Questions for VA box owners???

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I went to the Timberline Dodge event yesterday in Portland. Decided that the VA is the best upgrade for me. I have a few questions for owners, or past owners of the VA.

Have any of you had any problems with it? transmission, check engine lights, stumbling ext.

Will I notice the power increase, especially while towing?

Fuel mileage + or -?

Any other information I may need would be appreciated. I'm looking for some more power without upping the transmission and from what I've heard the VA is the way to go.

I'm going to pull my 6k trailer to Missoula Montana and am considering getting it before I go.

Thanks and Ram On!
Chris


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1998. 5 4x4 Laramie SLT 2500 quad cab, AT, long box, Loaded except leather. Black/Grey,
Matching Totem canopy, Bed liner, diamomd plate rails and tail gate, Carr steps, y2k fog lights installed, K&N air filter, Magna Flow muffler (no resonator)Monster chrome tip. Gauges next, then ????

1998 27ft Nash Trailer. 6K, no problem!

 

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I dont know that I can be a great help, but I tried the VA before buying it, and from what I could tell there wasnt much of a difference except for a little smoke. Why that was I dont know, so after that I didnt buy the box. As far as fuel milage goes, then I cant be of help to you. My advice is to find someone who has one and try it first, only you can judge what kind of a difference it makes.

"The Blackdog" 2001,24v Cummins,Auto,QC,SWB,
3:55 gears,Black,Agate Leather,Every Option Available,Pipe Bomb,JVD Torque Enhancer,Boost Module,33x12. 50 BFG Mudders on 16. 5x9. 75 Weld Super Single II's,Dee Zee D. Plate Toolbox,Bed Rails,Tailgate Guard.


"Dodge Makes It, Cummins Shakes It"

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I've had the VA box on for about two months now and it's tough for me to gauge how much increase in power/improvement in mpg I've had because I did injectors/boost module/convertor all at the same time. I decided to keep it because the smoother idle and lower noise level, at idle, is significant in my view. Have had no problems, other than alittle excessive smoke (below 8 psi of boost and/or 1500 rpm) and that's mostly injectors. Is it worth the money? Easy install/removal and the smoother/quieter ooperation is worth it for me. I don't know where Boring, OR is but I'll be traveling through OR the later half of August if you what to run around the block with it for a look-see. email me if that interests you.

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'98. 5 2500 QC ISB 4x4 SLT, Auto w/Transgo shiftkit, JRE 4" exhaust w/5"Tip, DD II's w/Module&Elbow, VA box, Rancho 9000's w/in cab adjust, Mag-Hytec trans&diff covers, Jacobs E-Brake w/BD autoloc, trans temp-boost & EGT gauges, 2Low Kit, Steel Horse Billet Grilles, featuring the AirBullDog hood induction system

[This message has been edited by rotohead (edited 07-16-2000). ]

 

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Ramfan2.
I have a 10K fifth wheel. I pulled it before and after purchasing my VA box. I notice a significant difference. Does it have as much as some of the other guy's set ups? No, but one of the reasons I bought it was that I would not have to upgrade anything else - transmission, etc. After having it for several months, I took it off for a short trip - really noticed the difference. My truck stumbled but that was because of the Dodge software. I had my truck reflashed 6 months ago and no stumble since. I think my mpg went up about 1. I only have a slight puff of smoke when I first start up.
Hope it works out for you.

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Craig
2000 2500 QC, SLT, SB, 4X4, 5 spd, 410, Geno's combo boost and EGT on A pillar, Rhino lined, Patriot Blue life support system for my 5+ ton fifth wheel

 

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I've had my VA since Feb. I purchased it for the same reason as you. The automatic. I can tell a difference with it. I've had no problems what-so-ever. (knock on wood) From what you have said I think you'll be happy with it, but I caution you, once you start you'll want more! #ad


Steve

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Y2K 3500 SLT+,4x2,Black/Camel,leather,LSD,Auto,3. 55,towing,rhino-liner,eagle series 58 alum wheels,JRE 4" exhaust,VA CPC

98 20. 1'Viper Coral/200 Merc EFI

 

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I agree with the previous post about trying it before you buy it. 243 and I tried out a VA (from a couple of fellow members, man TDR is great!) - he experienced a pretty nice gain with his 4X4 QC SB 5speed w/ 3. 54's. On the other hand, I did not see very much gain (0-60 dropped by only 0. 5sec - for comparison, NOT SALES PITCH, my PE on level 1 dropped over 1. 0sec). It seems to give a noticeable difference to most, but I, for one, would have been one very dissatisfied customer if I had bought one before I tried it.

