Best mild box for 2003.5 Auto?

[joe308]

I'm considering a "mild" box for 03. 5 48re 4x4 quad cab 3. 73's for better performance and fuel economy (if such a thing exists).



I do not want to be my own warranty shop nor do I want to stack boxes, blow up my trans, throw codes, change injectors, fuel pump, exhaust at this point in time (only 23k miles on it). I will add gauges as anyone should who adds a performance box.



Seems that many readers have done extensive upgrades to reach their goals. I've never had a fueling box and wonder if "mild" means I'll hardly notice? In that case it would be questionable, considering potential warranty penalties.



Please try to voice opinions based on experience not company affiliation.

Thanks guys!

 

[Rosco]

Any type of power enhancing "box" can void your warranty. Although, most people just remove the box prior to service and have no problems. However, should a dealer want to prove you had a box on the truck they can dig deep enought to find proof.



I have an Edge EZ that I used on level #2 (out of 4) and it gave a nice power increase for towing and such while keeping EGT's managable. I'm departing with my '04 so if your interested in an EZ shoot me a PM for details.

 

[Tomeygun]

I'm considering a "mild" box for 03. 5 48re 4x4 quad cab 3. 73's for better performance and fuel economy (if such a thing exists).



I do not want to be my own warranty shop nor do I want to stack boxes, blow up my trans, throw codes, change injectors, fuel pump, exhaust at this point in time (only 23k miles on it). I will add gauges as anyone should who adds a performance box.



Seems that many readers have done extensive upgrades to reach their goals. I've never had a fueling box and wonder if "mild" means I'll hardly notice? In that case it would be questionable, considering potential warranty penalties.



Please try to voice opinions based on experience not company affiliation.

Thanks guys!

I think for a mild single box - The quadzilla is a nice fit



Timing will help get better mileage (if driven right) - And in-cab adjustable

Not to mention that it is a very cost-effective box



other mild boxes-

Edge EZ - no in cab adjust for your year

VAc3. 1 - no timing BUT is a great box because it tappers off the rail pressure to aviod EGT and too-high rail PSI

TS Ramifier - I question how high of rail pressure, BUT i have no first hand knowledge - So you might do more research on this one (does have in-cab adjust though)



Thats all I can think of right now

 

[BIG BOB]

I would go with an EZ, VAc3. 1 or TS Ramifier. The Quadzilla has a problem and can causes problems with CB radio. When you key the mic of the CB, the truck quits. Another choice is the Bully Dog Torque Dog.



And don't forget to at least add a EGT gauge, this is a must!

 

[joe308]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm concerned about some of the smaller companies that have limited R&D money and have not been in business very long (or may not be in business for long). I've not heard much on the Banks box on TDR - actually Banks is the only box I have a spec sheet on so far - seems like it's a solid offering that was thoroughly developed - but it could just be marketing hype. That's why I'm asking around.

 

[Tomeygun]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm concerned about some of the smaller companies that have limited R&D money and have not been in business very long (or may not be in business for long). I've not heard much on the Banks box on TDR - actually Banks is the only box I have a spec sheet on so far - seems like it's a solid offering that was thoroughly developed - but it could just be marketing hype. That's why I'm asking around.

Sometimes I think Banks marketing fund is 4 times the size of thier R&D fund.

Though I have not used a Six-gun, most people i have talked to with it have sold it off for a better box...



I would research the Bank Six-GUN VERY heavly before purchase to make sure it is the right box for you

 

[joe308]

Is see there is now an in-cab adjustable Edge box (juice) that offers some of the backdown and slip protection the BAnks claims to have. Was this added because the box is more powerful? Are the EZ and Juice based on the same methods not sure if they're boost fooling, pressure, duration or all of the above.

 

[qzilla]

I would go with an EZ, VAc3. 1 or TS Ramifier. The Quadzilla has a problem and can causes problems with CB radio. When you key the mic of the CB, the truck quits. Another choice is the Bully Dog Torque Dog.



And don't forget to at least add a EGT gauge, this is a must!

The CB problem has to do with a CB. If that problem does exist we can tell you how to fix it for a couple of bucks. This problem is known to exist with all modules. It does not happen with any module that often. With the sheer number of trucks we have running our module we see an issue now and then with a CB, but it is fixed very easily. There is a thread on the other Dodge site about the CB problems and our customers that have fixed the problem even give the instructions and part# on how to fix it.



Basically the CB problem is that with linears or poorly tuned CB's they can interfere with the signal the module produced to the truck.



