Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) best option at 100k

[Qualey]

Hello everybody



My truck is going in for its 100k service tomorrow (2002 HO QC) and I'd like to spend a little money on it for year end. Its getting a couple of leaks fixed, valves adjusted, etc, and I'm thinking about putting an Edge comp in it (the adj one). Its had a VA chip and 275s in it for 80k now and they do OK for a work truck that I only drive. The tech suggests leaving the 275s in and doing just the box. Supposedly this will have the least effect on mileage and drivability. I kind of figure if your in there, this is the time to do injectors as well, maybe DD2s or something not too radical. Any suggestions on the best setup for a daily worker? For those of you that tow what have you done and how is it working. Oh yeah, still have original clutch so I plan on doing this real soon as well.



Thanks and happy holidays

Matt

 

[Qualey]

OK, how bout this------anybody know if the MBRP tailpipes bolt to any system with minor modification, or do you have to use their entire kit?

 

[Joe Mc]

You are your own warranty station now - bombs away! Do some injectors and the comp box - of course the clutch will be next unless you do it first. I'm sure more folks will chime in before long.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Since you mentioned you will do a clutch soon I HIGHLY recommend Marco's Catcher. I tow all the time and the difference in usable power is unbelievable until you drive it.



Trent

 

[AKAMAC]

I'm with BSD on this one. The mach series of injectors are a good bet. I had and liked the DD2's but the EDM injectors are something else. I'd hold that 100k service money back from dealer and invest in some fun stuff! Now you can get your hands dirty and not worry about what DC thinks.

Mike

 

[Qualey]

What is the Catcher?

 

[AKAMAC]

The Catcher is a modified ECM that does fueling and timing changes with the existing hardware. I won't go into the pro/con of Edge vs Catcher performance but the difference is noticeable.

There is a thread here that ran over 100 pages on the subject.

I'm prejudiced on my opinion but have experienced both. "I" think the catcher is more fun and a towing requirement. It's that different. You roll into the throttle, not floor it. It builds boost in seconds, but that has to be seen.

The Catcher is a modified ECM that does fueling and timing changes with the existing hardware. I won't go into the pro/con of Edge vs Catcher performance but the difference is noticeable.

There is a thread here that ran over 100 pages on the subject.

I'm prejudiced on my opinion but have experienced both. "I" think the catcher is more fun and a towing requirement. It's that different. You roll into the throttle, not floor it. It builds boost in seconds, but that has to be seen.

Mike

 

[TGibbs]

Catcher is a good pick. If you tow, dont go over a stage 2 or you will have EGT probs. I have stage 3s and the comp and with 10-11k I am down to 47 or so going over donner. Once I get that phat shaft 62 I am hoping for maybe 67 or so though!!



Another one of the slippy slope of power!! :-laf

 

[MarkMiller]

Check my sig for my truck specs. I tow 6-8 tons fairly regularly in Virginia mountians. We have no Donner pass but I can give my stuff a pretty good workout. I like my setup. It pulls without any surge problems as long as you don't try to lug it too low in the rpms (5th gear at 30 mph for instance). The EGT's are kept sane and stable. When I am just running around it runs like a rocket unloaded and when I turn on the fuel box for some fun and stomp on it, it turns sideways, snorts some soot, and flat out hauls azz. I typically leave the fuel box off except when its time to GO! And I just did a trip from Near Washington D. C. to Nashville Tennessee (about 650 miles each way) and with 1000 lbs in the bed I averaged 22. 5 mph at 80 mph. Gotta love that. It is also very driveable in bad conditions like snow and ice as long as you go easy on the skinny pedal.



Right now I'm looking at getting rid of my edge ez and going to the Catcher. I am just waiting for the word to come down the mountain that the new setup is ready. From what I have read and heard it is just a better setup for us junkies.



As far as EGT's with my phat 62 and the mach 4 injectors I am not having any trouble.



As far as the MBRP exhaust. I run the 4 in. The Phat 62 uses an HX40 down pipe. to make mine work I had to cut the last foot or so off the MBRP downpipe to get the mount that slips through the trans mount and clamp that to the end of the HX40 pipe. I didn't even remove the restof my exhaust when I did it. I pulled the turbo then the down pipe.



You will have to do something about the turbo oil outlet if you go the route I did. It was suprise to me but not a big deal. there are a couple of options here: 1. you can just cut off the outlet pipe so its about an inch long and put a rubber hose on it, OR 2. (what I did) I torched the brazing off the outlet line fitting and turned the fitting until it was the right angle to clear everything then re-brazed it. I still had to slightly flatten one side of the pipe a little to give it good clearance of the wastegate arm. It sounds worse than it is.

 

[Qualey]

Thanks for the replies



The shop did the service and installed an Edge Comp. They recommend the following

1. Fass pusher as pressures are a little lower than they should be

2. South Bend 13" clutch (which I know I need; still have original)

3. The next step above 275 injectors, 110 or 130s I think he said

4. Schwitzer turbo and downpipe



I plan on doing all the above once I get a handle on how to really use the new box. I've been driving around on 5x5 to get a feel for it. Do the different settings on the smoke control side really do much? We are going to do baseline dyno runs befor and after as I'm curious to see what this setup makes. I know the trucks should be tuned for their intended uses and I plan to play around a little at the fairs pulling, but NO drag racing. I'm much more concerned about drivability and towing use. Do you think these recommendations will work?



Matt

 

[MarkMiller]

Well, if you run the Formula 1 Injectors, the Mach 4 150's are the same price as the 130 mach 3's... . I kinda wish I had the Mach 5's myself.