Fuel boxes and performance chips

[Horsepuller]

I would like to eventually add an Edge performance box or something equivilent, I would like to get at least an additional 50-65 hp and the corresponding torque increase (not that I need it, but why not ). My concern is high EGTs. Seems to me from what I have read on TDR that fuel boxes will definitely raise your EGTs to dangerous levels if you use them on a high setting and if you are charging up a mountain pass. To me then, high EGTs are the limiting factor. From reading what other members have said about power boxes and climbing grades, they have to turn them way down and slow down. For a person that tows, the only place we really need more power is on the long grades, but if you can't use it for fear of toasting the engine, what is the point? Will a 4" exhaust and BHAF lower EGTs to an acceptable level so that you can increase power on the grades? For those of you that pull in these scenarios, what do you do?



Thanks

 

[Graphic man]

you can run a EZ or comp and tow heavy loads, it's like everything the more power you want the more $$$ it costs, a larger turbo or twins will lower EGT'S a cold air box will help and a 4" exhaust, each step you do will lower your EGT's

there are some guy's running twins and seeing 300dg. lower in egt's but the more HP you add its only as good as the weakest link (EX. ) Trans,

so you will have to fine out how much you are ready to spend.



Scott

 

[Big A]

The TST Powermax3 is a good way to go. With the built in gauges, and EGT limiter, you don't have to worry about EGTs. I set mine at 1200*, and I just pull. The TST does not advance timing, which is what you want when pulling heavy loads. Any advance in timing, is done by the ECM, and stays within Cummins specs. I 'm not as informed on the TST as some others here, but hopefully someone like Justin Hohn will chime in.

Big A

 

[SHobbs]

Horsepuller, as you can see by my sig I have the the Edge EZ. My 5er tips the scale at around 13. 5k. I have never had a problem with egt's. Now if you pull a grade and keep it in 6th then yes you will have trouble. I took a trip to Oregon 2 years ago and the grades up there were no problem. I have my probe post turbo and have never seen anything above 850 degrees. You're on the right track by changing the air filter and the exhaust, I think everyone agrees that by letting that baby breath easier all should be fine.

 

[Supermod56]

I tow 13,000 with the DD True Torque module, almost the same thing as the EZ, I also have DD stage 1 injectors, 4" exhaust and AFE intake. I never get over 1100 pre-turbo on the biggest hills. The exhaust and a good intake really help!! Now all I need is a RASP and a better clutch!!!



Tom



2001 2500 4X4 5-Spd. Laramie SLT LB Quad Black. DD TTPM, DD Stage-1's Bully-Dog 4" Exhaust, AFE, JAKE Brake, Geno's Banjo's, 2nd (and last) lift pump, Silencer ring MIA, 3 Autometer's on the A-Pillar, Redline Oil throughout

 

[NIsaacs]

Horsepuller, I have an "01" HO, 6-spd w/Edge EZ & 275's. I am running the stock air box w/stock exhaust to the resinater (sp) then 4" back from there with no egt's issues. With this power level the stock turbo seems to be a good match with 30-32 lbs of max boost.





"NICK"

 

[Snow man]

He's already showing an edge ez in his signature. If i were him id add a set of Don M 1. 5's. The Ho has real small injecotrs stock,the 1. 5s will add mpg anf power without taxing the vp44 any more. Also EGTS should be better with 1. 5s Edge EZ,than with a major fueling box and stock injectors. You will likely need a clutch no matter what upgrade you choose that adds 65+hp,especially if you tow heavy.

 

[Horsepuller]

Thanks for the tips and advice, it helps. Keep 'em coming if anyone else has anything to say.

 

[RustyJC]

On my truck (before the DD2 injector install), installing the Edge EZ (along with the 4" Jardine exhaust, done the same weekend) dropped the maximum pre-turbo EGT that I saw when towing from 1300 degF to 1100 degF. The primary factor in this EGT reduction was the installation of the boost elbow that came with the EZ - this increased maximum boost from 21 PSIG to 30 PSIG. This made an excellent towing package - more power and torque, and lower EGTs.



Having said the above, since you have an HO, if you're towing HEAVY like I am, I'd suggest the Diesel Dynamics True Torque Power Module (TTPM) in lieu of the EZ. Same box, but different software - the TTPM has less timing advance, which is a good thing when towing with the higher compression of the HO.



My stock clutch was fine with just the EZ - it went away the same day the DD2's went in!



JMHO



Rusty

 

[Hohn]

Hi Ron


The amount of timing that is "ideal" for an engine depends on a whole host of variables. Among the most important of these are engine load and compression ratio.

You'll note that here on the TDR there are plenty of guys running the EZ or Comp and towing VERY heavy loads (like Rusty, for example)

But if you are setting out from the get-go to build a truck that can haul the BIG loads, then you want NO additional timing advance. Increased timing advance DRASTICALLY increases peak cylinder pressure and shock loading of pistons, rods, cranks, and especially-- HEAD GASKETS.

Therefore, you don't want to advance timing beyond a VERY narrow range, and it's probably even better left alone for heavy towing.

All the power boxes from Edge advance timing. This means all the "clones", too, like the BD race pro, the Diesel Dynamics Ultimate Fueling Module, etc. While these products will often dyno higher HP than some others, this is not necessarily indicative of their towing performance.

The reason that an HO truck needs a slightly different hot-rod recipe lies in the fact that it is a slightly different engine. It uses smaller injectors than a standard output engine, and a different injection pump which discharges fuel more aggressively. This is why it can make more power EVEN with smaller injectors, and it explains why HO engines gain more HP from injectors alone than an SO engine does.

I'd HIGHLY recommend an adjustable fueling box with NO additional timing advance. Namely, TST's Powermax, and Blue Chip's FMS or APB. The TST is tough to beat for price/performance. Don't mess with the Competition version of the TST box on an HO truck-- it will just give you more smoke and EGT, not much more power-- AND it is harder on the pump.

I'd also recommend some smallish EDM injectors from F1 diesel. The Mach 1. 5s are THE STANDARD in 24V injector efficiency. NO aftermarket injector delivers better MPG. It just happens to give you about 100hp (because you have an HO-- otherwise they are 85hp).

EGTs should also be controllable with the box off and just running the injectors.

If you have to choose between a box and injectors, do the box first, but don't crank it up. A TST powermax 3 should give you enough towing power. Then, once you get the Mach 1. 5s, you can turn the box down and enjoy a happier engine and better mpgs.

Justin

 

[Horsepuller]

Thanks Cap'n, that is great advice and makes a lot of sense.