I was curious about the science of the torque plate. Say if i was to modify or make a new torque plate where and why do i grind in a certain spot. There are many manufactures of torque plates right? Are all #5's equal? #10's? and so on? Typically the most info i could find says what the max hp/torque a plate will give. not where the powerband is. Like most of you i want a lot of power! i will be towing a 10,000 landscaping trailer around in my 96' 2500 auto and i'd like to visit the local dragway once in awhile to beat those little import racers. i want to get a #5 plate because it has the most gains but is it good for my application? i have a friend that works at a machine shop so my torque plate profile is unlimited, i just don't know where to start designing. Thanks.

 

Well, first you should look into guages, at leat pyro, and turbo boost. Then next you should take care of your tranny. I have a 97 ram and I haven't put a plate in it yet because of the tranny. Our dodges trannies hate power if you leave them stock. If you really want the power and to be able to go down to the draggs, you might wana look at raising the line presure in the tranny and getting a better TC (torque converter) After you take care of the tranny, you should be able to have fun.

 

That isn't the max power output that is listed. That is assuming you put the plate in the stock position. Even then, some engines will put out more power than that, at the same plate location The plate can be slid forward for more power. The governor has an effect on the where the powerband is. It will more around a bit, with different plates, but will stay in the same general location. It you want to raise the upper end of the power band, add a governor spring kit (GSK). It will increase the RPMs the engine will fuel up to, before de-fueling.

The #10 seems to be the prefered plate. I have one and love it.

Put in gauges first, before adding power. The exhaust will get too hot, and you'd never know it. Can ruin the engine.

Guages? Boost, pyrometer and tranny temp, since you will be towing.

 

"my torque plate profile is unlimited, i just don't know where to start designing"

You could start with a climate controlled laboratory and several identical engines on calibrated hydro test stands. When you think you have the ideal profile, start testing on the road with a fleet of identical trucks. There ain't no easy way to do it. The wheel has already been invented, several are for sale cheap.

 

if one is just going to play i would grind it flat. did mine 3 weeks ago. took out a #4 0 to 60 went from 5.93 to 5.30. you will have to watch egt.