I've got a new '96 12v that I'd like to optimize for performance and economy and I'm seeking advice on the best course of action for this purpose. Note that I already have boost and EGT gauges.

As I understand it, a lot of common power upgrades for the 12v will also improve economy. Just now, there's a stock exhaust with a muffler eliminator and a stock airbox, both of which I intend to replace with free-flowing components. Following that, I'm thinking of adding a mild set of injectors (DDP 50 or 75hp) and doing a custom ground fuel plate. I'm wondering what other tuning can be done and what sort of horsepower/torque one can expect without harming fuel economy assuming that I'm going light on the go pedal.

General tips and advice would be welcome. I've done a lot of reading about the 12-valve as I've been conspiring to get one for over a year, but at this point, I have very little experience tuning a diesel.

 

Bump the timing...otherwise you won't pick up any mileage that'll be noticeable.

 

How does one decide on the what timing to use?

 

Most of us say to keep it below 17*...otherwise you'll blow your head gasket. I set one at 17* and it was fine for 100k miles, still is actually. I set the other at 16.5* and it blew in a week. To be safe I'd go 15*, or 16*. A set of injectors can pick you up decent mileage as well.

 

Thanks for the advice. I found this FAQ:

http://www.piersdiesel.com/Faq.htm

Along with the timing chart. I'm wondering what kind of increase in fuel economy people see by increasing pump timing by a degree or two? I'm also wondering if there's a difference in economy between the DDP stage 1 and stage 2 injectors. DDP claims the same increase in economy for either injector.