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

[Gary - K7GLD]

"All good and well, except maybe that is a little low on RPMs to load up the Torque Converter with hard pull. "





YUP - hard pulls at 1600 RPM or so is what started my stock clutch in my 6-speed slipping - plus, "lugging" the Cummins down at low RPM is not the greatest for engine lifespan.

 

[rweis]

I would still pull the 5er out of O/D if for no other reason than the air flow (EGT's) and to keep the transmission pump pressure up and the transmission fluid flowing really well.



Just would like better lower end boost / hp (ie develop hp sooner).



Now to the classifieds and sell the Edge Comp.



Thanks for everyone's input and discussion. I'll go back to the weeds and watch for a while till I get the Edge Comp sold.



Bob Weis

 

[SharpMotors]

dumb ?

can i run a catcher with a drag comp box and the wire tapped on level 5x5

 

[TORQUE THIS]

I believe so, it was an issue but I believe Marco got it ironed out. Make sure you are clear on what your running when placing the order so you get the right program.

 

[Bob Wagner]

can i run a catcher with a drag comp box and the wire tapped on level 5x5

Yes, You would get the special less timing flash, there are several running the same type set up.

 

[SharpMotors]

sounds good

i am interested in buying one. how much is it without giving up my computer and how much is it if i do. the truck is a 99 with a drag comp box dd3's f. let me no if you need any more info

 

[Ed]

Mad ECM

Well I've had the ECM sitting in a box for 3 months and finally got around to installing it yesterday.

WOW !!



Seat of the pants meter is Marco's ecm is stronger than the VanAiken chip I took out. The nice part is it has acceleration through out the entire range. (VanAiken seemed to only work in the first half of pedal and pedal was extremely sensitive).



I can't wait to see how this pulls my 5th wheel trailer. (14k / 31')



The one thing I noticed which is a driveability issue is when starting from stop previously (stock and w/ VanAiken) the idle would come up slightly and prevent the engine from stalling. I am so used to just letting out the clutch and then when fully engaged applying throttle that I stalled twice yesterday. Anyone else noticed this ?? I suppose I can get used to it but it is a nice feature when towing especially when backing up as normally can idle and not stall rather than applying throttle and slipping clutch.



Current setup: 99 2500 6 speed, Mad ECM, 275 RV injectors, waste gate not stock. VanAiken gone.



Thanks to Bob Wagner and Marco !



Overall I rate this upgrade :--)



I'll have to change my sig.



Ed

 

[darkhorse]

The one thing I noticed which is a driveability issue is when starting from stop previously (stock and w/ VanAiken) the idle would come up slightly and prevent the engine from stalling. I am so used to just letting out the clutch and then when fully engaged applying throttle that I stalled twice yesterday. Anyone else noticed this ??



Ed, my CaTCHER doesn't do that. It acts just like how you describe your original ECM.

 

[Marco]

Ed,

I've never changed anything in the low idle torque controll.

Most likely you need to calibrate the APPS.



Marco

 

[Ed]

Calib APPS

Marco,



I followed the procedure that was on the instruction sheet Bob sent me. The throttle response is excellent and smooth. Is there something else I should do besides pushing down slowly thru the pedal travel and then back?



Thanks for your help ! So far I really like the Mad ECM. Will try towing the trailer on some hills next week.



Ed

 

[KennethJohnson]

For all the guys who have the catcher, has anyone been able to keep their foot out of it long enough to tell if there is a mileage increase either empty or towing, since the power curve comes in quicker, you should't lug the engine as easy Thanks, Ken

 

[darkhorse]

For all the guys who have the catcher, has anyone been able to keep their foot out of it long enough to tell if there is a mileage increase either empty or towing, since the power curve comes in quicker, you should't lug the engine as easy Thanks, Ken

I have been running mine since August. I've found milage wise that the CaTCHER is very much like the EZ that I replaced, that is to say, about 1-2 mpg over stock. Theoretically, it might be capable of a bit more but it's near impossible not to use it's get up & go power at least a little.

 

[Murle]

I notice my mileage about the same unloaded. When I pull 10,000 plus #'s I use more fuel than before. Of course I'm going faster up the hills because I got my foot in it more. I now have the power to do that If I want too.

 

[Marco]

Hi Murle,

Hey Murle long time no hear!

Howdy?



Marco

 

[Murle]

Hey Murle long time no hear!

Howdy?



Marco

Howdy back to ya!!!!! Been busy driving and enjoing my CaTHER!!!! Also been working on a larger Bar BQ grill.

 

[Marco]

Also been working on a larger Bar BQ grill.



Oh my gawd!!! :-laf :-laf



Marco

 

[Big P]

I got to drive my truck with Marco's ecm installed for a couple of days. That thing is amazing! But, I did notice something out of the ordinary. The grid heaters cycle ALOT more than my stock ecm. It will draw down to about 12 volts, while the stock one only pulls down to about the 1 on 14. They also continued to cycle even while the truck was past 18mph, didn't matter what the speed. It seemed as though they went off after a certain amount of time, rather than by speed. Anybody else notice this?

 

[darkhorse]

I got to drive my truck with Marco's ecm installed for a couple of days. That thing is amazing! But, I did notice something out of the ordinary. The grid heaters cycle ALOT more than my stock ecm. Anybody else notice this?

That sounds a bit odd. I had no change in my grid heaters.

 

[TORQUE THIS]

I got to drive my truck with Marco's ecm installed for a couple of days. That thing is amazing! But, I did notice something out of the ordinary. The grid heaters cycle ALOT more than my stock ecm. It will draw down to about 12 volts, while the stock one only pulls down to about the 1 on 14. They also continued to cycle even while the truck was past 18mph, didn't matter what the speed. It seemed as though they went off after a certain amount of time, rather than by speed. Anybody else notice this?

I was having the same issues... I put mine in just as the weather got cold so it was hard to tell. The last few days being warm out, they were still cycling alot. I changed out the IAT sensor and the cycles are back to normal.

 

[Murle]

Same here... I have no change in my grid heaters.