You test drive a truck before you buy it right? Find a fellow TDRer and give it a try!

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1999 2500 QC 4X4 LB Auto 4. 10LS, Driftwood, CD player with Steering Wheel Controls, Power Driver's Seat, 275HP Injectors, PowerEdge, K&N Air Filter, Brushguard, Spray-in Liner, 285/75R16 BFG AT KO's, Nerf Bars, Black Diamond Plate Deep Well Tool Box, Mopar flat antispray guards (front and back)
2000 Yamaha Big Bear 400 4X4
NRA Member

 

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Ramfan2, If you had the emisions reflash on your 98. 5 one thing it did is to retard you injector timing. One of the things the VA does is advance the timing. So if you had the reflash, it would help you a lot more than people with the 99 and newer trucks. I figured this out after I had already spent about 2500 bucks on mine to get my power back ( plus some extra ). If I had it to do all over, I would start with the VA.

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1998. 5 QC 2500 4X4 24 VALVE, INTENSE BLUE, 235-85 MICHELIN, BANKS STINGER,DD Stage1 injectors

 

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Ramfan2, I was at Timberline on saturday also. I have a VA in my 98. 5 that has had the reflash and I wouldn't be without it. Power increase was very noticeable measured by "seat of the pants". I tow a fifth wheel at about 9000lbs and it really helps. On the trip to Portland I got 24 mpg and usually get 20 mpg around county. Had 576 miles when the fuel warning signal came on. The VA is the only upgrade I have and I am very satisfied.

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98. 5 2500 Quad Cab SLT 2WD, Line-X sprayed bed liner, Westin Chrome step bars, Truck Trunk/top slider
Reese 15K 5th wheel,Pro Flaps (don't laugh they keep the gook of the white/driftwood paint job)
Midland CB/Fire Stick ant. VA plug-n-play

 

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Thank you for the great information. I would like to hear more from other owners.

I had the emission reflash over a year ago. I complained about lack of power and they (Timberline Dodge) flashed it again. Not sure what it was for, but I noticed a nice power increase after.

It might not be a bad idea to try one. You'd think a dealer would let you plug one in and take it for a spin. Can't hurt to ask.

Chris

 

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Oops!!! Got nervous on the button #ad
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Y2K 3500QC, 6 Speed, 4. 10, SLT+, Camper & Tow Pkg. , Westin Chrome Nerf Bars, Mopar Flaps, Reese 20K Hitch, V-A CPC, EGT & Boost Gauges, RPM 45 Gallon Aux. Fuel Tank, Highway Products 5th Wheel Toolbox, ECM Controlled PacBrake, Painless Wiring Kit, Mag-Hytec Diff. Cover, 80% Towing Hitchhiker II 31', 2 slideouts, 19,750 GCW

[This message has been edited by Bill Stockard (edited 07-17-2000). ]

 

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ramfan2,

I have a VA box on my engine. No other upgrades. I could tell the difference the minute I pulled out on the Interstate with my 10,000+ lb. 5th wheel in tow--more power, better acceleration, holds the speed better on the hills, less throttle for the same speed. This is the only upgrade I am doing on my engine and I am pleased with it. I had the VA on when we pulled the 5er to May Madness this year and I am pleased with that "little extra" you get with it.

