Thinking seriously about advancing my timing, and have some ?'s. First of all mods are 0 plate, 4" straight pipe, Aem brute force intake, and soon to have 3k gsk. Egt's are my main concern. I can hit 1350 at wot in 5th by around 25-2600 rpms. I realize they will probably climb even more with the gsk. I would like to be able to tow a decient load without constantly watching the pyro.

Now for the questions: I don't want to have to worry at all about a head gasket or lose alot of bottom end, so where is the best place to set it at? I was thinking somewhere around 15-16. Would this be enough to help egt's and still not worry bout blowing a hg? Also I do not have the tools to do it myself. I live about an hour away from Knoxville, TN. Does anyone have any experience with any diesel shops in or around Knoxville? What is a fair price for having it done? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

16* would be about where you want it, but mine blew at 16* with the turbo wastegated at 38 psi so there is no guarentees as to what will happen. you will probably charge you between $100-125 any more and I'd look else where.

 

I would go 16.5* that is where mine is set, bottom end still has plenty, and I have a 100 plate. I don't tow heavy, or on big hills, but I don't have any problems with EGTs.

 

Thanks for the replies. Anyone in East Tn have any suggestions as to where to have the work done? Also would it be worthwhile to get the 3k springs and have them installed at the same time? I'm not sure if I want to tackle that myself or not. Anyone else had any head gasket problems with 16.5* and a stock turbo at 35 psi?