Snow Performance recommendation

[STEVEBROOKS]

My truck being an '03 (with its lower EGT limit compared to later models), I'm considering adding a Snow Performance water/methanol injection system to help control EGT while towing. Any associated hp increase is a secondary consideration for me.



I've already got boost/EGT gauges, so don't believe I need a system that also provides those. That in mind, which of their systems do you believe would best fit my needs? Can the system be tied into my existing boost line/EGT wire? I've done a search of this topic on this forum, but would like to hear any positive/negative feedback from anybody using one of their systems.



Thanks,



Steve

 

[MChrist]

This may not be what you are looking to hear, but I would trade the Van Aaken box for a Smarty. Smarty drops EGT at least 200 degrees. VA run hot.
If you still had a problem, you could try a snow system, or a labonte system. I think you would be a few steps ahead this way. Better performance, lower cost, way more bang for your buck, etc.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Have to agree ~ I rarely see over 1000 with my smarty and only touch 1200 under the most extreme situations (like pulling the TT while spanking a D/A going over the pass).

 

[STEVEBROOKS]

Appreciate the replies. I guess I didn't consider swapping out the VA box because of its reliability. It's been on the truck for six years; 99% of the time at the low setting (25 hp?). When at the higher setting (40 hp?), the truck will really pull. When pulling our toyhauler at max weight and with New Mexico's altitudes, even at the low setting it'll get EGT up past where I'm comfortable with it.



Would still like to hear about Snow's systems, but any info about the Smarty you'd care to provide will be appreciated as well. What does the Smarty normally sell for?



Thanks,



Steve

 

[ENafziger]

Would still like to hear about Snow's systems,

Any reason you're wanting a Snow? It seems that Cooling Mist has by far the best progressive controllers to provide benefit across the engine map (like towing), rather than just on the top end.

--Eric

 

[STEVEBROOKS]

Carl,



I focused in on a Snow system, as it seems to me they're the most widely used. I admit that's a very subjective stance, and I've not heard of the brand you mentioned, but will look into them as well. Do you have any experience with any of these systems?



Steve

 

[STEVEBROOKS]

Oooops, sorry Eric for calling you "Carl"!



Steve

 

[ENafziger]

Oooops, sorry Eric for calling you "Carl"!

No problem!! It's been about 2 yrs since I researched it heavily. At that time, I felt that Cooling Mist offered the best progressively controlled system for someone wanting to realize benefits of water injection on a day-to-day driving/working rig. That being said, I've not kept up with everyone's offerings since purchasing my kit about 2 years ago. Cooling Mist always seems to set the lead with innovation in this market though from my experience.

Look up Labonte, Cooling Mist, Devils Own, and some others that will no doubt be linked to as you start to read. They all seem to use similar tanks, pumps, pressures, etc. The difference is in the control of delivery.

--Eric

 

[STEVEBROOKS]

Eric,



Thanks. How many degrees would you say your system lowered your EGT while towing? I'm trying to get enough info to make a decision between a water inj system and the Smarty. As I mentioned above, I kind of hate to get rid of my VA box, but I might end up doing that.



Steve

 

[AMcCormick]

I picked up an older version of a snow, I think stage three. It has a controller box that has two settings. One is performance and the other towing. You can adjust the max out put. Came with three different size nozzles. If it is on tow the pyro actuates the spray. At a certain temp the water comes on, as temp raises more water is added until hitting the set max out put. Same when in performance except with boost levels being the working input. I have not plugged this in yet just have not gotten to it. My truck will run just a bit warm. Now with the big stick cam in as long as I keep the rpms up she is all good no matter what is hitched up behind. I still want to try out the water and see how it goes.

 

[Sean Flanagan]

I am also interested in water / ethanol injection. And I have a Smarty JR. At high altitudes of the Colorado rockies, the improvement in egt is minimal with the smarty and heavy towing. I am always driving by the EGT gauge. I can still go way too high if I am not careful. I am towing about 9000 -10000 lbs.



I have an '07 5. 9 with a fancy air filter setup as well, which didn't help much either.

At high altitude 9000ft+ I do not like the smarty jr. Smokes like crazy and runs kind of crappy, especially on a hot day, even on the mildest settings. Recently changed to an edge with CTS. Almost no smoke with same EGT.



Anyway, if somebody has real water injection results at altitude, I am listening.

 

[STEVEBROOKS]

Sean,



It's interesting to hear that the Smarty is not, in and of itself, the answer to lowering EGT while towing. Like you in CO, some of the places I go in NM are pretty high in altitude. Even the "low" places we go to for sand dune riding are at 4500+ ft. Knowing what you've written now steers me back primarily into looking at water/methanol injection.



Thanks,



Steve

 

[lramsey]

Steve,

I have 2003. 5 with many ATS products 3000/5000, inlet, cp3, inner cooler, stage 5 trans, exhaust manifold; snow stage 3 (2 nozzles). Truck dyno'd ATS event Aug 2010. 632 whp/ 1100 ft. lbs. I have run Edge Ez, Diablo, TST, ATS programmers. Currently running Edge CTS Attitude lvl 6 and 5" exhaust since truck new.

For the money water meth works best. If I were to start from zero today, I would install programmer and water meth to control EGT. I live in Salt Lake City and pull 10k car hauler and easily go over Parleys summit 7k feet. With trailer empty, about 5K, I have gone over Parleys at 75 mph.