Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Injectors or VA/EZ

[MoparMark]

I did a search but could not find an answer that really fit my situation.

Let me start with this.

I bought a 99 3500 CTD 5 speed in Jan.

I had an 87 Ford F-350 460 4 speed before that so you can imagen my excitment with the Dodge. I tow a goose neck trailer with 14k for trips less than 100 miles one way. I have not used the Dodge yet for this. The current set up on the 3500 as purchased is K&N, 3. 5" Flowmaster exhaust. I would like alittle more power either from 275's or a box such as the EZ or VA. My question is which will give me the best performance for the money, 275's on EBAY for $250 or the EZ/VA for $350 or whatever I can buy a used unit for? Can I use both with the stock clutch or will I have to upgrade? Yes I do plan on gauges also. I do not intend to spend the money for another clutch so I don't want to push it. Please share your experiences and recommendations.





Thanks

Mark Oo.

 

[Whitmore]

Mark, the best bang for the buck in your case is the ez, the 275's are ok but not neer the umph as the ez will give you.



the combo of the ez and the 275's on your clutch should be ok but that is about the limit, the 5 speeds are having better luck with their clutches than the 6 speeds.



cheers, kevin

 

[LSMITH]

Having run both the EZ and the VA extensively I would tell you the VA is a much better box to run alone. The low end is a lot better and the top end is virtually the same. You need a pyrometer to pull heavy and hard with the VA or the EZ. Add a boost module to the VA and even for another 100 bucks that it might cost it is a better deal.



The EZ does what it is advertised to do, I think the VA does it a lot better.



You can run the EZ or the VA and 275's in combo and if your clutch is in good shape it will hold fine. Just the VA or the EZ or the 275's should not challenge your clutch.

 

[jhurst]

What is said above is right. The 275 and box combo should be fine. The choice between the EZ and VA mostly comes down to personal preference. I just bought a VA but the EZ seems more popular.



Good luck



Justin H

 

[Roger rodbolt]

I agree that the VA, especially the older metal case VA's matched the torque nicely for towing. I picked one up last week just for a spare and I run a reprogrammed Power Puck!



A larger set of injectors with a boost module and no boxes or electronic enhancement is a nice towing set up as well. The stock clutch will take DDIII's but most prefer the DDII's for towing.

Larry

 

[David_VT]

My . 02 (having owned a VA then Hot PE then DD1's):



The VA was nice for low end Torque and felt 'easier' on my clutch. The VA did not have the top end power the Hot PE has. My understanding is that the newer Edge products combine the two.



If you are adding horsepower to our RAM's, you better save money for that clutch... ...



Sure, if you are never going to push the envelope with your new horsepower combination, you might keep that stock clutch for awhile.



Are you the sort that can have all that power at their command but simply hold it in reserve for the life of that OEM clutch?



Are you prepared to merge onto the highway and work your way through the gears having never exceeded 3/4 pedal?



Are you prepared to know that you really should not even think 'oh, just this once'.....



Do I exaggerate a tad, maybe. Can one all too easily over do it with these mild horsepower mods vs the stock clutch, OH YES!!



I never really tow anything but that HOT PE and DD1 combination destroyed my OEM clutch in no time. First time I saw it was in the higher gears as I merged onto the highway. I was just getting my 'push back into the seat fix'...



Good Luck. .

You probably bought the truck for power. Think of that OEM clutch as a toll booth on the power highway... .

 

[Chipstien]

David, the Hot PE adds alot more fuel than a EZ or VA. I believe it is close to double the HP.

 

[BillGotthelf]

You did not say how many miles on your 99. I just took out 275's for DDIII's. The power bug never dies. The DDII's seem to be better for towing and according to their website info will add 60 more rwhp. If you use a moderate box (up to 60 more hp) with the injectors you should be able to regulate you egt's with a gauge. However with these two additions you'll be looking for a new clutch/pressure plate soon.

 

[Smokin Joes 2500]

trucks

First thing Id do is ditch the Flowmaster! Ive heard some say it really kills power and milage? Not sure for myself, cause I do love the way the flowmasters sound on my race car at about 7 grand in the water box!!!











