Switching Teams...12/24

[HiPerf360]

Hey guys I need some help here, I am ordering a new 3500 2wd with the ETH\DEE combo. My problem is now I have a bombed 12v and I cant go from beating a mustang to having a good race with a metro. I am looking at the self adjusting Power Max 3 fueling box from TST. I have heard that these can be hard on the injector pump, but if you install larger injectors it will ease a lot of the problem? What else will be needed to use this extra power? I know the clutch wont hold it... Dual disc Mecleod? AN fuel lines? Exhaust?
Thanks for the input,
Jonathon Knapp

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'96 3500 5spd Heavily BOMBed @50psi boost, DynoMax Race Mag muffler, cat fell off, Green/Tan loaded... 16. 70@95... and it is for sale

'67 Barracuda 11. 71@111

 

[Jeff Clark]

I've been running the TST PowerMax2 on my 98 for over a year with 40,000 miles. Mine is a early 98 (3rd week of January 98) and was thought to be problamatic. I think the concern lies within adequate fuel flow. To compensate for this, I would suggest the stainless steel lines and Aeroquip style fittings along with the box. 1/2" JRE supply line won't hurt either.

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98. 5 3500 QC 4x4, Driftwood/Mist Grey, 5 spd, 3. 54, 19. 5 Alcoa's, Ranchhand bumpers, DeeZee toolbox, "Scotty Air", TST PowerMax2, VA, 275's, Autometer Gauges, Centerforce clutch, Upgraded fuel lines (JRE and Aeroquip), MagHytec Diff Cover, PacBrake, Cowl Induction Hood

 

[Dane]

Johnathon,
Give the stocker ETH a chance before spending $, they are pretty quick unmodified #ad


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2001 HO 6 speed Regular Cab SLT 4x4 3. 54 anti spin 2500. Used for the daily grind and sneaking away to some secret Baja beaches toting a cabover

 

[Ross]

I have a 98. 5 24 valve that has had various iterations of TST boxes for over 50,000 miles (the truck has slightly over 80,000). I also have DD Stage II injectors. Now I am running the "competition" version of the TST 10-level box. All I can say is WOW! Prior to this adjustable box, I was running a VA CPC and a TST Powermax. The 10 level surpasses my previous power on level 5! I am running the stock clutch, and it is a JOKE! Clutch slips at anything over setting 3, however, on slick pavement, the tires break loose prior to the clutch, and it's a hoot! I have a new LuK Pro Gold waiting for a free weekend to install it, but from what I've read, the ProGold isn't going to be significantly better than the stocker. I will ultimately be forced to go with the Sachs or McCleod clutch... either way, big $$$$. That's what I love about the 10-level: I can run with it on 0 or 1 and not worry about my clutch. The adjustability is very nice--I highly recommend it.

As a side not, I out-ran a mid 90's SVO Taurus Tuesday night with the TST set on level 5. In 4th gear, I could only apply about 60% throttle without slipping the clutch, but was still able to stay about a car length ahead. I can't wait to get a clutch that will hold the power!

 

[SD-455]

I'm happy. Also have 10 Level PM. Also have 275RV injectors,Holley pump + SS braided lines,If you do,you'll enjoy too. Dave ( mine is competition also )

 

[HiPerf360]

Thanks for the input guys... What is the difference between the "competition" and normal PM 3?

 

[Ross]

The "normal" adjustable PM-3 incrementally increases power (from settings 0 to 9) up to PM 3 max level. I'm not sure what the max hp & tq numbers are at 9 (I believe somewhere around 350 hp & 760 Tq, the latest TDR has an ad which graphs the PM3 power). This version is EPA CARB certified, like all TST boxes, it does not generate noticeable smoke at any level. Since I have early version Diesel Dynamics injectors, my truck smokes a lot. For an idea of this type of smoke, look at HVAC's video.

