Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) My Conclusion on Performance Boxes

[Lube Man]

After reading a lot of threads and reviewing many vendor web sites I have come to the conclusion that the aggresive performance boxes are primarliy meant for those who are looking for maximum acceleration in a non towing mode or those who compete in short length truck pulls and the like.



For those who are looking for added towing power it appears that the amount of increased HP/torque that can be applied is limited in duration by the increase of EGT. With a stock truck you can hold the pedal to the metal on a hard pull as long as you want. You are going to get up there on EGT but not to the point of having to back off. Now maybe with a mild box or lower setting you can pull a little faster or hold a steeper hill without downshifting but it appears that with the moderate to aggressive box levels you are going to have to ease up on a pull of any duration.



So when looking at the merits of various boxes I think it is of prime importance to determine the intent of use.

 

[OTRPU]

I agree to the point that using more HP than can be sustained while towing the grade seems to me to be overkill. After having my mods and running a load West Indiana to California, got back and reported to my DOC, Rick at Dave's Diesel that EGT's were climbing out of sight. He just shook his head knowingly and whispered something into his Dodge Techs ear. He raised the hood and made some changes. Left that evening with another load over same route. Whatever he done, I was getting more boost and the EGT's didn't exceed 1,250*F this trip. Sled pulling and other competitions your end justifies the means, and I expect those involved realize they're "on the edge" and though not desireable, they're not too surprised when something gives out. I on the other hand would be simply delighted if nothing broke again as long as I have the truck. Probably both positions are absurd to the teeth. Even a bone stock truck if run hard and put away wet will experience failures. So I'm so presumptious as to think I can drag loads all day everyday and learn to do it without breaking the truck. Today all I paid for was a new drive shaft yoke and an oil change. We'll see. . . leaving for Wanatchee, WA come mornin.



Happy New Year,

Cheers,

Steve J

 

[John - K5AWO]

Hey Steve,



How many miles on your 99 now? I haven't heard any stories about big stuff breaking in several weeks now. Hope things go well for you.

 

[KYLE4]

Weather update for you travelling cold and rainy in WA

 

[JFinke]

We'll see. . . leaving for Wanatchee, WA come mornin.



Happy New Year,

Cheers,

Steve J

I'm 50 miles from Wenatchee and it's snowing and blowing. Keep your three rail chains handy. Jake

 

[OTRPU]

Ya, I know I'ma running into it, coulda gone East but that wouldn't get me home for New Years. Wifey had a lotta Honey Do's, looks like I'll wait till Sunday to leave. With luck I can get in and out between storms. Mileage where she sits 358,032. Hope I'm done fixin big stuff for quite awhile.

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Cheers,

Steve J

 

[JFinke]

What route will you be taking? Jake

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I have only an Edge Comp installed, plus a few quite minor mods as listed in my sig, and let me assure you that a setup like mine delivers VERY usable power increase - all WITHOUT concerns about EGT!



I can tow our 5th wheel over any Sierra 7% grade at WELL over the speed limit, in OD, and NEVER see EGT above 1200 degrees. The Comp allows easlily adjustable power level depending upon changing needs, and is the BEST $500 or so performance increase I have ever spent!



Boxes "only" for short, lightly loaded sprints?



HARDLY!

 

[Lube Man]

What is the weight of your 5th wheel? Also, I see you have an upgraded clutch.

 

[cumminsday]

I am also an Amsoil dealer. I agree with Gary. I have a 2000 6 speed with an Edge Comp Box, disabled wastegate, stock turbo. I have pulled a 10,000 lb fifth wheel up some pretty good mountain passes and have only had to let off once or twice because of EGT's. I love the Comp box. With a 14cm turbine housing I'll probably never have to let off.

 

[Froadin]

I think a lot of people forget, or don't understand that you can't push any part of the system too far without having to touch on other parts of the system. I have simple 275 injectors, the early Van Aaken box, and the BHAF and 4" exhaust keep everything in check. I have plenty of power to pull my 37' trailer over all the 6% grades and a couple 7% grades that I just drove up to Northern CA. (Exhaust brake was worth every penny!!! )

I rarely get close to 1200* and if I do, I only have to shift into fifth gear and I have no more issues.

Actually, I usually have to TRY to get the EGTs anywhere near 1200*. And I feel completely safe letting my wife drive this setup, even with the heavy loads (GVWR on this trip was about 20k).

You just have to upgrade everything as a system, and not just expect any one thing to be the 'end all be all' solution.

 

[rblomquist]

Couple comments:



You can melt down a stock truck by having excessive EGTs. The guy that owned my truck originally melted it down. Now I'll agree that it's rare but under the "wrong" conditions i. e. big loads, stock air intake, stock exhaust, no gauges, hot ambient air, LONG grades, and someone that lugs the truck in the conditions already mentioned can create serious EGT conditions on a stock truck.



The flip side of that is that with a little knowledge and just a little BOMBING (I know there's no such thing long term ) you can reiably tow not only in a stock power conditon, but with much increased power to the ground via a box etc. as well. With just the few modest "flow" mods I've done I can boogie down the road with our 11,000lb+ TT all day long w/out any EGT issue..... as long as I don't lug the truck. That includes towing in the middle of the summer here.



IMHO (and my experience so far), if you drive these things like they were made to be run i. e. "keep the fire lit" they will perform beautifully.