Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Balancing Street Manners/Towing Performance - Please help w/my setup!

[HeavyHauler]

Hey fellas, well I thought I had everything figured out but I've been reading that Mach 4's may not be a good choice for towing. It would be great if someone would read through my concerns/confusions and tell me what I need based on your opinions.



What I'm after is good streetable performance and a good safe towing setup that shouldn't give me any problems. I'm not concerned about the extreme top end as speed does nothing for me. Racing drag boats has pretty much desensitized me to speed sensations. Here's what's keeping me confused.



I would love to be running around 425hp, but fuel mileage is still a major concern for me - would Mach 4's hurt my fuel economy? I don't want to do any head work and I would love to keep my current downpipe - how about a Dodgezilla?



Here's what I've got so far - Edge EZ and possibly stacking a TST, Mach 3's or 4's or something in between if that's safe for towing, some kind of turbo (you tell me).



And I've already done the Scotty II and a 4" exhaust.



I've also considered just doing some Mach 1. 6's or thereabout and then doing a smaller turbo upgrade with the TST. What about this? Safer?



So what's going to give me great acceleration on the street and while towing but still be safe enough to not do any damage to the engine when I am towing?



Thanks for all the help - I'll get this figured out eventually.

 

[Beast2B]

I ran 434hp/975tq last weekend with my mods. I added 1mpg with Comp on stock injectors and turbo, I dropped 2mpg since EDM3's and B1-2. Probably due to driving style more than other factors! I like the boxes with inside control for the option of turning the power down while towing heavy, wet/icy roads, etc. I got the B1-2 because of it's VERY stout reputation, and you can get the turbo with an HX35 outlet. I went HX40 outlet so the downpipe isn't necked down to 3. 5" at the turbo...

Very driveable daily mild or wild, tows 12k toybox great (60+mph over the Grapevine loaded last trip, max 1300* EGT and 46lb boost Comp on 3x5)

 

[Beast2B]

If I was starting from scratch now, I'd go with:

B1 turbo (manual trans near sea level)

EDM 4. 0

TST PM box (no timing)

RAD (racers anti-defueling device)

MadECM (low RPM driveability and boost fooler)

 

[Hohn]

What I'm after is good streetable performance and a good safe towing setup that shouldn't give me any problems. I'm not concerned about the extreme top end as speed does nothing for me. Racing drag boats has pretty much desensitized me to speed sensations.

Well, there you have it. NO need for 425hp when 350 will do fine.



In YOUR situation, I think you'd be better off with some 1. 6s from Don M and a no-timing-added- TST powermax 3 (competition flavor, if you're so inclined). This should put you near (probably over) 400hp better towing mileage than the largish injectors will give you.



The 9-level adjustability of the TSTs along with the smallish EDMs will allow you to dial in the "perfect" power level for your needs. You should set it so you have just enough to tow what you're pulling. More than that, you lose MPG.



If you can't pull your trailer with 1. 6s and a TST pmax3, then you should be looking at an FL60 or 70 or TopKick and quit breaking the law



Justin

 

[RHARVEY]

I put together a truck for a friend of mine that we both were real surprised at the outcome.

The truck is a 01 4X4 with a full ATS trans. Then we added F1 Mach 2. 5,TST PowerMax3 w/ remote,Scotty II, Scotty Smart Flow fuel lines. The only part that we needed to address was a bigger turbo but at the time that is what he wanted. Its a PDR HX35/14cm turbo which is doing great for the amount of fuel that this truck is running.

Truck dyno'd at 475hp @1022 lbs of torque. He tows a enlosed trailer for his vintage dirt bikes with no problems. The TST box is usually set on level 3 when he is towing and around town until someone wants to play... then it rolls up to level 9. Yes on level 9 he can bury the pyro but on the lower level (3) it is just fine. I drove the truck after he did the Mad ECM with the box on level 3 towing his trailer... WOW what a great combination... .



Rick

 

[jtisdale]

a little more air

If you want 425 useable hp in a good safe towing set-up that wont give you any problems you really need to look at twins and a maybe a cam. Dont forget to address your clutch or transmission, neither one will survive at this level whether your towing or empty. Good luck and let us know what you go with.

 

[Beast2B]

So it really all comes down to how safe you want, and how much money you're willing to spend. Single turbo, size 2-3 injectors and Comp/TSTPM3 is certainly cheaper, but EGT will be higher. Twins, cam, fueling/fooling/adjustable box adds up fast, but the 'safe' factor goes way up as far as EGT level while pulling heavy.