The "Competition" version takes the PM3 max setting and places it at setting 5, making the increments from settings 0 to 5 much larger & noticeable. Settings 6 - 9 take fueling levels above the PM 3, and I can't get anyone to give me numbers, but they're very high, and in my opinion, not very practical. Settings above 6 are very very sensitive to throttle position, and not very useful unless full-out racing. Also, EGT's get so high, that you can only stand on the go pedal for a few seconds. Of course, a few seconds is all it takes to get to the next gear, or to run out of nerve, whichever happens first. Also, you must sign a waiver stating that you understand the competition version is for "off-road" purposes only.

Unless you're still struggling with adolescent behavior (like me), I would get the normal version. You will love the power, your clutch will last longer (maybe), and driveability will be great.

 

[HiPerf360]

Thanks for the info Ross, I think I'll go with the "competition" box. As for the adolescent behavior well... I'm 19 years old and I'll be struggling with it for a long time... LOL I am planning clutch upgrades as soon as I get the truck so that wont be a prob and I have a ton of -8 AN line and fittings so I'll upgrade the supply lines too, don't want to burn up a new injection pump. What injectors would you suggest? 275's? DD2's??

Again thanks for the info and keep it coming, I'm all ears...
Jonathon Knapp

 

[Bad340fish]

I have ridden in Jonathans truck many times and He could pull a 5K trailer and outrun a ETH(No kidding) I think that competition box sounds pretty sweet? What is the instalation like on the power max boxes? And what about boost? Does it come with the approriate boost elbow or is that a seperate deal.

Clark

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Clark
1999 2500 QC SB 5spd all stock for now
1968 Barracuda Formula S Viper Blue 11. 98@112

 

[Ross]

The installation is straight-forward, just like the other PM boxes. Just pull the wire loom through the firewall, splice into 12V hot wire near main bulkhead on driver's side, unplug the MAP sensor and re-plug it into the wiring harness, then back into the MAP, splice into the pump control wire (sort of a pain, you should remove intake plenum) and install new boost elbow. It shouldn't take over 30 minutes.

You might consider going with TST's Pyrometer. The new wiring harness already has Pyro leads included. They are about to release (maybe already have) a version which monitors temps and decreases fueling when temps get too high. This would be nice when towing up steep hills.

With regard to the injectors, I started with the 275's, and they don't even come close to the DD-IIs. I considered DD-IIIs, but the power comes on later in the curve, and only exceeds the DD-IIs for during a short peak. The 275s really did help my mileage (1. 5 mpg) and were a tiny bit stronger at very low rpm (1200-1600), but after that the DD-IIs blow them away. The DD-IIs smoke a lot! The TST boxes don't add fuel untill boost starts to build, so the box doesn't add smoke, but with the DD-IIs, my truck smokes anyway. When I was running the VA and the DD-IIs and the Powermax, the smoke was unbelievable! The VA adds fuel immediately, making the DD-IIs really fog!

I'd say go with the DD-IIs.

 

[Chad Sheets]

There is a thread floating around someplace where the general opinion of bombers was to go with the ETC coded non 6 spd truck. I dont remember why this was. Might be worth checking into.

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Always ready to help!
2000 2500 Red Sport quad cab, 4x4, K&N, DDI's, straight piped, boost, pyro and fuel pressure gages, Hot Power Edge, mean looking set of 33. 5" tires, Snap On diamond tool box, Marine Corps window sticker, Semper Fi!

1972 340 Cuda'. Original tripple Black, 340 car w/air. Good clean car, super stock springs, Weld Prostars, shaker hood, strong 340 with a 727/4000 stahl, 4. 56... . Bombs away!
NRA Life Member. http://www.geocities.com/chadsheets

 

[HiPerf360]

Thanks again Ross, That is the box I was planning to go with. The last time I called TST the tech reps were gone but the lady that answered the phone said that it would be out in mid-late Dec. I already have an Auto-Meter EGT gauge and sender, can I just splice into it or do I need to drill tow holes in the exhaust manifold? How stealth is this system? I'm not too worried about the warranty, I know some people at the local dealership.

