Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Towing with '02 HO

[Learguy]

I've been reading and lurking in the shadows for 2 1/2 months. Really learned alot. Thanx for that. I'm looking for opinions on what you guys like (Engine Mods) for towing. I have made one decision, I am NOT tapping the pump wire. I've got my own ideas, just want to see what you guys think.

 

[Hohn]

1) Catcher ECM

2) Larger injectors (Mach 1. 6 is a GREAT towing injector)

3) Upgraded clutch like Con OFE from South Bend Clutch

 

[Fishin Guide]

1) Catcher ECM

2) Larger injectors (Mach 1. 6 is a GREAT towing injector)

3) Upgraded clutch like Con OFE from South Bend Clutch

Sounds like a winner to me!!



I know the question was regarding towing, but how much weight and what elevation? You may be able to handle a bigger stick than that if you tow like I do.



But, I would think this would make the truck more fun to drive!





Dave

 

[PC12Driver]

An Edge EZ along with existing mods.



With that configuration, I was able to drag a 10k 5ver up a sustained 5% grade in 6th @ 70 mph with egts remaining at or below 1100* with a stock turbo.



Good price, no clutch change needed (therefore no hoppy-hoppy while trying to spot a trailer that you'd get with an OFE or above), minimal smoke, and throttle maintains linear travel. If my truck was primarily a tow vehicle I'd go back to that setup in a heartbeat.



Toss in bigger injectors for more kick. But that means clutch. Stronger clutch means you lose the smoothness while manuvering the trailer. And the injectors will also result in egts that will become an issue earlier in the hills, so you'll spend more time in 5th (especially with 3. 54s and 295s)



I've found that once you get past an EZ, trade-offs start to show up. Then it's a question of how often do you tow and what can you tolerate.

 

[RAJohnson]

I am with PC12Driver, An Edge EZ along with existing mods.



I would make it a Comp for a few more bucks and don't Tap the pump. It will work the same as a EZ and when the day comes that your comfortable tapping the pump you will Love the extra power. I pull a 7K tag a long with mine in 3X5 and love it, more milage and exhaust temp has never been above 1100* pre turbo. But a clutch will be needed if I decide to go 5X3 or 5. Just a thought.

 

[Fishin Guide]

I don't think you guys would recommend an EZ if you had ridden in a truck with a Catcher. JMO



And total HP gains are about the same.



Dave

 

[Learguy]

I'm towing a 10K 5'r. I go to Bristol, TN and Fort Worth, TX once a year and Kansas and Iowa numerous times when the weather is not snowing or ice. Thanx for the suggestions.

 

[SnoKing]

I don't think you guys would recommend an EZ if you had ridden in a truck with a Catcher. JMO



And total HP gains are about the same.



Dave

How about on his icey winter roads. I vote for the Comp in EZ mode. Can turn it off in the winter with a punch of an incab button. Set mine to:

1x1

2x2

3x3

4x4

5x5



I can easily vary sublevels, the only thing in play with no tap, by varing the main levels with the up and down buttons. Turn it off from time to time in Eastern Washington or on the passes when snowmobiling in the winter.



SNOKING

 

[kelly4463]

I tow with dd3 comp box on 1x1 35/40 turbo, it will walk past a max or a turd on the hills all day long :-laf :-laf with 14,000 lb 5er in tow, man you got to love the cummins

 

[Hohn]

I don't think you guys would recommend an EZ if you had ridden in a truck with a Catcher. JMO

And total HP gains are about the same.

Dave

I'm probably one of a handful of people that has had an EZ, a Van Aaken, and a Catcher on my truck at one point or another.

Catcher ECM is in a league of its own-- an EZ or VA just can't hope to compare.

 

[RustyJC]

See signature.



Rusty

 

[Bob Wagner]

comp in ez mode in not that adjustable. on and off is the biggest adcvantage.



stick it on a dyno and press the buttons

 

[Fishin Guide]

I agree it's nice to be able to turn off the Comp. Like when I let my girlfriend drive the truck.



Otherwise, it is never off. And I have towed in the mountains, on ice, with and without chains.



You have to make your own decision based on your needs.



My next BOMB is gonna be a Catcher!!



Dave

 

[SnoKing]

comp in ez mode in not that adjustable. on and off is the biggest adcvantage.



stick it on a dyno and press the buttons

Agreed, the sublevels only effect the boost point that fueling is added. EZ has three jumper settings, Comp has 5 sublevels. On a dyno they would not show a change as you are most likely already at max boost. On the street it will effect things including smoke. SNOKING

 

[Learguy]

How's this?

I think I'm going with the Catcher, and F1 Mach 1. 6's (Mach 2's too much, right?) Just need to figure out how to "Fix" the lift pump in the tank fiasco.

 

[R-N-R]

That will be a very solid combination, good performance while maintaining drivability while towing.

 

[Bob Wagner]

Agreed, the sublevels only effect the boost point that fueling is added. EZ has three jumper settings, Comp has 5 sublevels. On a dyno they would not show a change as you are most likely already at max boost. On the street it will effect things including smoke. SNOKING

the comp 5 levels do not come into play with the wire untapped. 5x4 5x5 3x3 are all the same

 

[PC12Driver]

The sublevels do work with the wire untapped.



I think the point was that if you leave the sub level = the power level (1x1, 2x2, etc) then you can easily adjust the sub levels on the fly. Not much control over top end power, but it does give you some control over smoke and the responsiveness of the truck.



FWIW, on my truck, the difference between sub level 2 and 5 (wire untapped) was 20hp on one dyno and 30hp on another. Both were Dynojets.

 

[d.miner]

I also have an 02 HO. I have an Edge EZ, I have freed up my exhaust by removing the resonator & stock muffler, I replaced it with a straight through Maganflow. I'm now 3" from the turbo back. I also removed the collar from the stock air cleaner box... the one that goes from the box into the fenderwell, that really freed up the breathing. I forgot to mention the first mod was gauges.



Thus far I'm very pleased. I tow a 27' Hitchhiker II 5th wheel and I have good power anywhere I go. The EGT's are controllable and not excessive.



My next mods will be injectors and a clutch. The Cummins is a great engine and it doesn't take a whole lot to wake it up. I'm still not certain on the injectors... I'm down to the Mach 1. 6's or Bosch 275's. Either injector will be a welcome addition, the 1. 6's are quite a bit more money, but also more power and better mileage. I may stick to my low budget track... we'll see.



Anyway... I tow, never did want 500 HP, just enough to go down the road happy. So far, so good!



Good luck to you,



Dan

 

[RAJohnson]

Dan I see your close to Richland. 5 Miles PM me some time and maybe we will run (pass) across each other some time.



Rob