Newby question on boost/fuel modules

[Archive]

Howdy all,

I realized that I have been under an incorrect impression, and I would like to ask for some clarification. I had thought all the "boxes" such as the Van Acken and Power Edge were all the same thing. Well, I have recently kind of figured out they ain't!

So, what exactly are the differences between boost modules and fuel modules? Is it normal to use both, or just one or the other?

Thanks for clearing it up for me.

Tom


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Get outta the way: The Cummins is Cummin'!

Tom Golden
Godzilla: Patriot Blue 2001 2500 SLT QC 4X4 LWB ETH/DEE, Tow & Camper packages, 3. 54 Ltd. Slip, 4 wheel disc ABS, Isspro EGT/boost gauges, black SmittyBilt nerf bars
2001 Zinc Yellow SVT Mustang Cobra on order

 

[Archive]

I’ll try to keep this generic so that I don’t confuse myself and everyone else. From what I understand, what you are calling a 'fuel box' will only change how much fuel the engine gets. I believe the original Van Akken (sp?) was this type of box.

The ‘boost module’ that you mention will plug in between the boost sensor and wiring harness and keep the engine computer from ‘seeing’ a boost that is higher than the computer expects.

The current generation of most of the boxes out there incorporate both boost and fuel boxes into one device.


I guess now the question is which one do I want? I’ll try and help with that too. If you are going to add fuel to your engine you will get more power (good), but you will also get more heat (EGT) (bad). In order to try and lower the EGT you need to increase boost so that the engine has enough air to burn the fuel, make the power, and stay cool.

So, now you have a box that increases fuel flow and hides increased boost from the computer, but you’re not quite done yet. These engines have two methods of limiting boost, one is through fuel cut-back and is brought on by the computer seeing too much boost. We’ve already dealt with that. The other is the wastegate on the turbocharger. On the earlier trucks there was a rubber line that went from the intake manifold side of the turbo back to the wastegate actuator and made the actuator open the wastegate when the pressure in the intake manifold exceeded the dodge specified limit (~20 psi I think). On the new trucks there is a hard line that serves the same purpose as it seems the geniuses at DC decided it was too easy for us to get around the old rubber line. We get around both of these by basically disconnecting the feed line from the wastegate. On the older trucks we use a boost elbow, and on the newer ones several of the vendors sell devices that plug off the hardline, but I’ve heard that an EMPTY . 22 shell works nicely.


To sum it up, you need to:

Increase fuel (power box)
Hide increased boost from the computer (boost module)
Disable Wastegate (boost elbow/hardline mod)

I have not even touched on things like increasing the fuel flow to the injection pump, improving intake and exhaust flow, upgrading the transmission/clutch, or injectors/drugs. There’s allot that you can do with these trucks if you have the time/money/desire. Good luck and happy BOMBing!

Hope it’s clear as mud now #ad

Mike


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'99 QC 2500 SLT Driftwood 2wd SB 24v Auto 3. 55 LSD ISSPRO pyrometer