I have been searching the forum for a while looking for information on retiming my truck. Check out my sitnature. My timing is stock but from what I have been reading 16.5-17* is the most suggested spot for most. Would that help me? If so, what can I expect (i.e., more power, better fuel mileage, more throttle response, etc.). Thanks for any information!

 

It will help with all you listed but I personally would not go over 16 if I was using the truck as a tow rig

 

Where I really want it to improve my truck is in the rpm range above 2200. It does really well up to that point. After that it seems that it just fizzles out. I have the 3000 GSK and it will continue to rev on up 3000, but after about 2200 rpms it does not seem like it is as responsive as it is up to that point. Would a timing job do the trick? Thanks!

 

Yes, timing will help you. You will lose some bottom end to get more top end and egts will go down. With a stock turbo and HG you should be ok with up to 17* timing. Just keep the boost at or below 35psi. The inner spring to make your 3k a 4k might help too since it will fuel harder. Try sliding your plate and housing all the way forward too.

Heres a setup that work well for me: 100 plate full forward, housing full forward, plugged wastegate, 16.5 timing, rack plug, and a 4k gsk. It COULD make more than 35psi of boost at higher rpms but I could let off the pedal to keep it at 35. Towed great too.

 

If I did the 4 GSK should I put in the heavier valve springs? I have the two inner springs but was a little nervous about putting them in there with stock valve springs. Thanks for all the info.

 

I ran a 4k kit with stock valve springs for almost 2 years. It isnt that hard to keep it under 3200 with a 4k gsk but the 4k fuels harder from what people that have done the coversion have said. I did a 4k kit from the get go so I didnt have to dig in there more than I had to.

 

If I had the timing done and then added the extra springs to take me on up to a 4 GSK would I need to do the timing again or would it be the same regardless?

BTW, what is a rack plug BigErksG2?

 

I have almost the same set up bit I have a 5 spd and a boost fooler to get me to 30lbs and timming at 15 or 15.5. I have the same thing pulls strong to 22 to 23 point then pulls but seams lazy and slow to rev the rest of the way. I also have a 4k gsk and 60lb springs even unloaded it is hard to rev it past 3600 it is not like a gas motor that revs fast you have to be not paying attention or lose traction.

 

Alright, I went home last night and put the #10 plate all the way to the front, put the AFC housing full forward, and ran the starwheel all the way toward the front. And, I have quite a bit more power (with considerable more smoke). I do not have any guages. Having said that, I do not tow anything more than a very small 5x8 trailer. I do intend to get some and I know I should already have them. Do you guys think I should choke it back down until I get gauges. I had the plate centered, AFC housing centered, and the starwheel cranked down pretty tight to be on the safe side. Thanks!

 

Definately get gauges! Once you get them installed, get a boost elbow or plug your wastegate to get more air into the mix and you wont have as much smoke. Put everything back until you can monitor what youre doing for now. The rack plug is on the front of the pump and internally can limit the rack travel so you can install a shorter plug or grind the old one down to maximize rack travel. Sometimes it this mod wont do anything performance wise with a plate in because the plate limits the rack travel before the plug does.

 

Will the timing job give me more or less smoke? What about fuel mileage? Thanks!

 

Not a noticeable difference in smoke. You may have more of a haze at times and fuel mileage should go up.

 

I had read that timing might make it smoke less. I put my plate back in the center position. It just smoked way too much for me with it full forward. How much of a difference should timing make in mileage?