Jonathon

 

[RobbyRam]

I ordered a TST Power Max 3 on the internet and paid for it AMEX. They called the next day and said since I have an Automatic they weren't going to send it!So I cancelled and bought an 'EZ' from HVAC. WOW! It's just what I wanted for my 'Beast'

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Bob in Sacramento, Y2K Black 3500 ISB 4x4 4:10 LSD,Auto,QC,SLT Laramie, Slightly BOMBED LB, Polished Stull Billet Grill & Fog inserts, Chrome Smitty-Built Step Rails, Mopar Chrome-Tipped Mud Flaps, A-Pillar mounted West-Tach Turbo/Pyro/Trans Temp gauges,Rancho 9000's set at '1',Diamond Plated Tool Box, OEM U. R. Bedliner + other stuff.
Fact:The First Fords' had 'DODGE' Engines! The new PSD's need them!

 

[HVAC]

HiPerf360,

I may be able to help you with the new ride #ad


13. 1 ET @ 112 mph
Dynoed 635 horsepower

 

[HiPerf360]

HVAC what do you recommend for the new ETH trucks? What do you think about the PowerMax 3 box? How about the McLeod dual-disc clutch? I drive about 100 miles a day, and out of town on the weekends so I need something reliable, that's why I liked the PM 3 box, I could turn it down when I don't need full power.

Thanks,
Jonathon

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'96 3500 5spd Heavily BOMBed @50psi boost, DynoMax Race Mag muffler, cat fell off, Green/Tan loaded... 16. 70@95... And it is for sale

'67 Barracuda 11. 71@111

NHRA Member for life... LOL

 

[HVAC]

HiPerf360, there are a couple ways you can go. You can take the low road which won't create as much EGT, will save you money, and will be very useful for towing/daily workhorse. Then you can go the more extreme route which will develop higher EGT's, cost more, require you to keep an eye on the pyro,require you to upgrade your fuel system, exhaust, and turbo.

Now I know what works for me, but everybody has different needs or wants. Do you ever need to tow anything heavy?

Regarding the PM3, I have only seen a couple and have not driven a truck with one installed. I would expect it to be a good product.

Either way you go you will need a set of injectors, how hot is up to you. You can go from a stock set of 275's up to the DD III's.
Then you will need some kind of box. This would range from something like the EZ or VA up to a box that taps the pump like a Power Edge or PM3. You also have the option of just going with one or the other. For example just a set of DD III's, or just a Power Edge. In that case you should still be under control regarding EGT's.

One combo that has met with applause is the EZ along with a set of 275's. From there proceed at your own risk! #ad


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Nowel/Performance Diesel

 

[HVAC]

Regarding the clutch issue, the McCleod is what I use. It's the only thing I know will work. There are a couple other products out there under development but???

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Nowel/Performance Diesel

 

[HiPerf360]

Thanks for the replies everyone, are there anymore opinions out there???

Thanks,
Jonathon

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'96 3500 5spd Heavily BOMBed @50psi boost, DynoMax Race Mag muffler, cat fell off, Green/Tan loaded... 16. 70@95... And it is for sale

'67 Barracuda 11. 71@111

NHRA Member for life... LOL

 

[Bart Timothy]

A fueling box like the TST or PE, on an ETH probably isn't your best choice without mods to the injector pump. Seems the pump won't put out as much fuel as the ETC pump does and the increases just aren't as much with a fueling box installed. Your money is better spent on injectors, a timing box such as the EZ, and a bigger turbo if you'r buying an ETH. The fueling box helps some, but not like injectors do, if you're on a budget.

 

[TREEMAN]

HVAC
On your reply to HiPerf360 you you mentioned he could go with a stock set of 275,s,do they have an upgraded set of 275,s or was that a figure of speech so to speak, just curious!Loving my combo set up. Ian

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2001,2500 q-cab,auto 4x4,4. 10 anti-slip rearend. All options except leather seats. Line-x bed & tool box. Slide-in -removable rack,BFG 295,s ,Fender flares. Westin nerf bars,billet grill & fog inserts. Isspro gauges on their way,more to come.