P. S. Once my transmission is up to the task Im thinking EZ box. Cant argue with the fact that there are tons of the out there!!

 

[Roger rodbolt]

Re: trucks

Originally posted by smokin joes 400

[



P. S. Once my transmission is up to the task Im thinking EZ box. Cant argue with the fact that there are tons of the out there!! [/B]

Smokin Joes,



I also can't argue with the fact that there are tons more Powerstrokes sold then Cummins either . Sorry! I just couldn't resist .



I talked to Chip and Blue Chip on Monday and they are coming out with a new fueling box that contains the FMS fueling features, software and smooth drivability of the full power Premium FMS, all for a VERY (low) nice price. It will not have the guages or recording features but will have the ajustibility feature that I've asked for. You'll not out grow a box that adjusts fueling from 1% to max pump capacity, doesn't defuel yet allows you to keep fueling levels to fit your clutch, auto transmission or turbo.



Larry

 

[andrewkoperdak]

Of course there is always someone like me to say that I think the injectors are the way to go. I skipped the boxes all together and went for Stage 3 100 HP injectors. I was sold on this information: The injectors will follow you stock fuel curve most accurately. They, injuectors, bring on the power smoothly which will make you clutch happier. Boxes , I have never owned on, are supposed to bring on the power much earlier than injectors which may or may not cause your clutch to RIP. My best run on the dyno so far puts me at 285 HP and 617 lb ft at the rear wheels. I set some limits on my test as follows. EGTs would not be permitted to exceed 1150 degree F. , Boost would not be permitted to exceed 30 PSI, and finally RPM must remain below 3000. Stock I tested at 217 HP and 434 lb ft.

I am very pleased with my purchase. I have a small 5th wheel at 4000 pounds. I easily pull all the hills and mountain passes. When I was stock I used to have to down shift to 4th to maintain speed on some grades like the GrapeVine. Now I can stay in 5th and in cruise control and do the same.

Dollar for dollar a box will end up being less expensive. I paid $700 for my injectors when new and I bought a boost module and elbow to support the injectors. I see boxes all the time for $350 in the TDR classifieds. I do not feel that I can add a box on top of my injectors without frying my clutch. This is supported in the newest TDR mag. They say stock clutches can handle up to 350 rear wheel HP.

Just my thoughts

R,

Andy

 

[MoparMark]

My truck has 123000 miles on it.

Anyone else have an opinion on the

Flowmasters I had thought about removing them. I also noticed that I

have 2 flowmaster units in the exhaust

system that appear to be mufflers Are they both mufflers and should I remove 1 or both

and replace with a thru shot muffler?



Thanks

 

[David_VT]

Double?

I don't know about that but it was well worth the clutch to enjoy it... .



I just blame it on HVAC envy... .

 

[Smokin Joes 2500]

Re: Re: trucks

Originally posted by Roger rodbolt

Smokin Joes,



I also can't argue with the fact that there are tons more Powerstrokes sold then Cummins either . Sorry! I just couldn't resist .





Larry

I guess only some of us can own and operate the best!!! BTW what side are you on???? Im glad they sell those pieces of s*#t, now we got something to outdo. Im convinced that there isnt anything they can do (stock) that we cant do (stock) Its all about torque and when it comes in. GOD DRIVES A DODGE CUMMINS TURBO DIESEL!!!!!!!!

 

[Roger rodbolt]

Re: Re: Re: trucks

I guess only some of us can own and operate the best!!! BTW what side are you on



I'm 100% on the side of Cummins and I even like the Ram that is wrapped around the CTD. The point I hoped to make is toward your thinking that the EZ is good because there are so many of them... ... ... ... ... just like Powerstrokes. I know there are a lot of happy EZ owners out there but that doesn't convince me that it's the best or even in the top two and I've tried all that I can find... ... ... ..... but these comments were made in fun and jest. Most bombs improve a great CTD, some bombs are just better then others IMHO . Larry