TST opinions please

[Big P]

I'm looking for some feedback on how TST is doing with the CR powermax. I remember when it first came out, I read quite a few posts complaining of codes coming up and a few drivability issues. I have been searching this site about it and it "seems" most issues are on the 03 trucks.



My main concern now is fuel milage because I am doing alot of driving. My truck is basically stock with the exception of a 5" exhaust. I tried an EDGE EZ this weekend on a trip and it made about a 1mpg improvement, but I am thinking a duration/timing box has a better shot at better mileage than a pressure box. Also, I don't really like the idea of higher pressure in the rail all the time. While I was searching I did see posts indicating 1-3mpg better while highway driving if you kept your foot out of it.



I will not be doing any turbo or transmission upgrades for atleast a year, but I don't have a problem keeping the box turned down. No gauges either but that is fine, I will just turn it off while towing. Like I said, my main concern is mpg while empty. I like the idea of "growing into the box. " Someday I would like to see 500rwhp.



I have an 05, so I guess I am looking for feedback on how it is performing on the 04. 5 up engines. Have the code issues been solved? Would I be better with the "twins" program or the regular program for my current situation? Any other wierd drivability issues?

 

[TSpecht]

You could do like I did and get the mild program with the built in guages. Supposedly it backs down when it hits a preset EGT limit you set. I haven't got mine installed yet (this coming week, probably Tues/Wed. ), so I can't comment about performance or trouble codes. From all the reading on it I've done, it seems like one of the cures for codes is to put the ground wire inside the cab to a good ground on the cab up under the dash. There's a couple things I'd like to figure out on mine like how to avoid routing the remote wire through the door, there must be a more professional way to do that.

I wish I could be of more help, sorry for rambling on...

 

[RTillery]

65,000 miles and still very happy. I average around 20mpg, hand calculated with a good amount of highway miles. I got a few codes when I first put it on. They were usually related to pulling the engine way down in RPM with a light load. I have not had a code show up for around 30,000 miles, maybe the ECM learned? I generally run it around 4/2, stock clutch still hold in fine at 80,000 miles.

 

[TexasCat.]

The TST is the way to go if you are going to "build to it". I love mine, it is very tuneable. I am in the same boat you are in, I have not made the turbo and trans. upgrade yet. Those are on the to do list. Its is hard to resist turing it up, but I have yet to go past 5-5. It is impressive on this setting, I cant imagine what it would do all the way up. There has also been no codes yet.

 

[Coolslice]

Love mine. It makes good power and throws no codes. . I don't think I'm seeing a mileage increase at all though. . I did lots of research on "boxes" and I felt like TST had the best, and over a year later I still feel that way. .



Personally, I think as long as you have a stock 48re you will never be able to use the full potential of the stock power, let alone a TST PMCR... One day I'll fix that problem. . :-laf

 

[05mxdiesel]

I agree with what everyone has said. TST is the way to go, I have the built in gauges. I'm going to add mechanical boost and egt before I upgrade my turbo, just to be safe. My mileage probably has gone up but keeping my foot out of it is hard. Only had a crank sensor code, but it cleared itself. The extra power is also nice when towing.

 

[Big P]

Thanks for the input so far. I just though of another question. Does TST provide anything for the turbo wastegate? I know the "600" engines have an electronic wastegate, but is there any "boost elbow" provided like on the previous model year trucks. How do you keep from overboosting the turbo?



BTW Coolslice, I got the Kore lift installed and the Diamo 8 karats , 325/60/18 Nitto Terra Grapplers, and ATS fender flares going on real soon. :-laf

 

[BILLUA]

Yes there is a wastegate modification with the TST Powermax CR... Get it, you won't regret it!



Cheers,Bill

 

[Tomeygun]

I have an 05, so I guess I am looking for feedback on how it is performing on the 04. 5 up engines. Have the code issues been solved? Would I be better with the "twins" program or the regular program for my current situation? Any other wierd drivability issues?

The 04. 5 engines seem to respond very well with the PMCR, I would highly recommend the singles (regular) program though



And as for the crank/cam codes, Those have been pretty much eliminated with some more accurate timing advancement... I dont know all the details, But the programmer at TST mentioned modifiing when and how fast the timing comes it - And changing that netted code free operation





A note about mileage though, I was at 19mpg, and I still am... But now I drive like I stole it, So thats gotta count for something

 

[Yo Hoot]

I love mine. Stock turbo and auto. I run 6/6 all the time. It's all about being reasonable. I have had it turned all the way up to 9/9 just to play with smoke. You just need to be light going on and off. I was getting the check engine light once in a while. It goes out eventually. I don't pay much attention to it.



I have been having an issue with it. Seems it changes power levels on it's own once in a while. If it gets any worse I just might have to give them a call. I'm sure they will take good care of me. Over all it seems to be first class product.

 

[Coolslice]

BTW Coolslice, I got the Kore lift installed and the Diamo 8 karats , 325/60/18 Nitto Terra Grapplers, and ATS fender flares going on real soon. :-laf

Congrats! I'd get those wheels off before they start salting the roads or you'll need to buy another set next spring. :-laf

 

[lmills]

TST all the way.

 

[RMalone]

Yeah if you want a truck that will scare you with power the tst pmcr will do the trick.

 

[Matt400]

There's a couple things I'd like to figure out on mine like how to avoid routing the remote wire through the door, there must be a more professional way to do that.

I see you have a stick so how about making a slit in the rubber grommet that is below your clutch pedal?

That grommet is where the auto's have the shift cable go through. You could then put a dab of silicone on it once you have pulled the cable to where you want it.

 

[Coolslice]

Through the door?!?

 

[Matt400]

Through the door?!?

If TST's instructions are like the Juice, they have you open the drivers door and run the cable between the cowl and fender by the drivers wiper. Pretty dorky if you ask me. I wouldn't want to close the door on the cable each time but I am sure they would be happy to sell you another once it has been squashed enough.

 

[WMoroni]

There is a couple of holes already in the firewall, in the steering colum area with rubber plugs in them. I used one to run my gauges thru the other to run my remote wire thru

 

[RDyson]

I put an EZ on my 03 after I had it about a year. It has the SO motor and is pretty doggy stock. I never saw the mileage increase I was told I would get, but the power was much better. I got a little nervous when I started reading about the injector problems from the EZ's higher rail pressure. I pulled my EZ and ordered the TST. I run it on the recomended 3/3 for the SO motor and the first thing I noticed was the 1-1/2 MPG increase. The power didnt feel the same because of how the different boxes make it. But on a recent trip from Pasadena to the Texas panhandle, the TST proved itself. I bought my son a "new to him" truck and trailered it home. Wherever I set the cruise, It never varied more than 2 MPH. I decided to test the TST and see just how much it was helping me by turning it off. All I can say is, I could'nt get it turned back on quick enough. Going up hill I lost about 8 mph and it downshifted for the first time on a 620 mile trip. More power and better mileage----I'd say you cant beat it. :-laf

 

[lmills]

I ran mine through a rubber grommet under the dash.

 

[BigEasy]

I'm under the understanding that the owner of TST is a retired Cummins engineer, Mark Chapple... correct? I was told he was one of the most influential minds in the beginning of the Dodge/Cummins partnership.



If so, why would anyone buy anything other than TST?