Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) more towing power??

[STinsley]

I have been searching for days reading different opinions... figure it might be best if i just ask.



Truck- 2001. 5 3500 HO 6-speed (2wd). I tow 11K-12K fairly regular. I already have the guages (fuel, turbo, EGT). I also have Rips 4" exhaust and his adjustable boost elbow. i am also running the BHAF. With the mods i have, the EGTs max around 12500 when towing right now.



My question is... injectors, programers, Cather,... so many options. I was leaning towards the Edge Comp for the adjustable feature, but the injectors may be a better idea...



I know at some point i will probably want to up grade the clutch... will do that when needed.



Thanks for ideas/comments... The power bug is addictive.



Seth

 

[Boondocker]

My first vote would be for an Edge EZ. It's a simple install, great bang for buck, won't compromise anything.



After that, you really have to take a holistic approach to more power.

Bigger injectors are probably the best power adder for an HO motor. More fuel requires better fuel supply (upgrade from the stock lift pump and fuel lines), lots more air (turbo), better holding power (clutch).



If you're serious about towing, have you looked into an exhaust brake?



There's tons of information in here but not a lot of consensus. Take your time and try to figure out what you want before you spend.



Have fun,

Neil

 

[johncameron]

If I were you I'd get the comp and run it only as an EZ until you get a SBC. My clutch died with just my banks box that dynoed 689TQ alone. After I put my SB CON OFE I added the DDII's and it holds like a champ.



Of course once you get the clutch and turn the comp up you will need a fuel pump/line upgrade to go along with your new turbo... ... ... ... .....



Happy safe bombing

John

 

[rubberneck]

I tow with my mach 4 injectors and it works great. I prefer to tow with the comp box off completely, as i don think the advance is required (many are going to argue with my but i dont care) I know how my truck runs. By the way, the mach 4s, with no box and a boost fooler is a sweet set up with the stock turbo, it tows really nice. By far you will get much more TOWABLE power from a set of injectors than you will from a box. reason being, the box works by prolonging the injection event, therefor effectively retarding the timing, where the injectors allow for more fuel to enter the cylinder earlier on in the injection event allowing for a better burn. Basically look at it this way, you get more heat from 100 hp box than you will from 100hp injectors. Fyi, i tow 14K regularly, both on flats and in the hills, so I understand what kind of load and conditions you are facing.

 

[Dieselnutz]

The EZ and small injectors are the way to go. The comp will add too much heat if wire tapped. 275's are great bang for the buck but wish I would have gone bigger. After a clutch upgrade I will go with Don M's 1. 6 or larger with a new turbo.

 

[Ted Constantine]

I run dd2 and a comp towing 12k-14k and it is great. I have towed with 275 and an EZ and that was the most efficience as far as I can tell. The comp is the way to go because you can run it as an EZ and have the extra punch by tapping the pump when you are ready.



I need to upgrade my turbo as the next step but the money keeps going other places.



I have a set of 275s sitting around. Email me if that is the route you want to go.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

My truck is basically same as yours and I pull trailers for a living. For power RV 275's and boost elbow were first additions and a big help. Recently added Catcher and it is a HUGE help! With 3. 54 rears I always lost boost below 60 mph in 6th. After the Catcher I have boost all way down to 50 mph if I desire (not that I practice or recommend going that low in rpm's). No more shifting down in the big hills because there is no more slowing down in the big hills. Egt's are down because I have more boost at lower rpm's. The power is so usable you won't believe it till you feel it!



Trent

 

[STinsley]

Thanks for all the ideas so far. I have to be honest though... . i am new to this... so i cam kinda confussed on all the different injector sizes and brands. I obviouly need to do a little more research on them.



Thanks again,

Seth

 

[Big A]

Look at my signature for an awesome towing rig

Big A

 

[DODGEMANWID]

I have been searching for days reading different opinions... figure it might be best if i just ask.



Truck- 2001. 5 3500 HO 6-speed (2wd). I tow 11K-12K fairly regular. I already have the guages (fuel, turbo, EGT). I also have Rips 4" exhaust and his adjustable boost elbow. i am also running the BHAF. With the mods i have, the EGTs max around 12500 when towing right now.



