Im currently in the middle of the same thing, I did the plenum fix from Hughes, modded intake, cut TB horns, 180 thermostat, front O2, and timing chain. I also went with a new cam (low end, towing type) from Hughes #9204 since is was an extra $100 after the core return. Hoping this will improve mileage a bit. "while your in there..."

I would also recommend a new coolant temp sensor since the fuel economy is also based on this (along with the O2 sensors). Also get a decent set of plugs while you're doing the cap, rotor, wires, coil...

I also had my heads off, and decided on rings and rod bearings. pan gasket had to be replaced when i pulled the timing cover off so again "while I was there..." Pacesetter longtubes going back on which are better than the manifolds, and getting rid of the restrictive factory Y-pipe. Your budget is always a driving factor but "while your in there..."

 

Ahhh, I see what happened: you are confusing the terms "throttle body" (TB) and "intake manifold"

Just for future reference, there is no such thing as an "egr sensor" (not to my knowledge, anyway) rather; EGR is an engine system that died with the implementation of OBD2 compliance mandate (or shortly thereafter)

EGR = exhaust gas recirculation... basically, exhaust was recirculated through the intake to reduce any unburned hydrocarbons. Its performance (and ability to set a CEL) was measured by o2/vacuum fluctuations and MAP/IAT input (that's how I understand it).

A throttle body has nothing to do with EGR, but the intake manifold does.

Short answer: 97 was a transitional year when some manifolds were produced with EGR, some without. here are some links to pics of Intake mani's with/without EGR ports:

With: (notice the doolamahicky on the top right hand corner of the manifold)http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1993-...Q5fAccessories

Without: (has the hole, but nothing in it... best pic I could find):http://www.hughesengines.com/Tools/P...=HUG%205514-RA

So now ya know

 

Think 96 was the year for that.... may have carried over to 97.... My 96 had a block off plate where the egr valve would go...... I have never gotten an egr code either.

 

yup, my 1996 did not have EGR.

 

Yeah I figured that one out already too. The manifolds at the salvage yard all have mounting for the EGR system "doomahicky", or "thingamabobber". I should be able to just plug it up.

I've never quite figured out why I always reverse TB and intake manifold... I know what they are!

 

That was my first thought on the matter as well, but all of the sources I could find state that it carried over as far as early 98, hence the EGR/non-EGR identification guide.

I've never seen one of these trucks set an EGR code, but I know it's possible for it to happen on EGR equipped cars (through experience with other, older vehicles). The performance evaluation part was explained to me by someone with a wealth of knowledge on subjects such as these (my uncle)... he could have been wrong though.

 

LOL... I wasn't meaning to patronize, just to inform.

 

@Mad... No worries! I seriously get them backwards all the time. No idea why.

I'm no mechanic, believe me. But I like learning... which is why I bought the truck.

I appreciate all the help and advice! I'm hoping it keeps me from blowing my sh*% up! So far, so good!

 

I have found that C-4 works best, if that isn't available, dynamite is pretty good too. In a pinch ammonium nitrate, and diesel fuel will do the job.....

Oh, wait.... nevermind.

 

I still have a egr valve in my truck and it sets a code once a month.