Attention: TDR Forum Junkies Well, since purchasing my truck new I have read (with much interest) most of the posts on fueling box additions. Now it is my turn to supply info to others... . I installed my new Van Aaken last night and here are some observations during my 30 mi commute this morning (and a run at lunch - couldn't resist!) :
Baseline - My truck is a '99 3500 QC 4X4 5sp. Pertinent mods: No muffler or resonator - Dynomax glass pack. K&N drop in filter. Gauges - pyro post turbo, boost, fuel press. In late '99
Cummins reflashed the ECM which gave the truck a slight increase in power. Tires were also changed from 215's to 235's in '00.
Money - Shopped used for a while. Spoke to a few TDR mbers who had stuff for sale. While investigating one box I found BD had dropped their Van Aaken price to the point where there was no reason to buy used.
Power - This box has been described often as "a kick in the pants". I can't think of a better set of words to capture the torque increase at low rpm. I haven't towed yet but so far below 2500 rpm it feels like a completely different truck. I can see that a change in driving technique is needed - or else I will be running into the Honda's in front of me! The increase in response at 1200-1700 is wild. My goal was to reduce the times I shift from 5th to 4th while towing 12,000lb ( I like to run 65-70). I have no doubt it will. ( Of course I don't want to load the transmission below 1700 and drive the 5th gear nut off).
Noise - The idle sounds slightly different - actually sounds as if it is idling faster. There is a substantial increase in "clatter" in the
1500-2200 range as it comes off of full power - something that was not there before. Under full throttle conditions and full boost
it is much louder - more torque/hp=more noise? Just cruising it sounds louder, almost like winterized-fuel-sound. ( I added the box 1/2 way through a tankful to eliminate fuel quality from the change). The turbo now has a lower harmonic added to the whistle.
Vibration - There is a lot more engine related vibration when asking for full power. I'm pretty sure it is not post-transmission driveline but feels more like each piston stroke shakes the truck more. This could be due to the Borgenson steering shaft I have - the factory one has a rag joint to absorb vibration where the Borg doesn't. The real test will be full throttle pulling the trailer uphill. stay tuned.
Installation - This was a really big problem. The installation was WAY TOO EASY ! I added the elbow and plugged the map sensor bypass in right away.
Gauge readings - Unloaded - no change in exhaust temp. Boost went from 18 WOT to 28 WOT . Fuel pressure - my pump is dying the slow death - WOT went from 7 psi to 5. Note - I ran out of road while running WOT in 5th so towing will be a better test.
Happiness factor - So far - very happy. I am slightly disappointed with the noise and vibration increase but I still need to play some more.
Questions - My overhead console 'puter used to track mpg pretty close... . should I expect this to change? - Should I add dielectric compound to the VA box connector like the others in the truck?
Baseline - My truck is a '99 3500 QC 4X4 5sp. Pertinent mods: No muffler or resonator - Dynomax glass pack. K&N drop in filter. Gauges - pyro post turbo, boost, fuel press. In late '99
Cummins reflashed the ECM which gave the truck a slight increase in power. Tires were also changed from 215's to 235's in '00.
Money - Shopped used for a while. Spoke to a few TDR mbers who had stuff for sale. While investigating one box I found BD had dropped their Van Aaken price to the point where there was no reason to buy used.
Power - This box has been described often as "a kick in the pants". I can't think of a better set of words to capture the torque increase at low rpm. I haven't towed yet but so far below 2500 rpm it feels like a completely different truck. I can see that a change in driving technique is needed - or else I will be running into the Honda's in front of me! The increase in response at 1200-1700 is wild. My goal was to reduce the times I shift from 5th to 4th while towing 12,000lb ( I like to run 65-70). I have no doubt it will. ( Of course I don't want to load the transmission below 1700 and drive the 5th gear nut off).
Noise - The idle sounds slightly different - actually sounds as if it is idling faster. There is a substantial increase in "clatter" in the
1500-2200 range as it comes off of full power - something that was not there before. Under full throttle conditions and full boost
it is much louder - more torque/hp=more noise? Just cruising it sounds louder, almost like winterized-fuel-sound. ( I added the box 1/2 way through a tankful to eliminate fuel quality from the change). The turbo now has a lower harmonic added to the whistle.
Vibration - There is a lot more engine related vibration when asking for full power. I'm pretty sure it is not post-transmission driveline but feels more like each piston stroke shakes the truck more. This could be due to the Borgenson steering shaft I have - the factory one has a rag joint to absorb vibration where the Borg doesn't. The real test will be full throttle pulling the trailer uphill. stay tuned.
Installation - This was a really big problem. The installation was WAY TOO EASY ! I added the elbow and plugged the map sensor bypass in right away.
Gauge readings - Unloaded - no change in exhaust temp. Boost went from 18 WOT to 28 WOT . Fuel pressure - my pump is dying the slow death - WOT went from 7 psi to 5. Note - I ran out of road while running WOT in 5th so towing will be a better test.
Happiness factor - So far - very happy. I am slightly disappointed with the noise and vibration increase but I still need to play some more.
Questions - My overhead console 'puter used to track mpg pretty close... . should I expect this to change? - Should I add dielectric compound to the VA box connector like the others in the truck?
