesel Newbys.

So with that said I was wondering if you guys could go back to when you started in the diesel world and talked in laymen terms, not abbreviated acronyms and tell us what in your opinion would be the 3 three most advantageous Modifications to increase performance, fuel mileage, or dependability. Right now I am wanting to get the most bang for my buck as I learn more on what the systems are and how they work. my new to me rig is a 94 3500 standard cab but any direction in terms of the 2nd generation trucks would be appreciated. I'm looking for the best mod's as the foundation for adding on to in the future with hopes that some day I can have a 3 or 4 line Signature as well... I realize that for most of you this is very remedial and are most likly sick of but it truly is appreciated from this old dog trying to learn new tricks. Thanks

 

#1 - timing bump to 16.5° (for mileage and pep)

#2 - 3 thousand revolution per minute governor spring kit (no abbreviations right? )

#3 - TST products fuel plate and boost elbow

Gauges are of course a must, and should be installed before any performance modifications to get baselines and for safety. Start with pyro, boost, transmission temp for autos, and a mechanical fuel pressure setup. There is a good bit of tuning involved once the basics are covered to get the truck running how you want it.

 

Thanks for the simple explanation. It actually makes since.
But now I need to figure out how to time a Diesel. Thanks again.

 

What is your idea of performance? Making the truck run well and perform as intended or make more horsepower and torque?

Performance. 4 gauges to monitor your machine.

Fuel mileage. The guys here say advanced timing helps alot.

Dependability. Leave the truck stock and perform the maintenance flawlessly. Maybe plumb in a drain plug to the trans pan and change early then change the filter and adjust bands when recommended.

 

What good steering on a second gen 4x4...

-T-steering
-redhead steering box
-Steering colume bushing
-DSS
-3rd gen track bar
-polyurethane bushings on everything,stablizer bar,connection bars,etc
-Lowered front springs

Drive like sports car......well sort of...

 

On the timing, I felt it was worth 50 or 60 dollars to have it done by a real mechanic.

 

We did a 12v 160 HP pump earlier this year. We got nearly 600rwhp out of the stock 160HP pump, mostly limited by our stock 46RH transmission slipping.
Here is a list of mods that we did. The truck had twins installed originally HX-40 (small inducer size) and some other holset (large turbine housing, small inducer). Wrong turbos for responsive 5.9L CTD twins but they are cheap and work.

Mods
-20 deg's of timing
-racked the barrells
-removed foot on AFC and adjusted for full travel max fueling
-7X13's 280 bar microblind injectors
-4k gsk and valve springs
-No fuel plate
-Rack plug

 

I feel exactly the same except the plate doesn't have to come from TST, ebay plates are just as good for a fraction of the price.

 

You helped teach me when I started and I learned the hard way you were right about not using an electrical gauge. You are right on the plate pricing being better on e-bay too. TST was good to me, so I never really thought about another source.

If you are up for it metal twister, Infidel's pic gallery should show you how to shape your stock plate into a "0" plate for free using a grinder or saw and file. A "0" plate is about as far as you can go while still using a plate to limit max fueling. If you do go with an e-bay plate, you can still use TST's site as a reference - they list approximate hp and torque levels with each plate to help select what you want.

 

I'm not going to blow smoke here guys. Im so fresh to this diesel stuff I don't even know what a plate is much less how changing it helps. I don't expect you to go remedial for me so Im going to be doing some searching this evening. I have a Rod Shop with years of experience on gas engines, and Im right at home with them. Cant believe how humbling and lost I am with the Cummins. Its good for me though It knocks a lot of the cockiness right out of me! I do have a Bridgeport Mill and nice Lathe so think between the two I should be able to get ur done. Thanks for the link to the visuals as well. I will stop in and take a good long peek! Thanks again for the direction.

 

This should teach you everything you need to know> http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/94...ead-first.html

 

Thanks for the heads up... Different background colors kind of threw me off for a minute. LOL

 

well depends on what kinda risk taker u are. see u could ditch the plate rack the pump and put injectors in for your 3 mods but i wouldnt advise that. i did gauges first, truck was bone stock then. then pulled the plate and put in a 4k gsk, then clutch.....and it hasnt stopped yet lol. what im saying is if your just looking for 3 items im afraid most of them would b groundwork safety things that wont get u power ( gauges, kdp, tranny work ect) but thats the way id go. once u got the basics covered there are so many cheap/free things u can do safely. like pull the plate, like boost to 35-40 psi, like racking your own barrels, like afc tuning.

 

Mike, how do you get away with 20* timing? Is it just because of the amount of available fuel? Or studs? I blew my studless head gasket at 23* after one run...

 

No issues so far, stock head bolts and re-torqued to 135 ft*lbs. Been trying to get the guy to run my 13mm P7100, 5X22 injector's/NOS spray and see what happens Probably just be to0 crazy crazy of scene doing that.

I should also things clear-up abit its my buddy car, its not really a truck (but a 27 ford rat rod). The truck/car weighs around 3000 lbs. This video was done last spring, prior to the tweaks. Gov springs/delivery valves and head retorques are a dream. I went for a ride in it and its darn tootin quick.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slnWaoHyxlo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_kWfWt429Y