Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Blue Box or Edge

[hammersley]

I only have a VA on my truck now. I plan on spending the $$$$ to get the rest, and I think I know the order - HOWEVER - the box thing seems confusing. Currently I only stomp on the go pedal. If I get one of these new adjustable boxes are you constantly farting around with them, i. e. oh I wish I were in level 4 or 2 or 5 or whatever? How fast are they to change on the fly etc.

 

[KatDiesel]

Well the big "three" in boxes are Edge COMP, Bluechip FMS, TST PowerMax³. You already list you have a VA box, so the "timing" advantages of the COMP are not an issue here, this is one thing that appeals to most buyers.



You don't list weather you have gauges or not?



If you don't, and wish to use the functions of the FMS for gauges its a good buy. Also the PowerMax³ has EGT and Boost readout, as well as oil pressure on one setup.



The FMS has a adjustabilty of 0 to 63%... . so I would imagine going through the levels one by one could be cumbersome, but it does have a all out race selection you could punch up quickly. The TST has 10 levels, and the COMP has 5 levels. So obviously the COMP has the advantage on "Adjusting the levels".





COMP = $700 or below (shop around)

TST = $849

FMS = $1095



I personally have the COMP and love it. I intend to try a BlueBox sometime this fall and dyno/dragrace it vs the COMP. Some of its features have peaked my curiosity.



Edge COMP

BlueChip FMS

FMS DEMO - Very cool

TST PowerMax³





I suggest visiting each of the websites I listed. Then do a search and read old threads about each one. Pick which one you think you like the best and go with it. All three companies are highly regarded by its customers. I have only personally dealt with Edge... customer service is exceptional. I have been in contact with Chip at Bluechip..... and liek I said I hope to test a FMS soon... once I save up the funds for it. Yes I intend to buy it... . that way my "Tests" won't be considered biased.



Hope this helps? Since you have an auto you might want to consider transmission temp gauge in your plans.

 

[jwilliams3]

I'll use someone elses quote, that was stated to me when I asked this same question.

"Edge Comp, do it right the first time"



I did it right

 

[TURBOs4LIFE]

dd hot ufm

Will someone give me their opinion on the DD Hot ufm vs the Edge Comp?

 

[jwilliams3]

Turbos4life,

The DD boxes are manufactured by Edge,

KatDiesel I believe Dynoed both boxes, and there was a minimal difference.

 

[fj40charles]

DD UFM is supposed to have a little different fueling map than a PE Comp box. Supposed to be better with their larger injectors.



Personally, I don't think it matters much at all which one you get.

I'd get the one that was cheaper in price if you're concerned.



Charles

 

[Bigsaint]

I have the TST comp. box and like it enough, but it does have issues. It hits real hard in any level above 6( which would be level 9 on a standard TST PM3) with a heavy shutter when you attempt to put it to the floor with low boost. If you ease into it, there's very little shutter. Other members have reported a defueling when attempting speeds above 85 MPH with the TST. I have never gone that fast with the TST on, so I can't speak of first hand knowledge of that defueling aspect, but there is a cure that requires you to cut one of the wires in the harness above the valve cover. If I were to do it again and already had a EZ box (or VA), I'd just get the standard TST PM3. I have the remote mounted to the lower right hand area of the drivers display, it's very easy to dial up or down. Another nice option of the TST is the remote itself. I aready had gauges so mines the standard remote, but you can set the box on 0 and remove the remote for concerns when someone else is doing the driving.



If I were to do it all again and didn't already have the Edge EZ, I'd go with the Edge Comp. box. It's a real neat, clean package and I haven't seen many complaints of defueling issues on the board with this box. The only comment on the blue chip box I can make is that I never see much, if any, complaints from those that own one, only praise. Hope I helped !



Scott W.

 

[Roger rodbolt]

Blue Box or FMS

Hammersley,





FMS user's (me included) really like all the features that Chip built into his top of the line unit. I drive with mine set on 42% but push the off button. If brand X wants to play, I just touch the same button and it's on and ready to go. To change the percentage (power) setting you get 1% per button push or hold the button down for faster % movement.



What you may want to consider is just the 4 wire Blue Box that has the same software as the FMS and ask Chip to put an infinately adjustable knob on it. I had one that I traded in on the FMS and it was great. The knob was large and while driving you could turn it up, down or off, just like the volume on a radio. It costs less then the FMS, is simple and effective, if you don't need the guages or recording features of the FMS.



Something that few people realize is the difference in fuel delivery between brands of fueling boxes. The current Blue Chip boxes excell in SMOOTH power delivery and street performance. We all have our own preferences but I encourage you do drive a truck the Chip has equipped, if you are going to Scheids you can try mine. Larry

 

[Patriot Diesel]

FMS is awesome !!!

I bought the FMS Premium model when it first came out. I started with the Edge EZ then a Comp (both nice boxes) but settled on the Blue Chip. Both excellent products I just prefer the FMS. I know where there is a couple of them for sale at about a $400 savings if anyone is looking for one...

 

[Car_nut57]

The Western Diesel box call Turbo RPM module is adjustable, but the adjustments are done by moving a small jumper inside the box, so you wouldn't be fiddling with these as you are driving. The setting are mainly intended for when other modifications are mad such as injectors not for selecting different power levels on the fly. The Turbo RPM modules are 65hp and 188lb-ft at the rear wheels with very close to stock EGTs. For many folks this is plenty without doing any other modifications.



Also, I would highly recommend gauges if you don't already have them when doing any performance modifications.

 

[JBlock]

I have a comp near you.

I have a comp and live near you, I don't push the truck to hard, I have not hook the wire up yet. I might after some DTT upgrades is August. But if we catch up with each other in august I can take you for ride and you can at least see the basic kick in the pants. Wifes just says "it goes" and that on 1x2.

 

[work2muchplay2little]

Here's a table comparing different fueling boxes: http://www.tibor.org/fuel-box.html Kudos to JR2 for his efforts. The Western Diesel Turbo RPM is basically what you've got now in your VA and is not a major fueling box as you appear to be looking at. I've had both the beta unit and now the production model of the FMS premium box since 4/01 and it's great. As mentioned above, it would be nice to be able to adjust fueling percentage more quickly, but I've solved that problem by just leaving it on 60% and using my right foot to "fine tune" the fueling