Upgrades with a budget. 1994 12V, auto trans

adamsstreetauto · 07-06-2008, 09:21 PM

I am looking to get the most bang for my buck out of my old truck. It is a 94 2500, with an auto trans. Tranny was replaced about 2 years ago, nothing special though, Jasper rebuild. I don't want to make crazy power, just want the best upgrades I can do for about $1000. I own an auto repair shop, and have tools and know how to do about anything. Where is my time and money best spent to get more pulling power? I pull a single car trailer, with loads from fiats to f350's. MPG is not a major concern, put pulling power is. I am not looking to break the sound barrier, just set the cruise at 75 headed over the Rockies would be cool.

__________________
1994 Ram 2500, 2WD. Banks Twin Ram intake and exhaust, Banks boost and egt gauges, BHAF. Jasper Auto Trans.

cursedtofirst45 · 07-07-2008, 12:13 AM

a mild fuel plate and gsk kit will do it good. Gauges are a must. However, even small upgrades that add less than 100 hp will annihilate that slushbox. You'd be better off beefing up the tranny first, even though itll cost more than 1000. Sorry,
Eric

__________________
1997 Dodge 2500 Cummins/Nv4500
Lots of Fuel, Less Air.

sooter · 07-07-2008, 08:37 AM

move your stock plate forward (or grind it, etc.), adjust the afc, put in a 3gsk, and maybe a shift kit or valve body so long as you're not pushing too much hp through the tranny.

__________________
01 3500 HO 4x4 sport that lived up to my name "sooter" - traded
04 2500 CA/235 graphite QC shorty 4x4--53Willy's intake, 4" TBE w/resonator, custom built downpipe, 2nd gen exhaust manifold, and a mild box, 285/70/17 Hankook Dynapro MTs.

Louthedog · 07-07-2008, 08:44 AM

94 automatics are handicapped from the factory. Mine would not even keep up with my 6.2 Chevy, lame at best. nothing seemed to help very much until I tossed that 160 hp I.P. I talked with Pensicola diesel and had them build a 300hp performance pump with a internal 17 degree advance, 3,200 rpm springs, custom cut fuel plate 181 DV's and stage2 injectors. Cost was 1,050.00. They ask what you already have, add ons, gear ratio, altitude, ect, what you expect to gain. My 94 went from a total turd to one snappy smokin won ton! err ahh 1 ton that sometimes runs on chinese cooking oil. I live in Wyoming and it will run up any summit with no lag.

__________________
1994 4x4 1-ton, Modified 300HP IP, Custom cut fuel plate, 5" exhaust, Green air filter, 3,200Gsk, AFC mods, pillar Gauges, Hybrid HX35/40, Stage 2 injectors, 4.10 ends, Built 47RH / Lockup switch, Silencer delete.

jcarl735 · 07-07-2008, 12:35 PM

thats a good deal right there! but if you wanted to cut your own plate (free), buy dv's and put them on yourself ($200 or so + $4 for the can of ether you can use to start the truck after the install), and have your pump advanced and GSKed (should cost no more than $300 including parts)... up to you. pensicola stage 2s are great for the price! cant beat em. but just with that pump setup alone im afraid youd spank that poor transmissions rear-end. what about a torqueconvertor and save for a valve body. then gauges, then you can double your factory horsepower with all the free mods.

__________________
3.55s, 305/70/16s, MBRP 4''Turbo Back, #100 Full Forward, AFE ProDry Stage 1, DDP3s, Boost Elbow, AFC !MIA Silencer Ring !MIA, 55 PSI, DiPricol Boost/Pyro/Trans, KDP Tabbed, Built 47re, Farmboys Full Cut DVs, 3k GSK, ATS Quikspool

illflem · 07-08-2008, 05:05 AM

Money is best spent on gauges, a larger intake and exhaust.
Rest of the mods are free.
Tranny will last a long time if you can keep your foot out of it.

__________________
Bill
'95 2500 4wd auto
'95 3500 5 speed heavy hauler
Both far from stock

ykdave · 07-08-2008, 06:31 AM

yea, but why spend all the money on upgrades if you have to keep your foot out of it to save the tranny?

May as well leave it stock and lay the loud pedal on the floor!

Personally i would be very careful with the thing if you dont do something with that tranny, it doesnt really take alot to kill stock autos especially when you start adding more power...

