Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Need a New VP44, Which One Should I Use?

[MKoth]

My VP is slowly dieing, dead pedal, low power, erratic throttle response, all the normal codes, etc.



The question I have is do I put an HO pump back on it, or will an SO pump work? Reason I want to do the SO is for more power potential, as the HO pump tends to peak at about 500-550HP, where as the SO pump is capable of more.



The truck still starts like normal, just feels like I am pulling a 20,000lb trailer all the time, the EZ and the TST PM3 have no affect on power output, so I am guessing the mechanicals might be OK, but the electronics are fried.

 

[joaker]

Which codes are you getting, mine has recently been throwing 216, 217, 251, 252, my drag box was not on a fuel-heavy setting either, what is this HO/SO pump thing? I have not heard of this... .

 

[MKoth]

Codes 216 and 1693



SO= 235hp auto/5 speed pump

HO= 245hp 6 speed pump



With the EZ, I usually don't run the TST PM3 Comp above setting 3, but now, there is no noticable difference from off to lvl 9. I can still make 40 spi of boost, have a little black smoke on the low end, but the truck is just very sluggish.



The dead pedal, eratic throttle, and low power are the same with the EZ on or off, and the TST on any lvl or turned off.

 

[trqmnstr]

MKoth, did your symptoms get worse over time or did it happen all of the sudden? I have a hesitation but no dead pedal and power is still very strong. I also have no codes. I am trying to figure out if it's the VP or not. Mine sounds like the APPS or bad connections. What do you think? Thanks

 

[joaker]

1693 is a very common code when you put a chip in these trucks, mine has had that and 0500 since probably the first time I chipped it, but the 216 may be of some concern, I would get the codes cleared first and see if it sets them again, then go from there. Here is a code list there are a bunch of other people with the 1693 code, just do a search for Trouble Codes, like I said I have had the 1693 and 0500 for as long as I can remember, they won't typically even trigger the check engine light. Good luck.

 

[MKoth]

MKoth, did your symptoms get worse over time or did it happen all of the sudden? I have a hesitation but no dead pedal and power is still very strong. I also have no codes. I am trying to figure out if it's the VP or not. Mine sounds like the APPS or bad connections. What do you think? Thanks

Well, it started as random dead pedal about three weeks ago, maybe once a week, but only after driving for a while, then it turned into dead pedal once or twice a day, so I unhooked all the electronic power adders, and still had the dead pedal. Did the OHM test on the APPS and it is within spec, so more then likely it is the VP44. I have always had good FP, never once has the gauge gone below 5 psi post fuel filter, I am thinking the PM3 Comp just overworked the pump electronics and damaged them.



EDIT: Everytime I got the dead pedal, it would throw the 216 code, and I would reset it with my scan tool, just to have it happen again, and throw the 216 code again.

 

[MKoth]

1693 is a very common code when you put a chip in these trucks, mine has had that and 0500 since probably the first time I chipped it, but the 216 may be of some concern, I would get the codes cleared first and see if it sets them again, then go from there. Here is a code list there are a bunch of other people with the 1693 code, just do a search for Trouble Codes, like I said I have had the 1693 and 0500 for as long as I can remember, they won't typically even trigger the check engine light. Good luck.

I cleared the codes everytime I would get dead pedal, 216 would re appear every time, I even drove around for a few days with my OTC scan tool hooked up to monitor all the ECM readings. All sensors are reading normal, but still have the pump code and low power.



I had a good freind that is an automotive tech drive the truck, and he thinks it feels like when a TPS goes out on a gasser, cause the dead pedal and power application is very random. I have already dont the APPS reset, as well as check resistance with a multimeter, so I am ruling it out.



I am 98% sure it is the pump, just need to know if I can replace it with an SO pump, or if it needs to be an HO pump.

 

[RJPotts]

I will bet its your pump also, I had the same problem, and YES you can use the SO pump on your HO motor. Absolutely.

I know for a fact that it will go on there but I don't know how all the electronic power stuff will work with the SO pump.

Dealerships put SO pumps on HO trucks on accident pretty often (they don't pay attention).

If you want the power possibilities, why not get the Hot Rod VP44. Just an option and I'm not sure about price differences or just how much power you want.

-R. J.

 

[MKoth]

If you want the power possibilities, why not get the Hot Rod VP44. Just an option and I'm not sure about price differences or just how much power you want.

-R. J.

The HRVP44 is about 600 bucks more then a standard pump, and I have yet to see any hard data showing that the HR is any better than a stock SO pump. Both the Stock SO pump, and the HRVP44 use the same size plungers,which are larger then the HO pump, and the electronic parts have to be very similar, so I don't see where much more power could come from.

 

[R-N-R]

My SOP meter indicated that the HRVP was similar to driving with an EZ. Unfortunately I only drove it for a week on it before making another change, but there was a very noticable difference for me.