QUad

 

[BIG BOB]

The CB problem has to do with a CB. If that problem does exist we can tell you how to fix it for a couple of bucks. Not true, many have tried to fix them and have not been able to find a fix. Read the threads below. This problem is known to exist with all modules. It does not happen with any module that often. With the sheer number of trucks we have running our module we see an issue now and then with a CB, but it is fixed very easily. There is a thread on the other Dodge site about the CB problems and our customers that have fixed the problem even give the instructions and part# on how to fix it.



Basically the CB problem is that with linears or poorly tuned CB's they can interfere with the signal the module produced to the truck. I call BS! If this was so, why aren't any other boxes causing this problem?



QUad

qzilla,



I'm not going to get into a argument with you. What I can tell you and everyone else is that Quad is the only box that has had any problem operating with CB's.



Here are some of the threads:



Quad and a Truckers Radio experience



Read post #20 very closely in this next thread.



Problem with Quad box and CB, Help?



This is just a couple of threads, there are more on other forums. I personally know of people who have experienced this problem and have since gotten rid of the Quad boxes.



qzilla, I invite you to show me any thread where any other box, other than the Quad that had killed an engine while keying the mic of the CB radio.



I don't understand why you just don't admit the problem and fix it.

 

[Tomeygun]

qzilla, I invite you to show me any thread where any other box, other than the Quad that had killed an engine while keying the mic of the CB radio.

This is not a CB problem, But still this was a "over-the-air" signal interference:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125682



Did they ever get that fixed?

 

[67guzzler]

The CB problem has to do with a CB. If that problem does exist we can tell you how to fix it for a couple of bucks. This problem is known to exist with all modules. It does not happen with any module that often. With the sheer number of trucks we have running our module we see an issue now and then with a CB, but it is fixed very easily. There is a thread on the other Dodge site about the CB problems and our customers that have fixed the problem even give the instructions and part# on how to fix it.



Basically the CB problem is that with linears or poorly tuned CB's they can interfere with the signal the module produced to the truck.



QUad

I have been shopping for an easy to install plug'n play box with mild performance increase. The Xzillaraider XZT is exactly what I want.



But -- It's not self contained under the hood like the Dr. Performance or edge. I don't know if the fact that wires go back and forth from the cab and the box is not insulated for heat like the other under hood solutions is the cause of the interference but it wouldn't surprise me.



When you all make a solution that just plugs in under the hood and stays there that I can remove in 5 mintues without any fuss and no wires go through the firewall, I'll open my wallet.



Something tells me this CB interference crap has to be related to the packaging of this device somehow.

 

[BIG BOB]

This is not a CB problem, But still this was a "over-the-air" signal interference:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125682



Did they ever get that fixed?

Good question! TexEdwards or JVolpe seem to be the only ones that posted on this problem and have never give the results. That was back in March of this year. I would guess that it is fixed or he would have posted.



One thing about it, Edge admitted there was a problem and either was a least willing to fix it or did fix it. Sure wish TexEdward and JVolpe would have let us know.



Again, like you stated "This is not a CB problem".

 

[SVazquez]

Joe308,



Do you have a CB or plan to have one in the future? The reason I ask is there is nothing in your post or sig that states it. I think your thread is becoming another you know what contest. The Xzillaraider ran fine in my truck. I don't have a CB and don't plan on having one due to the Nextel and cell phone gig. As long as you are going to put in gauges, you will see a noticeable difference in your rig w/ either Quad's box or Edge. But you do have to accept the fact that w/ a box you basically become your own warrany station if something goes wrong.



Scott

 

[TCDiesel]

Sometimes I think Banks marketing fund is 4 times the size of thier R&D fund.

Though I have not used a Six-gun, most people i have talked to with it have sold it off for a better box...



I would research the Bank Six-GUN VERY heavly before purchase to make sure it is the right box for you

Banks spends more in R&D than Most companies Gross,Your advise to do the research is good. No other performance tuner has last know value or FMEA. As far as cost VS what you receive Banks is the best deal on the Market ,Their Products are TOP quality.

 

[Mark Craig]

joe308,



Best bang for the buck from reputable companies that have been around for a long time and likely will be around for a long time to come is either the van Aaken 3. 1 or the Edge EZ. Nice HP bump, not radical and safe too.



Mark @ DPPI

 

[Tomeygun]

Banks spends more in R&D than Most companies Gross,Your advise to do the research is good. No other performance tuner has last know value or FMEA. As far as cost VS what you receive Banks is the best deal on the Market ,Their Products are TOP quality.

