Performance box, stacking, etc...

[JCobb]

I was wondering what everyone thinks about the issue of electronic performance enhancements for their 3rd gen trucks? I have done some searching around, and it seems as though most people like what the Smarty can do. I have an 04. 5 HO auto 4X4 and am thinking about putting some performance enhancers on the truck.



I read the Glacier Performance website recommended about stacking boxes, the TST PMCR timing/duration box, Bullydog Downloader, van Aaken C3. 1 pressure box to get max power from your common rail truck. Will the Smarty do all of the things that these three electronics stacked will do?



He says that he tested just about all of the products out there and came up with this combination.



I am wondering what ones he did not test yet?



My cousin has an 05 HO auto truck, with an Edge Juice with Attitudeon it, quite a nice setup, but I want more.



I want to be able to start building up the truck to produce more power, what do most of you recommend? Thanks.

 

[MMeier]

I want to be able to start building up the truck to produce more power, what do most of you recommend? Thanks.

First off, welcome to the TDR!!!! And how about filling out your signature line so we know what you have.

 

[DerekW]

I personally run a Banks 6 gun with speedloader option and I will be removing it this week for a TST. Not sure which TST gives the most power yet for the mods I will be performing in the next 6 months but i am not happy with the banks I have had to many problems. My new setup will be a TST with PPE hot xcellerator combo with dyno time to figure out the best settings between the combo. If you plan on drag racing or sled pulling Horsepower and RPMs are the way to go.

 

[RobertP]

I was wondering what everyone thinks about the issue of electronic performance enhancements for their 3rd gen trucks? I have done some searching around, and it seems as though most people like what the Smarty can do. I have an 04. 5 HO auto 4X4 and am thinking about putting some performance enhancers on the truck.



I read the Glacier Performance website recommended about stacking boxes, the TST PMCR timing/duration box, Bullydog Downloader, van Aaken C3. 1 pressure box to get max power from your common rail truck. Will the Smarty do all of the things that these three electronics stacked will do?



He says that he tested just about all of the products out there and came up with this combination.



I am wondering what ones he did not test yet?



My cousin has an 05 HO auto truck, with an Edge Juice with Attitudeon it, quite a nice setup, but I want more.



I want to be able to start building up the truck to produce more power, what do most of you recommend? Thanks.

all performance combos work differently on different trucks, all mods and trucks respond different, so one combo is not the answer for all trucks.

 

[JCobb]

Performance...

Well, I do know that every vehicle is different, for different needs, etc, but what I am asking is in general, what are the performance modules that seem to be working best for those people with trucks like mine.



I want also to get the most bang for my buck, even if I have to buy more than one electronic device.



I intend to put a 5" exhaust on the truck, intake mods, maybe bigger turbo, (probably not twins). I will be drag racing the truck for fun on the weekends (and want to be able to embarass some of the cars there), but also want to be able to surprise the jerk going 30 MPH over the speed limit on the highway weaving in and out of traffic without turn signals.

 

[ENafziger]

Well, I'll jump into this one...



Yes, many people are very happy with the Smarty (including myself). There are, of course, many opinions here, but Smarty is probably the safest downloader on the market. It provides great power/reduced EGT/etc. , but can't be adjusted on the fly. However, some people have found that with their trucks, Crazy Larry has given great results as well.



If you are thinking of stacking, TST is regarded as one of the best boxes for making big power. It is traditionally thought of as a "duration and timing" box, although new models include the option of rail pressure as well. It is adjustable in the cab.



Many people find that adding a little rail pressure is a great way to add some power as well (although you have to use caution in this area, as too much pressure can cause other problems). A little pressure seems to allow much better driveability, especially on trucks that are running a TST. The safest option here may be the VanAaken. The Edge EZ is also another very popular option, and is slightly more aggressive. If you have alot of self control, many people have had great results with the TS MP-8/Smarty/TST stack. The MP-8 is regarded as an aggressive pressure box, and many people do not turn it up over 50% or so. There are of course other options for pressure as well, like SP Diesel, etc.



Overall, it seems people making big power are using some type of downloader (Smarty, Crazy Larry, etc), TST (or duration box), and some pressure (EZ, TS MP-8, VanAaken, Sp, etc). There are many combinations that could be had, and different trucks seem to react differently to different mods.



Again, you'll get a lot of heated opinions when asking about stacking, but you should always keep in the back of your mind that there are risks involved when doing this. In that regard, a good set of gauges is a great place to start.



Finally, double or triple stacking will necessitate other mods as well, such as upgraded lift pump (FASS, GDP, etc), transmission/clutch upgrades, and turbo(s)/intake/exhaust to help with air handling. Furthermore, injectors and a modded CP3 provide a lot of benefits as well (and may become necessary to fully utilize the potential of your fueling boxes), depending on how far you're wanting to go.



Hope that somewhat helps... Eric

 

[Mark1si]

First thing you "SHOULD" do is your transmission. I know not everyone has 6-10k laying around. I know I dont. I have the Smarty Mp-8 and TST. I run the Smarty on 60hp no timing the TST on 1/0-1/1 and the MP-8 about 1/2 - 3/4 of the way and all I can say is Get In Sit Down and HANG THE **** ON. But I know it and my wife knows the transmission is gonna die. So with that said get a TC and VB atleast.

 

[JVolpe]

Well, I'll jump into this one...



Yes, many people are very happy with the Smarty (including myself). There are, of course, many opinions here, but Smarty is probably the safest downloader on the market. It provides great power/reduced EGT/etc. , but can't be adjusted on the fly. However, some people have found that with their trucks, Crazy Larry has given great results as well.



If you are thinking of stacking, TST is regarded as one of the best boxes for making big power. It is traditionally thought of as a "duration and timing" box, although new models include the option of rail pressure as well. It is adjustable in the cab.



Many people find that adding a little rail pressure is a great way to add some power as well (although you have to use caution in this area, as too much pressure can cause other problems). A little pressure seems to allow much better driveability, especially on trucks that are running a TST. The safest option here may be the VanAaken. The Edge EZ is also another very popular option, and is slightly more aggressive. If you have alot of self control, many people have had great results with the TS MP-8/Smarty/TST stack. The MP-8 is regarded as an aggressive pressure box, and many people do not turn it up over 50% or so. There are of course other options for pressure as well, like SP Diesel, etc.



Overall, it seems people making big power are using some type of downloader (Smarty, Crazy Larry, etc), TST (or duration box), and some pressure (EZ, TS MP-8, VanAaken, Sp, etc). There are many combinations that could be had, and different trucks seem to react differently to different mods.



Again, you'll get a lot of heated opinions when asking about stacking, but you should always keep in the back of your mind that there are risks involved when doing this. In that regard, a good set of gauges is a great place to start.



Finally, double or triple stacking will necessitate other mods as well, such as upgraded lift pump (FASS, GDP, etc), transmission/clutch upgrades, and turbo(s)/intake/exhaust to help with air handling. Furthermore, injectors and a modded CP3 provide a lot of benefits as well (and may become necessary to fully utilize the potential of your fueling boxes), depending on how far you're wanting to go.



Hope that somewhat helps... Eric

That about somes it up as I see it also. My current triple stack and supporting mods are in my signature.

 

[JCobb]

Thanks...

Thank you for the responses, this is the exact information I was looking for. As for the transmission, I planned on working on that right now , before I buy any power enhancements. Great information! Thanks again to all.

 

[lcaad1249]

Also on the transmission since you are talking about this much power and drag racing, I would get everything done to the transmission, i. e. Full Billet. I had one set up for my power level but minus billet output and flexplate and within 2 weeks both snapped during a sled pull.