Edge box the one?

[BKunic]

I still need to replace the chip in my truck. I've driven off the warranty period, so that is no issue. My question is which product do I get? I have an '04 with the 5 speed manual. Only thing is that it is the "California '04", the engine they produced for a short while for the backward states such as CA, NY and maybe one or two others. That's right, you have to change the oil every 3,750 miles. Shortly after I got it (story of my life) they came out with the engine that is the same in all fifty states; the one that they have out now. I'm really not complaining as it is still a great truck and engine. But I mention this so you know specifically which engine I have.



I have been told in the past that if I do this that I'll have to replace the stock clutch with a "heavy duty" clutch (meaning ceramic faced) as the clutch is the only part of the stock drivetrain that won't be able to take the additional power output offered by the aftermarket chip. Is it true that I'll need to replace the stock clutch - or is this just a rumor? Also, do I have to worry about the aftermarket chip either damaging any part of the drivetrain OR shortening engine life? The clutch does not need replacing at this time, but I would like to get the chip taken care of. So, what should I get, what is the installation like, and can I retain the stock clutch?



Thanks in advance for answering the stupid questions,



Bryan

 

[Big MAK]

Common questions! You have much reading to do!



I'll try some short answers:



- Any power mod shortens the life of the engine. We're talking a 500,000 mile engine -- so a rebuild at 350,000 or 400,000 is not a problem for most people. Non-heavy engine components will have an even shorter life (fuel pumps, etc).

- Any power upgrade shortens the life of the clutch. More power = More holding force needed. A heavier clutch will last longer. If you drive with mild power upgrades on a stock clutch and do so carefully it will still last a while stock.

- Heat is your number one enemy. Engine and drivetrain. Everything you can do to lower heat is a good thing. Of-course there's investment return issues to weigh. Like: does a fancy diff cover lower heat enough to be worth the $$$?

- Power/Force is your number two enemy. And you can't do anything about it except drive carefully and use heavier running gear (clutch, u joints, gears). But if you drive carefully you can minimize the impact the added power has on your drivetrain.

- But we all like POWER! In the end it's all about what you are willing to pay for it.

 

[GECCO]

Big MAK is right on the money. If all you are talking about it adding an Edge box the effect on the lifespan of the engine is negligible. Your personal drving style will have a lot more effect on the life of the clutch than the Edge box. Drive it reasonably and the clutch could last just as long as it would with the stock motor. These things have enough torque in stock form to eat clutches left and right if you abuse them.....

 

[Diesel Nut]

Anything above an Edge EZ will require a new clutch. The 5 speed needs to be upgraded to the 13" clutch. The 12. 25 you have now doesn't have the holding power. Now, which clutch depends on how high you go for power. Edge Juice? I think the South Bend 13 1. 25 Con OFE will work great. Holds 450 hp and engages smooth. The FE holds 550 hp but can be grabby and harsh when backing a trailer or getting one started on a hill.



Next issue is Fuel pressure. You should be getting gauges before adding power anyways, so make sure a fuel pressure gauge ius one of them. That way you know when/if your lift pump goes kaput.



As for everything else, well these are pretty tough trucks. MY 03 HO had about 500 hp in it and towed half it's life. Lifted dually and heavy loads. No issues in 90K miles. And I was HARD on that truck. I think with a mild upgrade you should have minimal issues with the drivetrain. Still worried? Fill everything with a quality synthetic oil to give better protection.

 

[BKunic]

Diesel Nut,



Thanks for the info. What does an Edge EZ do for me? How much of a HP and torque increase? I'm not looking for a huge increase, and it pulls pretty good in stock configuration. But I wouldn't mind increasing things a bit, so the EdgeEZ may be the way to go. What does this do for my fuel economy - the same, a little less?



I've got boost and egt gauges installed. Stupid question, but if the lift pump goes out won't I know anyways when the engine runs out of fuel?



Thanks for the good specifics,



Bryan

 

[Diesel Nut]

The Edge EZ will give about 65hp and 180 ft lbs of additional torque, and give you about 1 mpg if you drive it nice. Its not very agressive, but does give a sense of much more power because it removes all the factory sluggishness. Its an excellent way to start out, and pretty inexpensive.

Now, your truck will still run without the lift pump, but you will not hve nearly as much power, and I believe it is bad for the pump. Unlike the VP44 trucks, which were cooled by the fuel, the CP3 pump is oil cooled. So, I can only see the issue of lack of lube in the fuel from starvation causing the pump to fail. When the truck stalls, its too late.

 

[TCDiesel]

The EZ does nothing But fuel fool,It has no software to even monitor itself,Example if #2 injector malfunctions the ECM will get the EZ signal NOT the True signal,OK no big deal if the Module has software to detect this and default to stock,EZ does NOT have this technology,If a injection Problem develops YOU are at risk of possible internal engine damage. .

Within minutes you can install the Module,and remove it in less than 1 minute. It"s the repair that will next much Longer. .

 

[BKunic]

Okay, so what is the next step up from the Edge EZ and what is the performance increase there? Also, at this step I had better install a fuel psi gauge and a larger clutch, right?



Thanks,



Bryan

 

[TCDiesel]

Fuel Pressure is always Nice,EGT and Boost would Be the next step,Keep your stock clutch until it needs to be replaced,Than upgrade.

 

[BKunic]

TWest,



Okay, I go get a fuel psi gauge installed, and hold off on the clutch until it needs to be replaced.



What remains is the type of box to get, Edge EZ or next one up? I'm rarely pulling over 10K, usually probably more like 4-6K. The truck actually pulls pretty good in stock configuration, I'm just looking for a little more oomph.



Also, what exactly is the fuel psi telling me? AM I really just looking for a sudden drop?



Thanks again,



Bryan

 

[Diesel Nut]

You'll notice that on Wide Open Throttle (WOT) runs you'll pull the pressure down more or you won't have as much at idle. Those are signs its going. If you see a sudden drop then its really going or gone.



Don't forget to change your fuel filter every 15K also!

 

[Bob Wagner]

If you have a week or so the smarty reviews will be flowing in. You will not believe the low end power the the cr trucks are capable of



ten different products from 30 hp to 170+ hp

 

[Doughboy21kd]

Box

Thats What I am Waiting to $$$$ is the SMARTY... . Hurry up wit it... Oo. Oo.