__________________
97 Ram 2500 / 5.9ctd / 5spd / nv4500 / 4x4 / np241
Starwheel cranked, no plate, autometer pyro and boost gauges, Single 4" stack, 33x10.5 Mud terrains, tons more to come

jcarl735 · 07-08-2008, 06:48 PM

thats for sure. moved my stock plate forward with an intake and exhaust and the stock converter started to slip and chatter with 141k on it. and that was on an already rebuilt trans!

__________________
3.55s, 305/70/16s, MBRP 4''Turbo Back, #100 Full Forward, AFE ProDry Stage 1, DDP3s, Boost Elbow, AFC !MIA Silencer Ring !MIA, 55 PSI, DiPricol Boost/Pyro/Trans, KDP Tabbed, Built 47re, Farmboys Full Cut DVs, 3k GSK, ATS Quikspool

Dual K20s · 07-09-2008, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Louthedog

94 automatics are handicapped from the factory.

You saying these 160 pumps cant make power without being benched?

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.
YouTube - FND - Silver Garmon Dodge vs. Red Garmon Dodge

Seems to be a few 160 pumps running in the 11's, seems like you just have to have to build them right.

Nothing listed was anything special, that you couldn't do yourself, heck you could do better than that
Some may consider the flat top plungers more desirable than the retarded one in the 215 pumps

__________________
98 Dodge 2500 Motor: 12 valve, BD exhaust brake, 4" turbo back exhaust, BHAF, KDP tabbed, 4K GSK, O-ringed head, .020 over HG, Modified AFC, DDP Stage 3 injectors, DDP DVs, 17.5* timing, 16cm^2 ex. housing Drivetrain: 5-speed 4x4 w/ SB clutch (13" OFE 450Hp)

Last edited by Dual K20s : 07-09-2008 at 01:27 AM.

Louthedog · 07-09-2008, 08:20 AM

Mine sure as heck was handicapped, governed at 76 MPH top speed. I put a TST 10 plate in it, 3,000 gsk, advanced the timing, tried 191, 181 DV's. it would only go 81 MPH. I saved the old 160 pump and will resell it with the stock parts. My new top speed is 96 MPH and it will at least keep up with my dead bone stock (except IP) 1982 Chevy 6.2 non turbo until that point, the Chevy then runs up around 112-115 MPH with 3.73's Anyones welcome to come ride in that ol Chevy anytime, almost 300,000 miles and never had a drop of oil that has leaked from it, runs 2,500 before adding a quart though. It cant tow nothin though and still maintain, hence the Cummins for real work! On the other hand the Dodge body and all is a crapper!!! at 100,000 the drivers door hinge broke in two, the suspension needed lower ball joints, tierod ends, trackbar, 2 sets of front rotors so far, rear brakes wont self adjust, 2 big front wheel bearings, Factory recall on the front frame, welded big supports under the coil spring perch's, throttle rod fell off, 2 Transmissions so far. Window switchs are always toast, seats edges worn off way before their time, windy cab, peeling clear coat, headliner glue failed, I could go on if I were picky. Im not a Dodge fan anymore, I love the Cummins motor! I fell out of Love with Dodge when I bought my 94 Viper, my Truck has less problems than that Red rocket did, the only car I ever owned worse was a 75 Jag V-12. here's the RT-10 before a much needed bath, the clear bra was a dust magnet. I wish I had my 70 440 Cuda back!!!!! http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...g?t=1215612434

__________________
1994 4x4 1-ton, Modified 300HP IP, Custom cut fuel plate, 5" exhaust, Green air filter, 3,200Gsk, AFC mods, pillar Gauges, Hybrid HX35/40, Stage 2 injectors, 4.10 ends, Built 47RH / Lockup switch, Silencer delete.

illflem · 07-09-2008, 11:16 AM

Quote:

yea, but why spend all the money on upgrades if you have to keep your foot out of it to save the tranny?

Because he wants the extra power for towing, not for racing inbetween stop lights.
Once the TC locks up the tranny will hold up well even with extra horsepower.

__________________
Bill
'95 2500 4wd auto
'95 3500 5 speed heavy hauler
Both far from stock

Charlie.Smith · 07-10-2008, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by illflem

Because he wants the extra power for towing, not for racing inbetween stop lights.
Once the TC locks up the tranny will hold up well even with extra horsepower.

What's been said is close to target.

