Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Smarty or injectors?

[VIPERBLUELX]

I currently have only a BHAF, Vulcan big line kit, and Edge Comp, my next mods will be 4" exhaust, converter and VB.



Here's my question, should the next power mod after those be larger injectors or a Smarty? And why? Also, what does the Smarty do that the Comp box doesn't as far as adding power? I really like the way the Comp feels on the truck and I don't want to remove it from the truck.



Also, if injectors should be my next mods, whats the best injector for the money(I want it smokey!), and at what point am I going to be at the limit of the stock turbo?



thanks



Mark

 

[Jetpilot]

Mark,



Go with the injectors, no additional HP from the smarty when added to your comp. The smarty will fuel very hard down low and spools the turbo faster, it is about driveability not HP.



With a stock turbo it really depends on how you use your truck and what you want... . I know one or two guys running Mach 4's (150 HP) with a stock HX35 but they can't tow anything. If you tow but not too heavy you could go with a mach 2 or 2. 5 injector. With heavy towing a mach 1. 6 would be the max I would recommend.



Doug Smith

 

[VIPERBLUELX]

I've owned the truck 4 months and haven't towed a single thing yet, it's a daily driver. If I do tow anything it will just be my Cobra on an open trailer, so not a great deal of weight at all.



With the Mach 4's do you think I'd be able to pull an open car trailer if I turn the Comp off?

 

[Jetpilot]

Where do you live and when you tow what altitudes and grades? Also your stock transmission won't last long with a comp and mach 4's... ...

 

[AFarmer]

Viper - look into some Mach 2's if you don't plan on doing any serious turbo upgrades just yet. A converter and a vb would certainly make your truck totally different.

 

[VIPERBLUELX]

Where do you live and when you tow what altitudes and grades? Also your stock transmission won't last long with a comp and mach 4's... ...

I live in north Georgia, and there aren't many steep grades anywhere I'd be towing my car. I'm installing a transgo shift kit in the stock VB today and I'll be replacing the converter soon, all of which will be prior to injectors.

 

[AFarmer]

Do you plan on doing a turbo upgrade anytime soon??

 

[SnoKing]

You seem to me headed down the slippery slope, I would advise you to do a complete custom transmission. Do it once and do it right. Tell the builder where you are headed on HP. Call GB, DTT, ATS, and SC. Pick the company that you feel good about. It will complete change the way the rig puts the power to the ground, and will no longer be a limiting factor it you get a good one. SNOKING

 

[VIPERBLUELX]

Viper - look into some Mach 2's if you don't plan on doing any serious turbo upgrades just yet. A converter and a vb would certainly make your truck totally different.

Is that 48RE VB you've got a direct bolt-in?

 

[VIPERBLUELX]

Do you plan on doing a turbo upgrade anytime soon??

Not at this time

 

[AFarmer]

48re is a direct bolt in replacement and it's well worth the money - I guarantee that. I'd get a set of Mach 2's and run it. If you're planning on going bigger later I'd get a less expensive set and then get the best of the best when you get a turbo and really start to make some killer power.

 

[Jetpilot]

As mentioned the 48RE VB is a direct bolt on replacement. But it still needs to be tweeked... . The beauty of the 48RE VB is higher line pressures from the start, this is one of the additions DC is doing to the 48RE trannies. Instead of the transgo kit call a couple transmission vendors and see about just getting an updated VB and TC. A full blown transmission is $$ but an awesome investment.



As for the Mach 4's they will be too big for a stock turbo towing what you want. I would look into mach 1. 6's or mach 2's for the OEM turbo. If you want give us a call and I can explain differences in more detail.



Doug Smith

 

[VIPERBLUELX]

so would a stock 48RE VB be as good as a modified 47RE VB?

 

[AFarmer]

I'd say no. It will feel different than a 47 but the modified 47 would be better. The 48 with some 'tweaking' would be a much stronger setup.

 

[Jetpilot]

so would a stock 48RE VB be as good as a modified 47RE VB?

No a modified 47RE VB would be better than a stock 48RE VB. The modified 48RE VB is best. There are lots of options for a VB, TC and internal transmission parts. Best bet is to decide where you want the truck to be HP wise, talk to the transmission shops and see what you feel works for you.



Doug