TST powermax 3 problems

[Big A]

I'm ready to order my PM3 for my '01 5spd.

I did a search on the box, and found there to be some issues about stumbling. I only want to hear from folks that use this box. Rumors are not what I'm looking for. I'm going to spend a chunk of change on this thing, and don't want to make a mistake. I really like the features on the box, and have also heard good comments about it. I need some reassurance, or caution.

Thanks

Big A

 

[AMongold]

i love the adjustability and power of mine! i think i will stack an ez on next month after transmission gets done.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I have been running TST's Powermax boxes since late in 99. First of all you can have a "stumbling" problem with any box that attaches to the pump wire (or to the can bus for that matter) if there is a bad connection. The vast majority of the stumbling issues you've read about are because of a bad connection at that point. Secondly, there is an issue with the Powermax Comp box that on the higher settings (>5) there is what I would call a fluttering when you let off of the throttle. It doesn't happen on the street box and it doesn't happen on levels 1-4 on the comp box (which is the same as level 1-9 on the street box). On the higher settings of the comp box it will happen however. I believe you will find that will happen on any of the boxes with that level of fueling - the PM Comp box is a VERY hot box. I've been very happy with the performance out of the PM boxes and also with TST's support.

 

[JFindley]

I'd like to hear comments on it too. I upgraded air and 5" exhaust but other then that the truck is bone stock. If I can get the wife to give the go I'll have a PM3 and a maxflow kit on the way. Anybody with the same setup let me know what EGT's I can expect with just Powermax and no injectors. And if I install the maxflow and keep fuel pressure monitored does the Vp have a promising life expectancy. Jake

 

[AMongold]

your egt's are no problem,my fuel pressure with the fass system only drops 1lb on level 9, but your clutch won't hold for very long.

 

[propuller]

I tried the TST PM competition version recently & it stumbled terrible on anything above level 4. When using cruise it would surge going down a straight road with no pull. At wide open throttle it ran good but when you let off the throttle the pump would cycle & almost kill the motor. I thought something was wrong so i put back on my Edge comp box (drag version) & the truck ran perfect no stumbling no surging & no pump shudder at all. I put back on the TST box just to see if i had a connection problem & it ran terrible again. Also the egts were higher with the TST box due to less timing than the Comp box. I could NOT feel any power differance with the TST box & the Edge Comp Drag version is a better box for controlling egts & it does not defuel either. On a stock truck i think that either box would be good but on a twin turbod really big injectored truck i like the Edge ALOT BETTER than the TST.



Kurt

 

[BillGotthelf]

Well Propuller I am running the TST Comp box with twins, big injectors and a bunch of other work. I really like the TST box and the adjustability of it. I have had no stumbling problems when the box was a stock PM3 and after it was upgraded to the Comp version. Oh I enjoy beating all the guys with the other boxes.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Use a set of long needle nose pliers to crimp the Scotch Lok to the pump wire. While still holding it, plug in the harness connector. Do not rotate the Scotch Lok at all or you will impair the electrical connection.

 

[propuller]

Originally posted by BillGotthelf

Well Propuller I am running the TST Comp box with twins, big injectors and a bunch of other work. I really like the TST box and the adjustability of it. I have had no stumbling problems when the box was a stock PM3 and after it was upgraded to the Comp version. Oh I enjoy beating all the guys with the other boxes.

Well BillGotthelf im glad you like yours & everything is fine on your truck but this isnt the first ive heard of this problem. I was told by Doug at Enterprise Engine Performance that they have had a few disappointed pm 3 competition customers & it was always the surging with the cruise on & severe pump shudder while letting off the throttle. I thought that it might be all rumors but i bought it anyway due to all the good things i heard about it also. I have both of these boxes currently & i am not a big supporter of the edge box but it definatly works better on my truck. By the way have you ever tried the drag version of the Edge Comp box?It looks like our trucks are almost identical except mine is a 4x4 & i also spray nitrous. So what your saying is you have no pump shudder when you let off the throttle on the higher settings & no surging at all even on level 9 at part throttle acceleration. Oh & by the way nobody has ever touched me with a TST box in a drag race.



Kurt

 

[banshee]

I ran the PM3 comp for about a year and have had no problems with it. My truck would shudder slightly when letting off the throttle when on level 9, but when I changed cams the shudder went away and the truck was completely smooth all the time. A lot of the guys in our chapter run the TST boxes, and the single problem turned out to be a blown fuse. I know two guys who have run back to back dyno comparisons between the TST box and the edge box... . they're both running PM3 Comps now Stacking with a timing box really ramps up the low end, brings EGTs down, and adds peak HP.

 

[Mrpringlez420]

Would like to see some dyno pics

 

[DavidC]

You realize this thread is 16 years old. Right ?