First tow with the EZ

[John Berger]

Good investment, this little box. The power increase in the lower RPM band was very satisfying. I never noticed EGT's over 850 degrees and it was hot all weekend (temps in 90's, humidity 65-70 %). This was the first time I towed my trailer and got to watch the computer's estimated fuel mileage go up. Actual fuel mileage probably went up between 1 and 1. 5 mpg. I did some driving without the trailer, so the verdict is still out, but I know the fuel mileage did improve. On a down note, I don't like the increased chatter I hear between 1600-2000 rpm. I was shifting as though the box wasn't on the truck, so that's going to have to change. The clutch is chattering, but holding up fine. I guess I'll just have to drive the trailer around more and practice. Darn the bad luck #ad


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1999 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 2wd; 5 spd; 4:10 LSD rear; Mag-Hytec differential cover; US Gear EGT and Boost gauges. Stewart Warner Fuel Pressure Gauge with dual senders, Westach Oil Temp Gauge for differential. Rancho 9000's shocks, PowerEdge EZ Box, Amsoil foam air filter and synthetics in the motor and differential. Cummins Power, don't leave home without it

[This message has been edited by John Berger (edited 05-21-2001). ]

[This message has been edited by John Berger (edited 05-21-2001). ]

 

[WyoJim]

I am leaving in a couple of hours to go from WY to PA and back. I hope my EZ works as good as yours. I have two of these 4000 mile trips in with this outfit stock. 13. 5 and 13. 4 MPG. 15 mpg would sure be nice. I have Amsoiled the engine and rear end since also.

I have a new lift pump under the seat. I Hope I don't need it.

I ran the meat smoker all one day for this trip. Barbequed 9 lbs of beef, 3 lbs of pork and a couple of chickens. My wife made Baked Beans, Potato Salad and baked 2 dozen Peanut butter cookies. If we break down, we won't run out of food.

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98. 5 24 valve auto, QC, LB, EZ, DTT vb 9 1/2ft 3500# slide in S&S Camper

[This message has been edited by WyoJim (edited 05-21-2001). ]

 

[RedRam1]

I don't want to hear any negative comments about the EZ!!!! I broke down and ordered mine last week, it should arrive any day now (thanks ramdude). I decided on this box as my first bomb after reading nothing but praise for the EZ since it's debut, now John is talking about an "increased clatter" from 1600 - 2000 rpm.
Has anyone else experienced this clatter or any other undesirable side effects after installing the EZ?

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2001. 5 Flame Red 2500 4x4 Quad SLT SB ETH/DEE 3. 54LS 241HD

 

[John Berger]

Originally posted by RedRam1:
I don't want to hear any negative comments about the EZ!!!! I broke down and ordered mine last week, it should arrive any day now (thanks ramdude). I decided on this box as my first bomb after reading nothing but praise for the EZ since it's debut, now John is talking about an "increased clatter" from 1600 - 2000 rpm.
Has anyone else experienced this clatter or any other undesirable side effects after installing the EZ?

Let me clarify my statement on the chatter I hear. I did not mean to imply that the EZ was the cause. I do not believe that it is. The chatter has been with my truck towing or not towing in 1st and 2nd gear starts for about 30K miles. If I don't get into the throttle enough when taking off, I hear a chattering sound, which I'm presuming is the clutch. The sound and feel are similar to what you hear or feel when you lug the engine. It was there before I put the box on and I also noticed it if I shifted a bit short while towing my trailer #ad
It's more pronounced now because I was shifting like I did before I had the box. Have piece of mind with your purchase, you won't be sorry. When I hit a small hill Friday night in 3rd gear coming off I-10, the truck went up that hill smoothly and effortlessy, compared to life before the box. Enjoy it. And sorry for any misunderstanding.

