Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) TST PM3 -> TST Comp

[NUTNDUN]

Hey gang,
I tried emailing TST about it last friday but haven't heard anything about it yet. I wanted to find out if it is possible to have a PM3 reprogrammed to the comp version and if so how much and what would I gain?

Thanks in advance.

 

[MKoth]

It is possible to have the PM3 flashed to the Comp program.



Can't tell you how much seat of the pants feel you will get, as I went straight for the Comp, and never had the PM3 programing, but the truck will run clear to 3000 rpm+ before starting to defuel.

 

[Todd T]

the comp level 5-6 is about the same "feel" as level 9 of the stock PM3



yes, they can flash you to an upgrade. not sure on cost though either. I actually have a tweaked version of the comp that brings the fueling in a little sooner in the RPMS and ramps up faster (%) than the standard Comp it started out as.



the Comp is not for the faint at heart as defeuling on higher levels can get rather aggressive and shudder the truck a bit. Especialy with a non dampened aftermarket clutch like my SBC DD

 

[claykelly]

I spoke to them a few days ago about the same thing, $50 to upgrade. Setting 6 is PM3. 7-9 add approx. 40hp each. They can't dyno the 9 setting as the egt's get out of control.

 

[dougs455]

the comp level 5-6 is about the same "feel" as level 9 of the stock PM3 - the Comp is not for the faint at heart as defeuling on higher levels can get rather aggressive and shudder the truck a bit.

I agree.



I got my PM2 upgraded to a PM3 w/remote about a year ago. Today I received it back after upgrading to the "COMP" version and all I can say is WOW! Major difference. I would say level 3 or 4 is closer to 9 on PM3. Any higher and the defueling is too aggressive for me. (jerks,bucks,shudders what ever you want to call it) My max boost went from 36 to 42 psi on a stock 35 with a "32 psi" elbow. Don't know if my BHAF,4" downpipe to 5" stacks help with that or not. On level 9 my EGT's bury the gauge in about 3 seconds so I can see how dyno use is out of the question unless you have HUGE twins and water/meth. If you want to pour smoke like a tire is on fire this is the box to get. I plan on a turbo upgrade as soon as finances allow.

 

[Ross]

Pm3 Comp

I've had mine for about 2 or so years (maybe more). I have one of the first COMPs. As stated above, it is quite radical. Major shudder when letting off throttle on 6 and above.



I raced the truck last September and ran on 5 through the first 4 elimination rounds. Ran anywhere from 15. 8 to 16. 1 (serious wheel hop and shake). In the final round, I was racing a new 6. 0 PS and he jumped me off the line, and I would catch him at every gear, til I had to shift (5-speed manual) and would lose boost. When I finally got in 5th he was right at my door. I bumped the PM3 from 5 to 6 then to 7. At the traps, I was about 4 lengths ahead (maybe more) and had my fastest trap speed of the night (96 I think). I don't know what all the PS had, but it's hard to keep up with a 5 speed automatic when you've got to row through the gears in a dually.



EGTs were buried past 1600 at the end of each quarter, in fact, they were usually pegged at 1600 by the time I hit 5th gear. They say short bursts of high EGTs ain't that bad (Steve St. Lawrent has said same, I think).



Love the power of the PM3. Wish I had twins. :{

 

[NUTNDUN]

Is there anything thata can be done to lessen the defueling shudder? I need a clutch now as it is, can run higher then 3 on the box wit hthe injectors before slipping the clutch in 5th and 6th. I have the truck up for sale but if I keep it the clutch and fass pump will be next, then I will get the pm3 upped to a comp and get some big injectors and a ht3b for twins

 

[rkressg]

So, all I have to do is call TST, then I send my PM3 to them and $50 later, I have a comp box?

Correct?

 

[Ross]

Actually, I think it may cost $100, I'm not sure. You'll have to sign a waiver and fax it back to them stating that the device will not be used on the street. (It's not carb certified). I NEVER use mine on the street only the race track



As far as the defueling goes, I doubt seriously Mark will alter this feature, as it is a safety precaution to continue to allow "some" fuel through the pump to keep it from galling some of the pump surfaces (rotors or such). I'm not a pump mechanic, so I really don't know what I'm talking about, but that't sorta the way Mark explained it to me. He says if the fuel was just shut off abruptly, that bad things happen. I believe him. I'm amazed my pump has lasted this far, after all the abuse it's had. Dang, I even had a Van Aaken piggy-backed on it for a few months. Big smoke. BIG SMOKE!



170,000 miles on original VP-44 (Knocking on head er, wood)!

53 Block

 

[claykelly]

Yup, $50 bucks, just spoke to them last week. I'm going to send mine back and have it flashed back to std PM. No charge to downgrade. I really can't use the extra power on the high levels. I talked to them at length yesterday and was told actually the whole power curve was different in the comp, about 20-25 Hp per level and comes on lower in the rpm as opposed to the PM that is about 13-15 HP per level. The comp box will be a lot more "touchy" or throttle sensitive, which mine is. My cruise control cannot handle the power when at levels 3 and above running empty, surges really bad the higher you go. When the power comes on, it comes on HARD... wow. Running empty on setting 3, I'll just start to light the rears up in 3rd gear. Pretty cool, but more than I need, I want the extra adjustability and to be able to use all 9 settings.

 

[dougs455]

So, all I have to do is call TST, then I send my PM3 to them and $50 later, I have a comp box?

Correct?

Yup-$50. You do need the remote though.