Van Aaken Smartbox 3.1

[Big P]

Is anybody running this pressure box on an 05? There website says only 03-04 trucks.

 

[Diesel Power]

Is anybody running this pressure box on an 05? There website says only 03-04 trucks.

they are supposed to come out with a new pressure box for the 05-06 trucks soon, so i was told

 

[Big P]

Thanks for the info. For a pressure box I like how it is designed, ramps up pressure quickly without exceeding stock max pressures. I was looking for something to go with my TST to liven it up a bit.

 

[Diesel Power]

Thanks for the info. For a pressure box I like how it is designed, ramps up pressure quickly without exceeding stock max pressures. I was looking for something to go with my TST to liven it up a bit.

it is a great choice, i sell a lot of them, and the customers like them

 

[Tomeygun]

Thanks for the info. For a pressure box I like how it is designed, ramps up pressure quickly without exceeding stock max pressures. I was looking for something to go with my TST to liven it up a bit.

Not that VA does not make good HP and stuff, But I tested one on the dyno against my EZ:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144722



JUst an FYI, you'll be leaving some HP on the table for sure.

 

[SKneeland]

Not that VA does not make good HP and stuff, But I tested one on the dyno against my EZ:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144722



JUst an FYI, you'll be leaving some HP on the table for sure.

i dont mean to highjack the thread, but tomey have you dynoed the old tst/ez combo against the new tst w/fuel pressure?

 

[Tomeygun]

i dont mean to highjack the thread, but tomey have you dynoed the old tst/ez combo against the new tst w/fuel pressure?

Not yet, I have the chance to this weekend, But its 4. 5 hours there and back, and thats all in one day... .



hmmmmm... ... ...

 

[Big P]

Not that VA does not make good HP and stuff, But I tested one on the dyno against my EZ:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144722



JUst an FYI, you'll be leaving some HP on the table for sure.

I checked out the link, and you're right, 50 hp is a big difference on the top end. But what did your SOTP dyno tell you? :-laf My truck is usually set with the TST on 4x4 95% of the time. Although the Smarty woke the bottom end nicely, I'm not using it any more. It just seems to sound, feel, run the best with just the TST for an everyday driver. I was considering an MP-8, but I keep hearing big pressure is hard on injectors and injector bodies. I've given up on big hp for the street, I just want reliable power I can use every day. That's why I was looking at the VA.

 

[Cattletrkr]

Now that's marketing for ya. I'm seeing a banner ad for the VA smartbox on top of this thread. Coincidence??

 

[Tomeygun]

I checked out the link, and you're right, 50 hp is a big difference on the top end. But what did your SOTP dyno tell you? :-laf My truck is usually set with the TST on 4x4 95% of the time. Although the Smarty woke the bottom end nicely, I'm not using it any more. It just seems to sound, feel, run the best with just the TST for an everyday driver. I was considering an MP-8, but I keep hearing big pressure is hard on injectors and injector bodies. I've given up on big hp for the street, I just want reliable power I can use every day. That's why I was looking at the VA.

SOTP told me the same... Nice and smooth bottom end (maybe more than the EZ) - But a weaker top end. .



Certainly not a bad stack, Just a little conserative for my taste

 

[DaveHess]

I have the 3. 1 and like it. It's not real aggressive but it has given me a boost on the dyno. 299HP and 643 lb/ft of torque to the ground. I haven't read of anything derogatory longevity wise on the engine only that is a mild to moderate pressure box. Just my. 02

 

[RMalone]

I haven't run the EZ but I was shocked at how much the VA 3. 1 woke up the bottom end on my truck. When I first did the sps66 it had TST only (Stock injectors) and I thought the bottom end sucked... bad.



Injectors made a huge difference in the bottom, then I added the VA and boom the truck is real strong down low. To each their own, I haven't been on a dyno or at the track (I would like to do both), but I am on the street 30k mi per year and SOP is where I really want my power.



I will add that 3/1 is about as high as I can take the TST with both pressure and sticks. After that temps start to get stupid. I don't care because the TST is only a tool to help make the truck run how I want, be it set to 9/9 or 1/1. With the VA pressure and sticks, I keep the VA at mid power and the TST at 1/1 for daily driveing. EGT maxes out at about 1250 on a hot day and well under 1200 on a cool day boost stays just under 40lb. VA on full gives about 1300 egt and 40-42lbs boost. Put the TST to 2/1 with full pressure and 1350 egt and 45-47lbs. Tst to 3/1 and 1450-1500 (hot day) egt and 50-53lbs boost. All figures are an unloaded truck.

 

[100 Proof]

... Just an FYI, you'll be leaving some HP on the table for sure.

Yeah, but the torque rise at the bottom end is huge. Really wakes up the truck. This box is a GREAT stack with my BDDL!



100 Proof

 

[Big P]

I think I'm going to give this box a try. I remember reading in the TDR magazine that this was the only pressure box that didn't adversely affect the injectors too.

 

[Tomeygun]

I think I'm going to give this box a try. I remember reading in the TDR magazine that this was the only pressure box that didn't adversely affect the injectors too.

I think you are right, I think its max PSI is around 23k...

 

[Diesel Power]

I think you are right, I think its max PSI is around 23k...

26000 to be exact

 

[Tomeygun]

26000 to be exact

Even on the VA3. 1? I though thier claim to fame was "no pressure over stock max"?



I know my TST with EZ has shown 27100 many a time... Gotta love that Rail pressure gauge!

 

[Dodge-Tech]

A VA 3. 1 was my first mod, and never had any problems with it. You can't beat Van Aaken's quality and attention to detail. Although not a powerhouse, the seat of the pants feeling was impressive, compared to stock. It is nice knowing the injection pressure isn't throught the roof, you can install it and not worry about in the back of your mind. I've since upgraded to a smarty for the same reasons, so my VA 3. 1 is now for sale... pm me for details.

 

[Diesel Power]

Even on the VA3. 1? I though thier claim to fame was "no pressure over stock max"?



I know my TST with TX has shown 27100 many a time... Gotta love that Rail pressure gauge!

little does everyone know, but a STOCK truck can and will produce pressure as high as 26000, it just depends on conditions and load, temp, ect. alot has to happen to see it, thats why there is a relief valve on a stock truck rated for 26500.

 

[RMalone]

My VA 3. 1 will hit 27. 1kpsi set on high and about 26kpsi set on low. I do have a 03 VA box on a 04. 5, VA said it may be a touch more aggressive than a box programmed for the 04. 5. The only thing that makes me nervous is that when reading 27. 1kpsi is that really what your getting? Or could it be higher I don't think the factory transducer is reliable much above 26. 5kpsi.