No flame here, But the facts are that the SIX-GUN with speedloader is about $650, right? And heres what you get: (for a 305hp engine, very common engine)

http://www.bankspower.com/Test_Results_AD07-305.cfm



Its right there in black and white (or is that grey and light grey?) - Peak HP gain - 87. 4hp (yet they advertise about a 124hp gain)



I have never owned a Banks chip, so I do not know about the quality first hand (heck, they might be the best ever)... But to say they are the best based upon COST vs BENEFIT is crazy

Would you as a customer be happy with 87hp for $650??

 

[John Robinson]

I think for you, the qzilla has all you need & theyre priced right.

 

[SLJolley]

I would go with the van Aaken, they have been around the longest and have excellent customer service.



www.dominatordiesel.com

 

[TCDiesel]

No flame here, But the facts are that the SIX-GUN with speedloader is about $650, right? And heres what you get: (for a 305hp engine, very common engine)

http://www.bankspower.com/Test_Results_AD07-305.cfm



Its right there in black and white (or is that grey and light grey?) - Peak HP gain - 87. 4hp (yet they advertise about a 124hp gain)



I have never owned a Banks chip, so I do not know about the quality first hand (heck, they might be the best ever)... But to say they are the best based upon COST vs BENEFIT is crazy

Would you as a customer be happy with HP for $650??

All you care about and judge every performance enhancement is by HP,All companies rate higher hp except for a few,Alright now that your under my skin,Tomeygun I ask you to post the result when the juice is install and turn off any bank of injectors and see if the juice defaults to stock,even see if the vehicle will start,NO reply from you. We offered Edge products for a short time ,Edge did not meet T&C safety standards,One Account that that ****** me off the most. The Juice attitude was install in a LLY 2004,It was -15 Here in Minnesota and the customers vehicle would not Start. The owners wife took the truck to work,They have plug inns, the truck would not start,she contacted her husband,who contacted us . I was not going to work on the vehicle at night when -15 out,The vehicle was tow to the shop which resulted in a $285. 00, the windshield temp was -30 to-40. All we did was unplug the juice and the vehicle started RIGHT up. The customer ask Edge to pay for the Tow they refused.

My Recommendation for the Formula HP=cost is buy the TST,NOTHING compares to it and Mark never has claimed that his product are not infallible,It is by far the most HP=cost on the market.

This attitude that since we don"t offer their product they must be poor. Robbing people of their judgment is just poor business practice. I am not going to defame Edge,Quad,VanAaken or any company. They are the competition not my enemy. T&C will offer product that measure up to our standard or needs ,Not the the one that is the most popular,or does not have professionalism in its distributions.

 

[Tomeygun]

All you care about and judge every performance enhancement is by HP,All companies rate higher hp except for a few,Alright now that your under my skin,Tomeygun I ask you to post the result when the juice is install and turn off any bank of injectors and see if the juice defaults to stock,even see if the vehicle will start,NO reply from you. We offered Edge products for a short time ,Edge did not meet T&C safety standards,One Account that that ****** me off the most. The Juice attitude was install in a LLY 2004,It was -15 Here in Minnesota and the customers vehicle would not Start. The owners wife took the truck to work,They have plug inns, the truck would not start,she contacted her husband,who contacted us . I was not going to work on the vehicle at night when -15 out,The vehicle was tow to the shop which resulted in a $285. 00, the windshield temp was -30 to-40. All we did was unplug the juice and the vehicle started RIGHT up. The customer ask Edge to pay for the Tow they refused.

My Recommendation for the Formula HP=cost is buy the TST,NOTHING compares to it and Mark never has claimed that his product are not infallible,It is by far the most HP=cost on the market.

This attitude that since we don"t offer their product they must be poor. Robbing people of their judgment is just poor business practice. I am not going to defame Edge,Quad,VanAaken or any company. They are the competition not my enemy. T&C will offer product that measure up to our standard or needs ,Not the the one that is the most popular,or does not have professionalism in its distributions.

I certainly do apologize for not getting back to you about the EDGE juice and the shutting down injectors...



BUT I JUST did go out a shut down my injectors (at 1500 rpms) one at a time with the TST installed and I do not think that it defualted to stock power, It still felt peppy when I drove it with one cylinder off (which BTW is very shakey with 5 cyl running only :-laf )



I hope that helps, I honestly dont mind if you call me on my cell phone when you need some info based upon DRB3, etc



I never said that because I dont offer it, that it is a poor module - I just wanted to point out that for the money, 87. 4hp is not enough - And that I would question a company that advertises 124hp for a chips that does 87hp



Again, sorry for not getting back to you - time can fly by here at work and I sometimes miss a PM here or there



No hard feelings - BTW, you might try the EDGE Juice(dodge version though) again, I have had good luck with customer feedback with it