I'd put in a Suncoast or Goerend valve body - that's $400 or so. Replacing the valve body will run higher pressures to the clutches so the tranny can live with higher hp & tq.

Add boost and EGT guages - $250?.

Then, I do this "free" stuff:
Grind your fuel plate close to a #5.
Advance the timing to 16 degrees.
Wire up a TC lockup switch.

That should get you to where my '96 was - 265hp/780tq.

If that's not enough, DDP2 injectors got me another 90 HP and 200# TQ. They were $525.

__________________
Charlie Smith - Columbus, Ohio
'97 2500 4x4 auto, Suncoast TC/VB, #5 16.5*, Arrowcraft DRW, Aerotanks D60, KDP
'96 3500 2x4 auto, Goerend TC/VB, #5 16* DDP2 355hp/970tq, D60 tank, KDP

Last edited by Charlie.Smith : 07-11-2008 at 06:46 AM.

07-06-2008, 09:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
adamsstreetauto Newbie Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 12 adamsstreetauto's Truck Pics	Upgrades with a budget. 1994 12V, auto trans I am looking to get the most bang for my buck out of my old truck. It is a 94 2500, with an auto trans. Tranny was replaced about 2 years ago, nothing special though, Jasper rebuild. I don't want to make crazy power, just want the best upgrades I can do for about $1000. I own an auto repair shop, and have tools and know how to do about anything. Where is my time and money best spent to get more pulling power? I pull a single car trailer, with loads from fiats to f350's. MPG is not a major concern, put pulling power is. I am not looking to break the sound barrier, just set the cruise at 75 headed over the Rockies would be cool. __________________ 1994 Ram 2500, 2WD. Banks Twin Ram intake and exhaust, Banks boost and egt gauges, BHAF. Jasper Auto Trans.

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07-07-2008, 12:13 AM	#2 (permalink)
cursedtofirst45 Cummins Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: gilbert, az Posts: 204 cursedtofirst45's Truck Pics	a mild fuel plate and gsk kit will do it good. Gauges are a must. However, even small upgrades that add less than 100 hp will annihilate that slushbox. You'd be better off beefing up the tranny first, even though itll cost more than 1000. Sorry, Eric __________________ 1997 Dodge 2500 Cummins/Nv4500 Lots of Fuel, Less Air.

07-07-2008, 08:37 AM	#3 (permalink)
sooter Cummins Nut Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: new hampster Posts: 408 sooter's Truck Pics	move your stock plate forward (or grind it, etc.), adjust the afc, put in a 3gsk, and maybe a shift kit or valve body so long as you're not pushing too much hp through the tranny. __________________ 01 3500 HO 4x4 sport that lived up to my name "sooter" - traded 04 2500 CA/235 graphite QC shorty 4x4--53Willy's intake, 4" TBE w/resonator, custom built downpipe, 2nd gen exhaust manifold, and a mild box, 285/70/17 Hankook Dynapro MTs.

07-07-2008, 08:44 AM	#4 (permalink)
Louthedog Cummins Fan Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Cheyenne Wy Posts: 74 Louthedog's Truck Pics	94 automatics are handicapped from the factory. Mine would not even keep up with my 6.2 Chevy, lame at best. nothing seemed to help very much until I tossed that 160 hp I.P. I talked with Pensicola diesel and had them build a 300hp performance pump with a internal 17 degree advance, 3,200 rpm springs, custom cut fuel plate 181 DV's and stage2 injectors. Cost was 1,050.00. They ask what you already have, add ons, gear ratio, altitude, ect, what you expect to gain. My 94 went from a total turd to one snappy smokin won ton! err ahh 1 ton that sometimes runs on chinese cooking oil. I live in Wyoming and it will run up any summit with no lag. __________________ 1994 4x4 1-ton, Modified 300HP IP, Custom cut fuel plate, 5" exhaust, Green air filter, 3,200Gsk, AFC mods, pillar Gauges, Hybrid HX35/40, Stage 2 injectors, 4.10 ends, Built 47RH / Lockup switch, Silencer delete.

