I FINALLY got one.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 706
Likes: 0
From: Bethpage, Tn
You don't always have to start out in first, its usually only recommended for when hauling a load. I am on my 2nd CTD (upgraded to club cab) and both had stock clutches when I purchased them, and both were fine starting out in 2nd all the time. Just doesn't seem reasonable to move 10 ft. then have to shift.
If your getting 18mpg then I doubt you will see any mpg gain with advanced timing. People mostly see a drastic improvement if the timing has slipped over the years. Example, my first CTD was a 97 Reg cab with 123K on when I got it, @ 140-odd K miles I had the timing done, and saw an improvement of 1.5 mpg immediately. However, the timing on the truck had slipped from the original 13.5* down to 11*, and we advanced it to 16*.
Your on the right track with the 3K GSK & fuel plate mods, and you will love them the first time you hook to a load. The first few times I hauled with my original CTD I was constantly shifting with a 5spd, 33" tires, & 3.55 gears.
Just make sure that the appropriate gauges (EGT & Boost) that you have already mentioned are installed before the fuel plate is adjusted.
You have a very high fueling pump on that truck, and it won't take much to get EGT's up there with a load. Trust me I know! 
Good luck and enjoy!
If your getting 18mpg then I doubt you will see any mpg gain with advanced timing. People mostly see a drastic improvement if the timing has slipped over the years. Example, my first CTD was a 97 Reg cab with 123K on when I got it, @ 140-odd K miles I had the timing done, and saw an improvement of 1.5 mpg immediately. However, the timing on the truck had slipped from the original 13.5* down to 11*, and we advanced it to 16*.
Your on the right track with the 3K GSK & fuel plate mods, and you will love them the first time you hook to a load. The first few times I hauled with my original CTD I was constantly shifting with a 5spd, 33" tires, & 3.55 gears.
Just make sure that the appropriate gauges (EGT & Boost) that you have already mentioned are installed before the fuel plate is adjusted.
You have a very high fueling pump on that truck, and it won't take much to get EGT's up there with a load. Trust me I know! Good luck and enjoy!
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Greeneville, TN
You don't always have to start out in first, its usually only recommended for when hauling a load. I am on my 2nd CTD (upgraded to club cab) and both had stock clutches when I purchased them, and both were fine starting out in 2nd all the time. Just doesn't seem reasonable to move 10 ft. then have to shift.
If your getting 18mpg then I doubt you will see any mpg gain with advanced timing. People mostly see a drastic improvement if the timing has slipped over the years. Example, my first CTD was a 97 Reg cab with 123K on when I got it, @ 140-odd K miles I had the timing done, and saw an improvement of 1.5 mpg immediately. However, the timing on the truck had slipped from the original 13.5* down to 11*, and we advanced it to 16*.
Your on the right track with the 3K GSK & fuel plate mods, and you will love them the first time you hook to a load. The first few times I hauled with my original CTD I was constantly shifting with a 5spd, 33" tires, & 3.55 gears.
Just make sure that the appropriate gauges (EGT & Boost) that you have already mentioned are installed before the fuel plate is adjusted. You have a very high fueling pump on that truck, and it won't take much to get EGT's up there with a load. Trust me I know!
Good luck and enjoy!
If your getting 18mpg then I doubt you will see any mpg gain with advanced timing. People mostly see a drastic improvement if the timing has slipped over the years. Example, my first CTD was a 97 Reg cab with 123K on when I got it, @ 140-odd K miles I had the timing done, and saw an improvement of 1.5 mpg immediately. However, the timing on the truck had slipped from the original 13.5* down to 11*, and we advanced it to 16*.
Your on the right track with the 3K GSK & fuel plate mods, and you will love them the first time you hook to a load. The first few times I hauled with my original CTD I was constantly shifting with a 5spd, 33" tires, & 3.55 gears.
Just make sure that the appropriate gauges (EGT & Boost) that you have already mentioned are installed before the fuel plate is adjusted.
You have a very high fueling pump on that truck, and it won't take much to get EGT's up there with a load. Trust me I know! Good luck and enjoy!
How big is the fuel tank on the 97?
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 698
Likes: 1
From: Newport News, VA
On the FP gage, I used a 0-60 psi boost gage, and a small needle valve. plumbed it all inline from the banjo bolt on the injection pump. I adjust the needle valve until the gage stops bouncing. About once very 6 months, I have to open and then close the valve.
I have, including the gage, tubing, and valve, less than 50 bucks in my FP gage setup.
I have, including the gage, tubing, and valve, less than 50 bucks in my FP gage setup.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
siotwo
3rd Generation Ram - Non Drivetrain - All Years
14
Jun 4, 2005 09:00 PM