I had gauges on my truck before and after the VA box and they changed very little. The exhaust gas temperature does not sky-rocket like on some of the other upgrades. Max boost still at 19 PSI and max EGT measured at the PacBrake elbow runs 950 degrees. I can't tell about the mileage since the truck is more "peppy" with the VA box and I tend to keep my foot in it more. #ad


Bill

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Y2K 3500QC, 6 Speed, 4. 10, SLT+, Camper & Tow Pkg. , Westin Chrome Nerf Bars, Mopar Flaps, Reese 20K Hitch, V-A CPC, EGT & Boost Gauges, RPM 45 Gallon Aux. Fuel Tank, Highway Products 5th Wheel Toolbox, ECM Controlled PacBrake, Painless Wiring Kit, Mag-Hytec Diff. Cover, 80% Towing Hitchhiker II 31', 2 slideouts, 19,750 GCW

 

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I can tell you that the addition of the boost module really woke my truck up after the VA. Less smoke too. After having tried everything else, I will probably go to Stage 1 injectors, VA and boost module. I might even go back with the factory housing.

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2001 6-speed 4*4 Quad dually. Diesel Dynamic Injectors, 14cm housing 4in exhaust. Jacobs brake.

 

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I have a couple of other mods to go along with the VA (see sig for details). I weighed my truck and horse trailer at certified scales two weeks ago and topped out at 21,650 lbs. On our trip we averaged 11. 5 mpg running at 75mph or better. The VA is a good upgrade. The problem is that it wets your whistle. I agree with a previous post - a Boost Module would be a great addition and possibly a set of DDI injectors. Do I really need the BM and injectors? No. But they sure will be cool!

There are other mods on the market which may provide more power. However, I think the VA still has it's place in the performance upgrade arena. It is probably overpriced, but I still like it. Just my opinion.

Oh, no stumbles or check engine lights and I have absolutely hammered this thing towing up mountains with temps over 100 degrees. I think the mpg's have increased 1 - 1. 5 mpg's with the VA.

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Puller: Y2K 3500 Quad Cab Cummins 6spd, All options except leather, 4" exhaust, K&N Air Filter, VA CPC Box
Pullee: '98 Trails West 3 Horse Slant with 10' Living Qtrs and Mid Tack.

[This message has been edited by K-Man (edited 07-17-2000). ]

 

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I Installed the VA and noticed a nice power gain. After about 4 months, I started to pick up a chatter in the converter. I have since added a BD pressure lock but haven't had the chance to try it pulling my 10,000# 5er. Has any one out there experianced this or do I have a week converter? I have no problem when I remove the VA box.

 

[Archive]

I Installed the VA and noticed a nice power gain. After about 4 months, I started to pick up a chatter in the converter. I have since added a BD pressure lock but haven't had the chance to try it pulling my 10,000# 5er. Has any one out there experianced this or do I have a week converter? I have no problem when I remove the VA box.

 

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simurdak, actually you should add the BD modified valve body as well as one of their performance torque converters, as the slippage will only get worse over time.

 

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If you never get in a PE equip'd truck and never get near one of the HP BOMBERS etc etc, you will be happy forever with the VA.

If you get the VA, drop your membership to the TDR or at least stay on the non-drivetrain threads...

Seriously, I loved my VA but love the PE more!!!!

 

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Dave!!!!
I HEARD THAT!!!!!!!!

WOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

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Larry

 

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Ramfan,

Wish I'd have known you were that interested, when you were standing with John and I as we were leaving Timberline at the end, my black rig I was leaning on had one on it... you could've driven it. The guy from BD was letting people put one on their rig and go for a spin, also. My mpg went up significantly, as did the power. I have the 18-11-99 reflash. Personally, if you care about warranty issues, the VA/BD is an EZ stealth mod... . I can't speak to the Power Edge, but it sounds fun. I've had VA since Ted did the initial order, no probs whatsoever.

Regards,

Dave

 

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Junebug- what boost module are you using?

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99-24V-2500-Laramie-SLT-A/T-LSD-355
All Options except cab lights and carpet-Rino- Prime-Loc-Alcoa wheels-Lund cold front-Factory Tows-DSG Electronic Fast Idle-Mag-Hytec transmission Pan+Rear Diff. Cover Tekonsha Voyager VA CPC Rancho 9000-5000 steering stabalizer _ALASKA