John

[This message has been edited by John Berger (edited 05-21-2001). ]

[This message has been edited by John Berger (edited 05-21-2001). ]

 

[RedRam1]

Thanks John, I feel a lot beter now! I should have read your original post a little closer, I was thinking "clatter" when you said "chatter"!
Hope you get your clutch chatter problem taken care of, I'm a little concerned about the clutch on my ETH... from what I read here on the boards and in the magazine, lot's of 6 speed owners are toasting the stock clutches with only mild upgrades, hope I can get by with just the EZ for a while, don't really want the hassle or expense of a new clutch right now. Plus, I really like my stock clutch, the pedal pressure is fine and it's smooth as silk, doesn't chatter a bit under any circumstances, even backing a ~12K trailer up hill.
I'll post my initial impressions on the EZ as soon as I get it installed, I've got my fingers crossed hoping it will be waiting for me when I get home today.

 

[tmacc]

Redram1,
Don't forget that you have to disable the wastegate on your truck when you install the EZ. You will not be able to use the enclosed elbow that comes w/ it. I used the turnbuckle method on mine. Took all of about 10 min. Do a seach on "wastegate turnbuckle" and you'll get the thread that has the info and photos.

Basicaly, I used a 7. 5" turnbuckle and switched out the eyelet end for another hooked end so it has two hooks. The "new" hooked end is regular thread so that is the end that I put the set nut and lock washer on. It reduced EGTs from 1100* to just under 1000* and I got 30 lb. of boost. Not bad for a stock truck. DTT stuff goes in soon, then BD1 injectors. Their both in the garage waiting to go in. You can definitely feel the difference in power. You'll love it.
Tom

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'01 2500 4x4 4. 10 White/Driftwood QC plain SLT auto trans snow prep camper package tow package bed liner mopar mud flaps Reading Ind. 33" tall contractors cap. Toys: 3 mountain bikes, a cyclo-cross bike, and a road bike, plus a couple of whitewater kayaks. Yeah, I know their human powered, but the bikes are fun to modify too. Like spending $$$ to make trucks more powerful, It takes $$ to make bikes lighter. Titanium isn't cheap.

[This message has been edited by tmacc (edited 05-21-2001). ]

 

[Benson]

John, that's great on the EGT's. I get 600 completely unloaded running at 70 down the level freeway. Start going up any grade and it gets over 900 easily. This is with the EZ on the number 2 setting. I have just installed the aFe air filter, I
am hoping that will open things up a little.

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Late '01 2500 2WD, QC, LB, HO 6 Sp. , SLT/Sport, 3. 55 Open Diff, Mods: PowerEdge EZ w/elbow. Jardine 4 inch exhaust. Banks (DynaFact) Boost and EGT gauges. ATS exhaust manifold with Jet Hot 2000. Amsoil dual bypass filter, aFe air filter. Oh yeah, and cup smoothie.

 

[RedRam1]

tmacc,

Why can't I use the boost elbow that comes with the EZ? Is it because I've got an ETH? I've read about the "turnbuckle method" for disabling the wastegate, I'll have to do a search for the details.
I was hoping my EZ would be waiting on me when I got home yesterday, but no such luck... maybe today. As soon as I get my hands on it & can inspect the boost elbow and compare it to the existing part I imagine I can answer a most of my own questions.
I know there are lots of ETH owners running the EZ, what have y'all done to "fool" the wastegate? Elbow? Turnbuckle? Other?

 

[X-10]

RedRam1, you won't need the turnbuckle method. I think maybe tmacc thought you had the auto transmission. My elbow worked fine. You'll love the EZ once you get it on. Mine helped on the mileage & you can definitely feel the added boost. Have fun, Doug.

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01. 5 QC LB 2500 4x4 SLT HO 6-speed 3. 54's LSD, flame red, E-brake, Bushwacker flares, Raven topper, Arma spray on, 285 BF AT's, Westin CPS bars, EZ, & 4" Jardine

 

[RedRam1]

Thanks Doug, that's good news! Can't wait to get my EZ installed, I'm beginning to wish I'd sprung the extra bucks to get it shipped next day air. I ordered last Thursday, so I should have it within the next day or so.