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Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) caTCHER ecm (Marco's aka MAD)

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Bob Wagner





Registered: Aug 2000

Location: AUBURN WA USA

Posts: 4830

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Originally posted by Bob Wagner

I have no definate numbers yet. I did tow the 10k+ 5 er 317 miles over 2 mountain passes.



But this also includes 100 non towing miles. And most towing at level was at 70 MPH



The 2 passes were one at 3100' and the other at 4100'



combined mileage was 12. 66 mpg





My true test would be 100% towing or 100% normal everyday towing.





And most of this was is 100F temps with air cond. on



so this is still TBD at this time



The driving factor is still #ad
:D



I am 110% happy
 
And you must remember. My transmission was upgraded over 3 years ago at DTT.



This was the era of TC and valve body and clutch patch update.



That was the whole enchilada ;)





The true torque increase of the ecm upgrade may snap a shaft of 2 in the true testing process.





My pockets are not that deep :(



This upgrade has true potential that I can not afford to risk my transportation at this time .





Drive it right and I have no concerns on relailabilty, drive it like ya stole it may cause a chain reaction ;)





It works and its awesome to drive
 
Thread







Bob Wagner





Registered: Aug 2000

Location: AUBURN WA USA

Posts: 4830

View Reader's Rigs Gallery

Originally posted by Bob Wagner

I have no definate numbers yet. I did tow the 10k+ 5 er 317 miles over 2 mountain passes.



But this also includes 100 non towing miles. And most towing at level was at 70 MPH



The 2 passes were one at 3100' and the other at 4100'



combined mileage was 12. 66 mpg





My true test would be 100% towing or 100% normal everyday towing.





And most of this was is 100F temps with air cond. on



so this is still TBD at this time



The driving factor is still #ad
:D



I am 110% happy







I have no definate numbers yet. I did tow the 10k+ 5 er 317 miles over 2 mountain passes.



But this also includes 100 non towing miles. And most towing at level was at 70 MPH



The 2 passes were one at 3100' and the other at 4100'



combined mileage was 12. 66 mpg





My true test would be 100% towing or 100% normal everyday towing.





And most of this was is 100F temps with air cond. on



so this is still TBD at this time



The driving factor is still



I am 110% happy





__________________

CB mounts shipping for 1994-2002 trucks
 
I would need more info about this and as what it is I am getting for the price. HP/TQ #'s are needed here IMO. For excited as ole Bob is... it is making me wonder. :rolleyes: Might be a good investment, if I could just find an ECM for an 02.....



But still want to know what it is I am getting? Bob, get that old ECM in there , dyno it and then put ole Marco's ECM in and re-dyno. We need #'s, and fuel mileage #'s. Patiently awaiting results
 
Don, the true numbers may be at the track and not the dyno.



I know there is more hp under the hood but the rate of acceleration may be the biggest factor.



This is not a paid advertisement , this upgrade just works.







I agree there needs to be a batch of testing and we need a good

place for unbiased testing.



I've been here since 2000 and just want see if this is good for the masses.



Its been a long time and maybe I should not even be taking this to the board now.



oh well I had the opportunity and its been a nice ride.





Maybe Marco will chime in sometime
 
Sorry,I have no dyno numbers.



The dyno's we've here are made for the cars we've here...

In other words they're to small to fit my truck on 'em.

Second, my truck is an AT that would make it difficult to dyno over there, let's only say here...



Anyway I doubt that the M. A. D. ECM will show anything special on the dyno. Probably the top numbers shown on a dyno would be in the range of what an EZ does. The CaTCHER is all about driveability and FUN to drive.



I know that sounds confusing... .



What I can tell you about the CaTCHER is more or less what Bob has already said. The torque comes in much sooner, the turbo spools up much sooner...



Over what Bob already has reported I would add only one thing.

The CaTCHER compared to a stock ECM...

The stock is a dog, while the CaTCHER makes the truck feel like a race car. Big and heavy, but race car...



Now let me talk about what " I " feel is a major problem.



Smoke.



While the CaTCHER can produce a major smoke show, it IS possible to control the smoke. One has to get used to the software but once you're used to it I can assure you that tire smoking take off's ARE possible without ANY (black) smoke!





Just to clear up things a little more.

IF you're intrested in a ECM and want to get a spare. It's NOT important that you get the same year ECM for your truck. Any ECM can be used in any truck. I've tested it! What changes is the software inside. I can flash any software ( year/version ) into any ECM. Clear as mud?



To come to an end, let me open a new can of worms... .



Let's talk about mileage!



I've got a serious problem with mileage claims.

A claim like " X Mpg better" does NOT work with Dodge.



Let me explain.



DC has so many different software versions for our trucks that it's impossible to compare apples to apples.



For example, the 98. 5 automatic federal trucks, have had 20 different softwares flashed during the production. All those have then been substituted by only ONE software. Same goes for the Californian trucks, sticks, SO's, Ho's and later years... . In all, that gives how many different softwares? Dunno, I've never counted them all, they are many...



Each of those softwares might or might not get good mileage.

So telling you that MY truck get's average 3. 5 MPG more with the CaTCHER doesn't mean anything. Depending on what software was installed in YOUR truck @ the factory YOUR findings might be a lot different!



Obviously it's the same for ALL mileage claims. Be it for a stock truck, or for a vendor claim, we're simply not sure that we can compare apples to apples. With what software was that claim made?????



Next time you talk or hear about mileage claims, take this factor into consideration!



Marco

P. S. I believe that the software that came in MY truck was mileage wise the worst ever!
 
Thanks for the additional information, Marco. I'm not at all put off by the lack of hard figures. Low end smoke control & throttle responce are the issues most important to me. Of course, maitaining good milage is also important.



Is the M. A. D. ECM compatible with a box like the EZ or does it replace them?
 
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It would be scary with a box. Would have to set it on a later fueling setting. Marco is saying this thing busts em loose and can jump out of control quick. I lost control of my truck at 70 mph. So I know what hes saying. Its an easy way to die.



It had just started to rain lightly and I gave it about half throttle to accelerate to move ahead of the guy next to me. I signalled to take his lane looked over my shoulder to merge. When I looked forward again the truck was no longer pointed straight.

:eek: PUCKER:eek: This wasnt with his box but it made me leary after that. I started to derate my uprates.
 
Yes, the CaTCHER works fine with any fuelling box.



With a box you stand on the go peddle and wait for something to happen. I think you all know what I'm saying...



With the CaTACHER + Box the ECM does it's thing THEN comes in also the box... .

Can U say faaaaaaaast??????



I have a major fuelling box in my truck. It's always set to 5X5...

I turn it on... well I think I've used it not more than a couple of times and that was only to play with it. The power from the boxes come in much to late for my taste. But proably that's just me... .



Anyway, I think, Doug and Andy have tested the CaTCHER combined with about all boxes. It always worked.



One more time.

Big_Daddy_T is right! Power must always be used with a grain of salt!



I started to derate my uprates



Read my lips.

N E V E R ! :D



Marco
 
Oh yes, Marco. I'd like to see how your magic M. A. D. flash performs in person on my very own truck. If you'r ready to start selling the reflash, I'll check my piggie bank & shop for an ECM to send to you.
 
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