Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Got my CaTCHER ecm installed.

[TradedV-10foraCummins]

I got home from work today to find the UPS box containing my CaTCHER on the dining room table. I called Doug at ADT the other day to get some info on the ecm, and he just happened to have one in stock for my year truck. So, I snatched it up.



After fighting with the truck to get the ecm's switched out (I didn't realize how far down in there the ecm was actually mounted), I took it for a test drive. I've only got 15 miles on it so far, but everything that has been said so far is totally true. The truck just seems to come to life with the thing. The throttle response and spool-up are awesome. If you like the VA or EZ (I've used both), then you'll love the CaTCHER. The throttle is very sensitive, but it doesn't seem to be anything that is uncontrollable. It just feels really good. With my DD3's, I could put on a pretty good smoke show, but the smoke was also quite manageable with my right foot.



Hopefully I can give some better feedback after I log a few more miles, but so far I am totally impressed. Two big thumbs up to Marco and ADT!



For those interested, I'm running the CaTCHER with just DD3's, 4-inch exhaust, and a Scotty II. Also, I've got a 13inch SBC to get the power to the ground. There are no other boxes on the truck at the moment, and the turbo is still the stock HX-35.

 

[hammersley]

Paul - it would have been great if you had an EGT guage installed prior to your experiment ---- as it is you have no idea regarding EGT's?

 

[TradedV-10foraCummins]

Yes, I've got gauges! In my short experience thus far, I can't tell much difference in peak egt's and peak boost. With just injectors the max I usually see is a spike of around 1100, and I might have seen 1150 on my test drive tonight with the ecm. Also, I don't know yet if peak boost increased, but it gets up past the 30psi much faster than it used to. So, overall I'd have to say much faster spool up, and the egt's seem to have stayed around the same.

 

[darkhorse]

the MAD CaTCHER

Paul,I'm very happy to read your report. I'm maybe 2 weeks behind you & you've whet my appetite Oo.

 

[GIT-R-DONE]

Can you tell me more about the install? Is there any special procedure for installing an ECM, like do you have to disconnect the batteries or anything special to do while you do it? Same with start up, anything or any tricks for us rookies that would make the change over easier? Thanks

 

[nieters]

does the mad ecm eliminate the defueling?

if so, at what rpm is it now set to?

thanks

chad nieters

 

[Bob Wagner]

I did and would recommend disconnecting the batteries prior to ecm removal. It's a procedure in the service manual



And you will also get a check engine light for the first few starts and then its all clear. zero codes



also need to reset the TPS which is done by slowly depressing the go pedal to the floor .

 

[amillstream]

darkhorse, I'm in the same place you are- about 2 weeks. Doug said he was shipping them to Marco the middle of next week. Can't wait to get this thing back!!

 

[John - K5AWO]

Oh, it hurts to hear how good it is... ... and I am still lookin' for my ECM. Sumbudys stole all of 'em here in Arieezona... . none to be had.

 

[Marco]

While disconnecting the batteries is not needed ( I never do ) I would still highly recommend it!



Consider that you're laying on the engine and play with wrenches.

A short could always happen...



So, my motto, no juice no short!



Also I never do the APPS calibration thing. Anyway the Service book says to do so, it can't hurt... . It's simple. Key to the run position, do not start the engine. Slowly depressing the go pedal to the floor and slowly releasing it. I think I've read somewhere to repeat this three times.



Have fun and please, please, please be carefull! The CaTCHER can surprise also experienced drivers... .



Marco

 

[CMAC]

I wanna buy one , who do I have to contact ?? I love everything that I have read about this. . Thanks , CMAC

 

[John - K5AWO]

TTT

 

[KatDiesel]

I'm sure others will ask, so figured I would bring out the information... ... ... ... ... ... .





3 fasteners hold the ECM to the block... ... .....



2 10mm and ????

 

[Bob Wagner]

3 10mm bolts and 1/4" allen wrench for the wiring harness , dont drop anything.



and remove the 2 bolts to the fuel filter housing to swing it out of the way

 

[csevers]

Questions??

I have not followed the recent developments with the "catcher"

ecm. Is it the same thing as the "Mad Ecm"? Does it raise the red line? is it supost to replace a fueling box or just supplement it? Is timing more aggresive?? I have a spare ecm to use how fast can this be turned around to me? I run the Toruqus Maximus ecm now would I see any benifits?? Us poor 24v guys need MORE RPM's to level the playing field some.



Thanks

Craig

 

[Amianthus]

No. No RPM gain to be had. That's hard-wired into the VP44. No way around it (unless you can 're-wire' it).



As for the ECM, it's not the same as the MAD. I don't know the specifics of this unit, but can only assume it contains re-mapped fueling and timing curves. If it takes care of the surging and aids in bottom end spooling, it will be worth it to me. But, I won't know until mine arrives.



If you want more information, or an opinion on the unit Craig, shoot me a PM. Later dude.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Craig said: "Us poor 24v guys need MORE RPM's to level the playing field some. "



Then ditch the VP-44 and bolt on a P-7100!



Matt

 

[darkhorse]

Craig, "MAD" & "CaTCHER" both refer to the same thing. "MAD" was an earlier name. It's the fueling program developed by Marco. So it is not the ECM but is insalled in it.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

If it takes care of the surging and aids in bottom end spooling, it will be worth it to me.



HMMmmm - first reference I've noticed to possible elimination of surging or perhaps the slight miss effect some get especially in colder weather - we never did nail down the exact cause - sure would be neat if Marco's ECM does fix that too!

 

[darkhorse]

It's here!!

The UPS driver just dropped off my MAD CaTCHER ECM!! It's going in later this afternoon. Oo.