What does a fuel plate do??

Ok, since we get this question on and off a lot, I've decided to make this a sticky.  Fuel plates are found on 94-98.5 Cummins with the 12-valve engine and the Bosch P7100 pump, also known as a p-pump.  Simply put, they are one of the main controls for how much fuel gets into your engine.  The more aggresive the plate, the more fuel.  Taking the plate out means that you'll have full fuel available to you all the time, which can result in a LOT of black smoke, and high EGTs.  Will taking your plate out hurt your engine?  Opinions differ, but I have yet to see one single valid case of any engine damage from doing so.  But buying a fuel plate over taking it out can help your turbo spool quicker, and keeps you from blacking out every intersection when you're driving.   I'd recommend a #10 fuel plate for a street truck.  You can also slide it forward to get more fuel and back to get less-a good way of controlling EGTs until you get that turbo.  Finally, you MUST have gauges if you plan on doing this mod.  To be safe, let off if you see 1400 deg on the pyro or 35+ psi on a stock HX35 turbo.  Sure you can run em harder, but then there is a chance of failure.  An upgraded clutch or trans (if it's an auto) is also a good idea.  Stock transmissions can't handle the extra power.  Hope this helps guys!

Jason Sands
Associate Editor
Diesel Power Magazine  
1989 Dodge D250 "Project Rust Bucket" New Era Diesel 6x16s, 3200rpm spring, DDP Fuel Pin, Goerend Converter, J&H Performance 727 trans, BHAF, 4-inch exhaust, single stage nitrous 301/628 fuel, 448/842 N2O

I have a 1996 cummins and i took my fuel plate completely out and i have not had a problem yet,and all the mechanics that i talk to say that it is a waste of your money to buy a fuel plate,just put the old one in the glovebox.The only thing that could go wrong is that the throttle could stick.  

I agree. There is nothing that will fall out and damage your pump either. The only way that the throttle could stick is if you installed a rack plug in a 215 pump and floored it. There are BIG gains in the 160 and 180 pumps just by removing the fuel plate, installing a rack plug (160 and 180 pumps only), govenor springs, and a little AFC work. I've seen as much as 660 hp with these simple upgrades and a BIG turbo.  
1996 3500 Dually 4X4, 12 Valve, Auto, 315/75 R16 BFG KM 2's, No plate, BHAF, Banks Twin Ram, Goerend Triple Disc Converter, BD Valve Body, 6" Miters

Direct Gorernd Transmissions, Airdog, Valair, and Air Horns of Texas Train Horn Kit Dealer. We have several vendors that we buy from. Take a look at ouir website to see if we can suit your diesel performance needs!!
www.coxdiesel.doodlekit.com

How much boost can you safely get from an H1C and an HY35? I have both turbos available to use on a 95 Cummins I am swapping into a K5 Blazer and I was wondering which turbo has more potential?  

my dodge has 40 hp injectors, 4 in exhaust, air intake, and a # 10 fuel plate. If i wanted more power, should i take the fuel plate out like people have been saying or upgrade the turbo?  

Try a turbo first then go from there. You will need it anyway if you deside to take the plate out.  

H1C turbos came off of the early 12 valve cummins engines. The HX35's were on the trucks with the p7100 pumps and some 24 valve trucks. I have seen as much as 46psi of boost out of an HX35. Anything over 40psi is just blowing hot air out of the turbo and will make high EGT's. The H1C turbos don't perform as well as the HX35 turbo.  
1996 3500 Dually 4X4, 12 Valve, Auto, 315/75 R16 BFG KM 2's, No plate, BHAF, Banks Twin Ram, Goerend Triple Disc Converter, BD Valve Body, 6" Miters

Direct Gorernd Transmissions, Airdog, Valair, and Air Horns of Texas Train Horn Kit Dealer. We have several vendors that we buy from. Take a look at ouir website to see if we can suit your diesel performance needs!!
www.coxdiesel.doodlekit.com

i have 95 cummins and going to add a #0 plate and 300hp injectors. what kind of gain would i expect from this change?  
95 CUMMINS 12 VALVE, 350 HP MARINE INJECTORS, 0 PLATE, K&N COLD AIR INTAKE, 5" STACK

I have a 1996 cummins and i took my fuel plate completely out and i have not had a problem yet,and all the mechanics that i talk to say that it is a waste of your money to buy a fuel plate,just put the old one in the glovebox.The only thing that could go wrong is that the throttle could stick.

The ONLY problem is the throttle stick? Yeah, you know, that LIL problem there. Could skip over that issue easily. These forums... are a crackup. Hahaha.  

i hit 47psi the other day but that was all it wanted.  but if you are putting out that much boost on a stock head with no studs you will lift the head off  
96 2500 4x4 498hp1037ft/lbs