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Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) TST PowerMax 3

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Is anyone using this box on their 24 valve? Is the installation very invasive and involved, or is it fairly plug'n'play? Do the built in guages do the job, or are other guages required? (aside from fuel pressure, I guess. )



http://www.tstproducts.com/24valve_power_trial.html



I would like opinions on this box as compared to others.

I'm still sitting stock, but I don't know how much longer I can control myself. Oo.
 
installation of ANY wire-tap syle box (Edge COMP, Blue chip, TST, etc... ) is somewhat "involved" and can/will void your warranty.



The built in gauges are a HUGE plus. Not only do you not have to buy separate gauges, but the box can be set to automatically defuel when a certain EGT is hit-- truly a drive-and-forget it setup. As far as i know, they work fine. You are right to remember the fuel pressure gauge as being all-important.



I have read or followed just about every single power box thread that's been on the 24V section for about 2 years. There are pros and cons to each approach, and some things appeal to different people.



The most bells-and-whistles box is the Bleu Chip Fuel management system. It's the most expensive, the most sophisticated, etc etc. But it's not quick or easy to use necessarily. This box is the "tweaker's" delight. you can adjust fuel enhancement in 1% intervals up to 63% if you want.



The Edge comp is the most popular box. It had 5 power levels with 5 sub-levels each (which control how fast the fuel comes in). I personally feel that the timing is a little too aggressive and don't recommend this particular flavor of the box. Instead.....



The DDUFM-- Diesel Dynamics Universal Fuel module. This is an Edge Comp that has been tweaked to DD specs, so the timing is less aggressive. Also, it will defuel significantly, which will allow you to run truly large injectors on the street. You can get away with larger injectors with the DDUFM than you can with most other boxes. BTW-- the Edge comp will also defuel on its lowest response settings, but not as much as the DDUFM. The DDUFM is a GREAT all-around box.



The TST Powermax lacks a lot of the features of the other boxes (no timing aspect or defueling), but is still an EXCELLENT box. See, the TST doesn't need to do timing, per se, because it tricks the ECM into advancing timing. It's a good thing (imho) to have the ECM controlling timing instead of a box. The TST box (especially in Competition form) will fuel more than ANY other box on the market. If you want Big smoke and big power, the TST will deliver. The TST is the best towing box on the market, IMHO, because it produces so much torque. Generally, the TSTs will make more torque but a hair less "power" when dynoed. They really shine when the engine is being loaded heavily or punished. The TSTs also tend to have slightly higher EGTs than a similar box.



In short, the only 2 fueling boxes i recommend are the TST (which is WICKED in competition tune) and the DDUFM. The DDUFM will run you a tick over $600, while the TST can be had for $549 from many vendors.



Competition upgrades for the TSTs are only like $50, compared to $100 or much more for some of the other boxes.



HOHN NEWS-- I report, YOU decide:)



Justin
 
I agree with Hohn. I have been running the TST box for 3 years. I had in upgraded to the comp version 18 months ago. The gauges are very accurate. I run around town in level 2 and smoke is okay-go up in power go up in smoke.
 
Hohn,

Thanks for the excellent advice. I think the TST is what I would like to go with. Will my stock injectors work for now, or should I plan to upgrade them as well? With a large fueling box such as the TST, am I also looking at turbo upgrades? Will I need to address my clutch if I only add the box to my stock H. O. ?
 
You will need to upgrade the clutch sonner rather than later, mine started slipping straight away. Ran just the PM3 for about a year and was really impressed. Have just fitted DD2 injectors and am even more impressed:) This is the slippery BOMBing slope every one warns you about. Bottom line TST is a good call IMO, but start saving now for what will come;)



Cheers,

Cam
 
Good feedback on the TST PM3 module. That's the one I am eyeballing too, probably from Wildcat. Probably a set of Mach 3 EDM's will follow... .



Hohn/BillGotthelf: from what I understand, the PM3 does not advance timing beyond current ECM limit, just brings it in sooner, correct?



Also, a question on the PM3 Comp? I think that box will increase pump duty cycle significantly (vs PM3), but does it also advance timing beyond factory limit?



Thanks in advance.

Tim
 
I have the PM3 Competition program on my HO and only slip the clutch when you mash the go pedal from low rpms in the higher gears. It holds fine when drag racing due to the higher rpm shifts. When towing I run the box on setting 2 and this puts me right at the egt limit of 1300 with the stock turbo. If you really want to get all of the power out of this box, you need a new clutch and a bigger turbo. I think I will really run into this problem when I install my DD2's tomorrow. :rolleyes:
 
isb360-The tst box does not advance timing at lower rpms. No box advnces timing after 2700 rpm so above 2700 they are all the same. Defueling (letting off the go pedal) in high rpm and high levels is very abrupt. The ecm is designed to cut fuel when rpms approach and exceed 3000 rpms. The standard tst box does not change this but the comp version eliminates this feature so the 3-4 shift does not lag when you drag race.
 
isb360-The tst box does not advance timing at lower rpms. No box advnces timing after 2700 rpm so above 2700 they are all the same. Defueling (letting off the go pedal) in high rpm and high levels is very abrupt. The ecm is designed to cut fuel when rpms approach and exceed 3000 rpms. The standard tst box does not change this but the comp version eliminates this feature so the 3-4 shift does not lag when you drag race.
 
isb360- No box advances timing past 2700 rpm. ome timing boxes advance timing in the low to mid rpm range giving a litttle more torque and hp. The defueling, when you let up on the go pedal, in the higher power #'s is quite hard when you drag race. Also the ecm starts to defuel the engine as you approach and exceed 3000 rpms. The tst comp version does away with this and eliminates the lag on the 3-4th gear shift when drag racing. With the Mach 3's you are gonna need a bigger turbo, 4" exhaust, intake filter improvements and trans upgrades. Good Luck.
 
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