My question is... injectors, programers, Cather,... so many options. I was leaning towards the Edge Comp for the adjustable feature, but the injectors may be a better idea...



I know at some point i will probably want to up grade the clutch... will do that when needed.



Thanks for ideas/comments... The power bug is addictive.



Seth

I HAVE THE EDGE COMP IT IS AWSOME... STAGE TWO INJECTORS AWSOME... THE ONLY PROBLEM IS HEATING UP EGT'S. . I DID WATER METHANOL IT WORKED PRETTY DANG GOOD... LOWERED MY TEMP ABOUT 250 DEGREES IT IS SOMETHING YOU WILL HAVE TO PLAY WITH A LITTLE TO FIND JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT TO INJECT AND ALSO THE BEST MIXTURE... I USE VALUECRAFT WINDSHIELD WASHERFLUID FROM AUTOZONE IT WORKS PERFECT!... ALSO I RECENTLY PUT ON 5" STRAIGHT PIPE EXHAUST... IT LOWERED EGT'S 100 DEGREES COMPARED TO 4"... AND THE TURBO, ALMOST INSTANTLY WINDS UP!... I PULL ANY THING I WANT WITH MINE! OH ALSO... THE EDGE COMP CHIP WILL GIVE YOU BETTER POWER AND ADJUSTABILITY THAN THE INJECTORS... BUT I DID BOTH!

 

[STinsley]

I like the idea of the comp for the adjustments... . but part of me is scared that i am going to kill the VP44. I just replaced the LP about 3K miles ago (thank you FP guage) i think i got to it before the pump was damaged. But i guess time will tell.



I guess my other problem is i am finding it to draw a line between how far is to far... . i know... its part of the bug.



Seth

 

[R-N-R]

hhhmmmm, I actually started out looking for a little more towing power. Now I have to remember that it is behind me! LOL



You are absolutlely correct, "how far is too far" really is the point to ponder. The challenge is that you are the only one that can answer that. I had a hard time when starting out, people helping would ask what HP I wanted. How the heck did I know what any level of HP felt and/or would tow like. So, you have to find your mark by trial and error. Fortunately there is a vast amount of knowledge here on the TDR, and members who are more than willing to help out. So, taking heed to other peoples errors can save you some time, money, and grief. A point of advice, make sure you are looking at the location from where the tips are coming. Different altitudes can make a big difference in how power is produced in these motors.



Aside from the common sequence advice, I highly recommend that you give each step a decent amount of driving time in different situations to measure the results before moving on to the next item.

Good luck to you!!

 

[SCox]

My . 02 - I have TST power max, ddIIs, BHAF, banks 4" exhaust, Conofe and am very happy with the setup. I tow a 36ft 15k+ toy hauler. I can easily tow with just the ddIIs and did so until I added the exhaust because of high egts. Now I will tow on 2-4 on the tst and am very comfortable egt wise. If you were to do anything first I would do the injectors from what I have learned. Truck produces great pulling power with less heat than the comp.

Steve

 

[Jack in Alaska]

I agree on the RV 275 injectors and a boost fooler. Also a PacBrake. I tow a 15k 5th whl and that set up works wonders for me. There are many "dooby dobbers" that you can screw/wire up onto your truck but the 275's were the ticket for me.

I just replaced my 1st inj. pump at 157k miles. Oo.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Thanks for all the ideas so far. I have to be honest though... . i am new to this... so i cam kinda confussed on all the different injector sizes and brands. I obviouly need to do a little more research on them.



Thanks again,

Seth

Since you have already done business with Rip - consider adding the Don M F1 1. 6's he also carries to what you already have (see my sig below) - my 5er is lighter than yours, but still a decent load in steeper grades, and I have *ALL* the power I could possibly use. EGT stays under 1000 in normal driving in the hills, and even if I abuse it, can barely exceed 1200.



Like the guy further above, the injectors alone are so effective I rarely NEED the Comp - and when I *do* use it, 3x3 is about all I need...

 

[Bob Wagner]

there will be more test results coming soon.