07-07-2008, 12:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
jcarl735 Cummins Nut Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Glenmoore, PA Posts: 352 jcarl735's Truck Pics	thats a good deal right there! but if you wanted to cut your own plate (free), buy dv's and put them on yourself ($200 or so + $4 for the can of ether you can use to start the truck after the install), and have your pump advanced and GSKed (should cost no more than $300 including parts)... up to you. pensicola stage 2s are great for the price! cant beat em. but just with that pump setup alone im afraid youd spank that poor transmissions rear-end. what about a torqueconvertor and save for a valve body. then gauges, then you can double your factory horsepower with all the free mods. __________________ 3.55s, 305/70/16s, MBRP 4''Turbo Back, #100 Full Forward, AFE ProDry Stage 1, DDP3s, Boost Elbow, AFC !MIA Silencer Ring !MIA, 55 PSI, DiPricol Boost/Pyro/Trans, KDP Tabbed, Built 47re, Farmboys Full Cut DVs, 3k GSK, ATS Quikspool

07-08-2008, 05:05 AM	#6 (permalink)
illflem Moderator Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 1,216 illflem's Truck Pics	Money is best spent on gauges, a larger intake and exhaust. Rest of the mods are free. Tranny will last a long time if you can keep your foot out of it. __________________ Bill '95 2500 4wd auto '95 3500 5 speed heavy hauler Both far from stock

07-08-2008, 06:31 AM	#7 (permalink)
ykdave Diesel Freak Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 979 ykdave's Truck Pics	yea, but why spend all the money on upgrades if you have to keep your foot out of it to save the tranny? May as well leave it stock and lay the loud pedal on the floor! Personally i would be very careful with the thing if you dont do something with that tranny, it doesnt really take alot to kill stock autos especially when you start adding more power... __________________ 97 Ram 2500 / 5.9ctd / 5spd / nv4500 / 4x4 / np241 Starwheel cranked, no plate, autometer pyro and boost gauges, Single 4" stack, 33x10.5 Mud terrains, tons more to come

07-08-2008, 06:48 PM	#8 (permalink)
jcarl735 Cummins Nut Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Glenmoore, PA Posts: 352 jcarl735's Truck Pics	thats for sure. moved my stock plate forward with an intake and exhaust and the stock converter started to slip and chatter with 141k on it. and that was on an already rebuilt trans! __________________ 3.55s, 305/70/16s, MBRP 4''Turbo Back, #100 Full Forward, AFE ProDry Stage 1, DDP3s, Boost Elbow, AFC !MIA Silencer Ring !MIA, 55 PSI, DiPricol Boost/Pyro/Trans, KDP Tabbed, Built 47re, Farmboys Full Cut DVs, 3k GSK, ATS Quikspool

07-09-2008, 08:20 AM	#10 (permalink)
Louthedog Cummins Fan Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Cheyenne Wy Posts: 74 Louthedog's Truck Pics	Mine sure as heck was handicapped, governed at 76 MPH top speed. I put a TST 10 plate in it, 3,000 gsk, advanced the timing, tried 191, 181 DV's. it would only go 81 MPH. I saved the old 160 pump and will resell it with the stock parts. My new top speed is 96 MPH and it will at least keep up with my dead bone stock (except IP) 1982 Chevy 6.2 non turbo until that point, the Chevy then runs up around 112-115 MPH with 3.73's Anyones welcome to come ride in that ol Chevy anytime, almost 300,000 miles and never had a drop of oil that has leaked from it, runs 2,500 before adding a quart though. It cant tow nothin though and still maintain, hence the Cummins for real work! On the other hand the Dodge body and all is a crapper!!! at 100,000 the drivers door hinge broke in two, the suspension needed lower ball joints, tierod ends, trackbar, 2 sets of front rotors so far, rear brakes wont self adjust, 2 big front wheel bearings, Factory recall on the front frame, welded big supports under the coil spring perch's, throttle rod fell off, 2 Transmissions so far. Window switchs are always toast, seats edges worn off way before their time, windy cab, peeling clear coat, headliner glue failed, I could go on if I were picky. Im not a Dodge fan anymore, I love the Cummins motor! I fell out of Love with Dodge when I bought my 94 Viper, my Truck has less problems than that Red rocket did, the only car I ever owned worse was a 75 Jag V-12. here's the RT-10 before a much needed bath, the clear bra was a dust magnet. I wish I had my 70 440 Cuda back!!!!! http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...g?t=1215612434 __________________ 1994 4x4 1-ton, Modified 300HP IP, Custom cut fuel plate, 5" exhaust, Green air filter, 3,200Gsk, AFC mods, pillar Gauges, Hybrid HX35/40, Stage 2 injectors, 4.10 ends, Built 47RH / Lockup switch, Silencer delete.