Performance Upgrade

[jrperza]

Hello, I am new to the Diesel forum and new to my 03 Diesel truck. It is the 6spd HO. I was looking to do some mods. I was searching through the forums and looking at the differences between the TST, EDGE, Banks etc... . Sounds like many people are worried about the TST having too much power etc..... I am not looking to burn my Turbo up, or cause any damage to the truck. It is my daily driver as I drive an hour to work one way everyday. I am lookin for some advice how I can safely mod the truck with a chip, some exhaust etc... . and not have to worry about blowing the thing up. I don't ever haul anything. Except once in a blue moon helping others out with moving or picking something up. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.



Jason

 

[RodneyNichols]

Well for starters I would get a set of gauges I used the X-monitor from BD performance they are digital. Then I have a drop in AFE air filter and I'm running the Edge EZ. The Edge is what I used for the last few years on previous trucks I've owned. I have an 03 HO auto and the Edge EZ Really wakes it up. It has 4 differnant settings and one secret one, and of course I use the secret one for more power. I feel this combo is a great addition to people who don't want to do anything major. Within 5 minutes I have it back to stock power then I take it to the dealer if needed.

 

[boonsur]

I've been staying away from the EZ. It is a "pressure" box (tricks the computer into raising the rail pressure). There's a lot of people using them, but I'd still opt for a timing/duration box. These are just coming out (last few months). They do make a bunch of power (break things, power). However, my gut says that a low setting on these, would be more friendly (truckwise) than a pressure box. Plus, you can "grow into" these as you upgrade the turbo, etc.



As mentioned, get gauges to monitor. The 3rd gens create a lot of heat. Don't want to melt things, because you'd be stuck with the bill to rebuild. The boxes are coming with their own sensors, but you may want "another opinion" (external gauge).

 

[hotram03]

Banks sucks, stay away, Edge makes really great products even the EZ pressure box, VA makes good products, with the TST, just use the lower settings and you will be fine, I would start with an exhaust and cold air kit and gauges and baseline the truck and go from there. just my . 02

 

[Kimber]

Originally posted by HotRam03

Banks sucks, stay away

So what exactly are you trying to say?:-laf :-laf :-laf

 

[Mercam]

This is somthing i am wanting to know about also. I have the Guages(not installed yet) I Was womndering What Exhaust would be good for Starters and yet still be good enough to live with some upgrades (TsT and Edge Ez probably )

 

[KFette]

HotRam03:



I just installed the Banks system and I am really happy thus far, it has only been a week. Out of curiousity, what about the system sucks? Not starting an argument, just want some feedback...



Thanks, KFette

Originally posted by HotRam03

Banks sucks, stay away, Edge makes really great products even the EZ pressure box, VA makes good products, with the TST, just use the lower settings and you will be fine, I would start with an exhaust and cold air kit and gauges and baseline the truck and go from there. just my . 02

 

[hotram03]

Banks stuff has always been overrated, such as that Highram intake that actually lost 15 hp on the dyno as a matter of fact , If you look at that 6 gun and how the power curve is you can take a TST box and beat it in the ground, and I'm sure this new edge box is going to be the same, especially edge has always been more agressive on timing, I know a couple of people who have these boxes and rode in their trucks and they have rode in mine with just TST and they were blown away at the difference, but hey thats why Baskin Robbins makes 31 flavors, just my . 02

 

[hotram03]

KFette ask this guy why he is changing, turbojet





Registered: Nov 2002

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Posts: 172

View Reader's Rigs Gallery

Goodbye 6gun, hello TST!

Originally posted by turbojet

Ordered it up. We'll see if it measures up to the claims. Just won't ship for a couple weeks.



TJ

Ordered it up. We'll see if it measures up to the claims. Just won't ship for a couple weeks.



TJ





__________________

03 3500 dually HO,6spd, QC, SLT, 3. 73/silver/cloth/tow/6"lift/37 x 12. 5 x 17 BFG MTs/ 12000lb winch/ Flares front&rear/Tonneau /Banks 6gun & SL/Rancho 9000x shocks/Putco 4"nerfs/Airaid Intake Kit/BD short shift, Banks six gun, 4" DPP exhaust, Isspro gauges-steering wheel, Mag Hytech,stereo

 

[hotram03]

Oh yeah and this insight as well: dont know about 6 gun but Ive heard (dyno reports) That the 6 gun is way off the pace for useable power, and the TST is a bit underrated! I think you will be pretty happy with your choice. I know I am!





__________________

04. 5 600, SILVER, Q-CAB SHORTIE, 6 SPD, ULTRA LITE PYRO, BOOST, K&N FIPK, , MAGNAFLOW EXH. ,TST PMCR.



Just alittle insight thats all, another quote from thread " Hello TST, Goodbye 6-Gun"

 

[Jengle]

Get whatever box you feel you will use, TST or Edge, and just run it on the lower settings. If you upgrade other parts on the truck, then you will have the capability to turn it up. The biggest danger with these boxes is the operator. You know, just a little bit more, yeah, just a little more, ooops! Hard to resist turning it up a little.

 

[KLockliear]

The question here Jrperza is, what do you want out of your truck? What does it not do now that you want it to do? Doesn't pull the hill at the speed you want with your trailer or doesn't outrun that kid down the blocks' Mustang or not enough fuel mileage?



Depending on what YOU want out of the truck, there are quite a few scenarios. There are many options for these trucks, but once you decide what you want/need from it, then you can start to pick the path.

 

[KFette]

I guess this is kinda like the great Dodge, Chevrolet, Ford argument... Pick your poison



I haul a 5th wheel around to my deer lease and back during season, so I just wanted a little something extra for that two and a half month period. The fact that I don't really need it for the other nine and a half months is... well... an ongoing argument between my wife and I. Better MPG's is my argument and I'm sticking to it! The fun is just a by-product



I did have an off road shop tell me that the Banks system was overpriced, but still a good product. At that time, I had already ordered mine and it was due in that day.



So far I'm satisfied with what I got. Being new to Dodge and diesels, I guess I'll find out through trial and error what suits my expectations and needs.



Thanks for the responses!



KFette

 

[Bertram65]

I'll preface this by saying that my opinions are just from reading the forums and talking to Banks.

Seems like the Banks products are throughly tested and engineered for the trucks to produce more safe usable power and control the power to protect the transmission. Some of the other products may produce more power but at the cost of setting codes, unsteady engine rpm (surgeing) and the potential to use parameters that can cause engine damage.

Again, this is just based on reading here and other forums and people experiences they have wrote about, you do not hear to many people talking about Banks products setting codes or breaking stuff.

 

[KFette]

Bertram65:



I agree. I did some research and was impressed with the "safety" of the product. I guess we'll see.



KFette

 

[KFette]

Oh yeah, BTW, my Uncle had some influence on my decision. He has had Banks on his '02 3500 DRW flatbed (HEAVY HAULER) since it was new, and said he has loved it... especially when he passes a PowerPuff! LOL



KFette