Question for you Powermax experts

[JLinder]

I've been thinking about getting a Powermax3 adjustable as my first real bomb, but I have a few questions before I bite the bullet. From what I've read here, by buying the adjustable unit I can keep it turned down enough to not fry my clutch until I upgrade to a SB right? By keeping it turned down to a "moderate" level, it should keep my EGT's in check while towing also? One of my concerns is having power that I can't use when towing a heavy load. Also, does the Powermax only affect the fuel and timing aspects, or fuel and boost? Or all 3? Thanks for your help.

 

[Bigsaint]

The good thing is that you already have a gauge so you can keep the egt's in check. I don't know how long your clutch will last, but, like you said, you can keep it set low until you replace same. If you talk with Mark Chapple, he will tell you the box will affect the timing, boost and fuel. I can tell you that it doesn't affect the timing the same way a Edge EZ box does. It does have a built in boost module and of course, affects the fuel flow from the VP44 as you have to tap into the pumps wire for the install.



I have the competiton version piggybacked to the Edge EZ. I like it enough in levels 1-6 (6 would be setting nine on the standard PM3 box). Anything above that my box acts real radical, for lack of a better term. There is a heavy defueling shutter when you let off the go pedal in levels 7-9 and a moderate shutter when you try to nail it, again, in the same levels. Not a big deal to me, as I usually just run with the TST off and save it for play only. I can tell you that levels 1-6 are a real kick in the pants and I don't think that you would be disappointed with the standard PM3. Personally, I wouldn't spend the extra $$$ on the competition version again, I think it's a bit harse on the VP44 if used extensivley.



Scott W.

 

[DarrellB]

What he said

I tried a PM3 comp. last weekend and I think it's a little excesive for what I want. I put it on level 6 and smoked the poor clutch. And the shutter you get when letting off the throttle real fast is kind of scary. When I get a new clutch I will upgrade to a PM3 from my PM2 but not until I get this week clutch out of the truck. TST is a really good bunch of people to deal with and Mark really stands behind his products. I love my PM2 and have about 50,000miles on the truck with the box on it.



Good luck and happy bombing

Big D

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

You "can" run the box on lower levels to save your clutch - the question is how long you will be able to resist the temptation ! I would also recommend the street box instead of the comp box. I'm running a custom box between the two and I get the defuel shudder that the guys are talking about only on level 8 or 9 - I only use those when racing and I simply don't lift off the throttle while still in gear. For towing with the increased power you can buy the box with the remote that displays EGT and boost. With that you can set an EGT defuel point. Let's say you set that at 1200 degrees, it will let you overshoot that for about 5 seconds and then will defuel until at 1200 degrees. I used to turn my box down to level 2 or 3 when towing my 8500lb TT, now I leave it on level 7 and when unloaded I turn the EGT defuel off and when towing I set it for 1200 degrees. I can get my truck and trailer up to about 60 mph from a dead stop before it defuels and once up to 50 mph or so I'd be going crazy speeds before it defueled. The best of both worlds IMO.

 

[JLinder]

I'm on a fixed income!

The remote setup with the gauges built in looks and sounds pretty sweet, but it's a bit rich for my blood. I do plan on getting the adjustable PM3 though. My biggest concern was heat with the TST stuff. I know on their PSD chips run pretty hot, and just wondered if that was a whole product line thing or what. Sounds like they just don't like the PSD guys. Thanks for the help guys, ya'll made me feel good about my decision.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

You can always upgrade it later too. It comes with the full harness and all - you just have to buy the bigger remote down the road.



-Steve

 

[Bigsaint]

What Steve said !!! One nice feature of the newer TST boxes is that they have a phone jack, for lack of the correct terminolgy, on the back that allows TST to reprogram the box for ya. When I purchased my box, it was a straight PM3 Competition unit without the remote, I promply sent it too TST for the remote upgrade ( cost around $100 if I remember correctly). I think you will be very happy with the standard PM3, just watch your gauges when towing. I really don't see a big gain in egt's while playing with the box, sure they shoot up faster, but I have to get out of it due to the insane speed rather than the high egt's .



One word of caution... the wire loom that you have to snake through the firewall will test your fortitude . Just take it one section at a time and you will before you know it.



Scott W.

 

[Wiredawg]

go for the PM 3 Adjustable

I like my PM-3 adjustable. I tow my 15K lb 5th wheel on level 6 and pulls great. I run up and down the road with it on 7 and punch it up to 9 when there ford and chevys lurking.



I found setting mine on 3 lets me use cruise control. CC doesn't like the high levels I guess 'cause all the power.



Go for it and you won't be sorry.



Wiredawg

 

[EScott]

I originally bought the Powermax3 with remote, tore it out and had it upgraded to a comp this winter. Do to driveability issues (shudder) I leave it on #4 most of the time. The only time I turn it up is for a good spankin'



When I first got my PM3 I had every intention of running it in such a way as to avoid burning my clutch, that lasted all of about two weeks.



Erin

 

[MHindman]

yeah i have a pm3 on my new 01 HO. Its fun and is well worth it. now im after the clutch and the injectors. I guess it will never be fast enough...