TST VS Speedway BOX

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After over a year of research I finally ordered a TST Adjustable PowerMax 3 from the TST products Web Site. I have to admit I was leaning towards a PE box from HVAC but he doesn't take American Express. #ad

Anyway, I wanted the TST PM3 because it can go from stock HP in 15 HP increments up 9- 15 HP levels.
But now, however, I've found a newer upgrade that my '5 star dealer'(Swift AutoWorld,Sacramento) put on a 3500 Auto on the lot ; It's a 'Speedway' box out of Phoenix,AZ. , that makes the stock Automatic 3500 go sideways when punched, and they sell at the dealership for around $1000. The owner of the dealership has 2 Vipers, but the 3500RAM put a super grin on his face that he can't take off.
So, I am going to cancel my TST order, especially since I now read on the TDR that the TST causes Fuel pump failure regularly, and will take a look at the "Speedway Box"!

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Rob in Sacramento
Y2K All Black 3500 ISB 4x4 4:10 LSD,Auto,QC,SLT Laramie, LB, Polished Stull Billet Grill & Fog inserts, Chrome Smitty Built Step Rails, Mopar Chrome-Tipped Mud Flaps, A-Pillar mounted Turbo/Pyro/Trans Temp gauges,21-20-99 & 18-24-99 Computer Re-Flash,Weatherguard 'Weekender' Ladder-rack,Rancho 9000's(the best upgrade I've done so far),Diamond Plated Tool Box, OEM U. R. Bedliner.
I plan to 'BOMB' only after my 100k mile warranty expires #ad
Fact:"The First Fords' had 'DODGE' Engines-The Last Fords' NEED THEM!"

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Be careful abouting saying any product "causes failures". The TST box, as do ALL boxes, adds fuel so increases the load on the fuel pump/s -- as do ALL boxes (including Speedway's). More fuel = More stress on fuel pump. There's no such thing as more power w/o more fuel.


[This message has been edited by Mark Kitchell (edited 12-05-2000). ]

 

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Need more info. What is the phone # or somthing. I am here in Phoenix and would love to investigate further.

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2001. 5 3500 ETH/DEE loaded silver. Mods? I'll never tell... .

 

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Robby,
Actually,it's not only TST's boxes that can cause injector pump failures... it's anybodys fueling box that can. If you keep track of the years it happens to,it's the 98. 5 to early 99 trucks. A year-to-year and a half ago we were hearing reports of injector pumps not being manufacured to proper tolerances,so even on stock trucks the pumps were crapping out from 'normal' use. Of course not all 98-99 trucks are affected.

I have never heard of a 2000 and newer injector pump getting eaten by any ones fueling box,including TST's. The problem lately seems to be the lift pumps,which can cause an imjector pump to fail from lack of proper lubrication... so make sure you get your lift pump pressures checked before doing any upgrade.

Last month,I borrowed Rob Hansons' Blue Box for Dyno Day at BD. Yes,I kinda was worried as I crimped the scotch loks onto the pump wires,but I figured I wouldn't have any problems... just that initial cut in the wire.
Just last week I picked up a standard 10-level Powermax 3,but I haven't installed it yet because I have a pretty weak clutch and I have to watch how I drive in this rain with my DD stage II's anyway.

As a side note I wanted to say that,Blue Chip and TST are the oldest guys in the 24v game,so I'll only trust those two. I have never heard of Speedway,so I don't know what kind of research is behind their product. Also,there are numerous diesel shops that sell fueling boxes under some strange names which turn out to actually be a Blue Chip or TST box in disguise.

-Mike


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'00 2500QC 4x4 LWB Dark Garnet R1AZ ETC DEE DMD 2HG AHJ DSA LNJ MXB AHC DD stage II Psychotty air Jacobs e-brake Isspro gauges Airoquip fuel lines 2wd-Low BFG 285/75 AT's.

[This message has been edited by MikeR (edited 12-04-2000). ]

 

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does tst and blue chip have a configuration for a 2001 or 2001. 5 I bought it a week ago I want as much power as I can run and not have to get creative with egt's I want to stay away from water injection if possible

 

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RobbyRam, Mike is correct. The Bosch VP44 injection pump failures are limited to '98. 5 and '99 Rams (to the best of my knowledge). It seems to be hit and miss. Evan (Beck) had the VP44 in his stock '98. 5 24v grenade just prior to trading it in on his '01 Ram. On the flip side, I'm told HVAC is still on the original VP44 in his '98. 5. #ad
Piers told me several months ago there didn't seem to be any way of knowing in advance if you had a potentially "bad" VP44 or not. Gulp! HOWEVER, late last week Evan informed me that Banks MAY have a handle on this (MAY being the operative word here). Apparently they have been tracking the failures for some time, noting all pertinent data. The belief is that VP44s with a serial number ENDING in 11 (i. e. , snake eyes) are most likely to fail. I haven't checked mine yet... but I believe we can pretty much guess which one I have. #ad
I do know one thing, this theory has proven correct on at least two occasions in recent (documentable) history.

BOTTOM LINE: Just roll the dice and hope they don't turn up snake eyes.

Do ya feel lucky? #ad


[This message has been edited by John (edited 12-04-2000). ]

 

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If you are worried about your pump, check the fuel pressure at the filter housing first. Any box including the ones that plug into the harness can hurt a pump if pressure is very low (should be 5 psi or more at full power).
Not only are some companies relabeling, others are copying. You don't need to spend $1000 for the most power added to your Ram by a single box. I installed two of the TST 10 level boxes on 99 Rams in the last week or so. Both run great and the owners are happy. The TST box is also CARB certified so smoke won't be an issue. TST level 10 is probably much more power than the box you mention, but if not, TST can give higher levels that aren't CARB tested and therefore for "competition" use.

Injector installation takes longer but won't increase the load on the pump. They give a nice gain of 33-50 hp depending on which version you have.

You can write to me off-line if you want more info; these subjects have been discussed in great detail on the forum in the past so you might look at old threads too.

 

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Rob
Are we talking Bob Swift. If so i,ll have to check that out ,as I have to get my sway bar replaced. Bob sold me my 2500 & recommended a few things to put on the truck which I had to question regarding the warranty,but he wasnt concerned by that & said I wouldnt have a problem. A cool guy,but I get the feeling however his service dept are cursing him under their breath. Keep us posted if you buy one. Ian

 

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We just received a letter from "Speedway" at our dealership. All the speedway box is a Van Aken CPC! These people are just a distributor for other products. Seems they are sending all dodge dealers info on becoming dealers for them.

 

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$1,000? #ad
#ad
#ad


RobbyRam, check in the events forum. Brandon is having some of us down to his facility in Modesto for a get together on Saturday. You may benefit from all the information sharing.
I have a demo EZ you can try with no obligation.

 

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Rob
Just recieved my EZ from HVAC after I made my last post. Dropped what I was doing & Installed the box & took off. Literally!!All i can say is WOW!!!What a seat of the pants improvement,it certainly woke the beast up. Unfortunately i kept running out of road as hit rush hr traffic everywhere. Cant wait til the morning when I go to work. The other great thing is according to the computer my mpg was up 2-3miles at any given speed in 3rd & 4th,whilst i realize the computer may not be accurate i think it still gives a good reference point for fuel consumption. My EGT,s were a tad higher & my transmission temp stayed the same. You,ve gotta try one,if you dont make it down to Modesto email me & you can try mine.

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2001,2500 q-cab,auto 4x4,4. 10 anti-slip rearend. All options except leather seats. Line-x bed & tool box. Slide-in -removable rack,BFG 295,s ,Fender flares. Westin nerf bars,billet grill & fog inserts. Isspro gauges on their way,more to come.

 

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TreeMan: Yes, it is Bob Swift's dealership. It's a great dealership, I used to work there 15 years ago and have bought three vehicles from them. BTW, so the "Speedway Box" is a VA!
Very Interesting.

HVAC: Where in Modesto is this get-together happening Saturday? I'd like a chance to put some faces with some names #ad

I also cancelled my TST order for the Power-Max-3 today, especially since I got a phone call from TST saying that they didn't recommend their PM-3 for my Automatic. I'm still interested your(HVAC's) EZ. Please E-mail me with the price. I might bring you a cashiers check in Modesto Sat. (bobngae@juno.com or BOBNGAE@aol.com)Thanx

 

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saturday is shaping up to be a blast sounds like there will be more than one truck getting tweeked I will definatly be there

 

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Anybody interested in hanging out with us in Modesto please take a look at this topic-

BOMBing @ Brandon's

It's this Saturday afternoon #ad

 

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TREEMAN... Your computer is lying to you. . My Computer mileage went up over 3 mpg with the installation of a new box. . But when I checked it the Real way it is up only . 5 to 1 MPG...



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"Have you driven OVER a phord lately"
2001 2500 BRT WHT SPORT QUADCAB 4X4 ETH 3. 54LSD TRLR CMPR PKG ALL OPT XCPT LTHR

 

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KWIKKURT
I know ,I guess i spoke too soon,I hadnt had a chance to fillup the tank & measure it that way,I had too much of a woody after installing & driving it . Youre right though,I havent seen any improvment even driving conservatively,fat chance of that happening though on regular basis. Weird though how the figures were higher. Just installed the 275,s yesterday in Modesto & the the #,s were 2mpg higher going home than the trip going down. Hope that doesent mean my mileage is less. Let me know if find a way to recalibrate it . Ian

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2001,2500 q-cab,auto 4x4,4. 10 anti-slip rearend. All options except leather seats. Line-x bed & tool box. Slide-in -removable rack,BFG 295,s ,Fender flares. Westin nerf bars,billet grill & fog inserts. Isspro gauges on their way,more to come.