Van Aaken timing box released yet??

[Sarge]

There are rumours that VA is going to release a timing box. Has anyone got any info on this yet??



Also, what are the experiences with the current VA boxes? I saw a few threads that guys were talking about the VA throwing some codes..... Any info is appreciated... ... . Sarge

 

[Fireman]

Sarge,

I have the VA pressure box. I really like it and it has produced no codes or any other problems to date. I think it is a great little upgrade for those of us who want just a little more power for towing. I can feel the truck pulling harder from about 1500-1600 rpm, and it really comes on strong at 1700-2600. It is the mildest box out there, but what a difference it makes. Like so many others I was afraid of pressure boxes for quiet some time, but VA tapers off on the top end to keep the pressure down close to max stock pressures. I also have had no problems with the stock clutch and the EGTs stay within safe limits. Check out my truck profile for other mods.

I'm sure you have seen the data that DLeno has compiled on all of the boxes. If you haven't seen it lately, he has updated it to include dyno charts for the VA. You may find them interesting.

Fireman

 

[EEngel]

VA Box

Sarge,



I have the pressure box (level I) and the duration box (level II). I really like both boxes. The level II on 100% is very strong and can make you slip the clutch if you really get into it.



The link to DLenos fueling box report is:



DLeno's Fueling Box Summary



Make sure you have gauges if you plan on using the duration box. She gets hot pretty quick.



**Side Note**



Yes I am still stacking the level I and level II (on the 600), the switch was promised here today. I will report on it Sunday or Monday.

 

[Sarge]

Wow, great info guys. I am very close to pulling the trigger on the VA, and the added opinions help a lot. I too am looking for a little extra when towing my 5ver, and not really into smoking the tires. My gauges are enroute from Geno's as I speak, and I will be putting them in the new center dash replacement pod.



Fireman, it looks like we have almost the same truck. What kind of mpg numbers have you seen with the VA? I have to drive nice to get 14. 5 empty now. I will also be getting the new intake set up from aFe when it comes off of the production line.



Yes, I downloaded the fueling box summary from Leno when it first came out, but will check Eric's link for the Dyno numbers. I am also considering looking for some taller tires to offset the 4. 10 rear end a little. I do know that the Dually will make that tough finding some that fit the rears without rubbing each other though.



Can you guy's PM me with what you paid for your VA, and where you got it from?? I am a shopper when it comes to letting go of that hard earned green stuff... ... ... ... Thank guys, your info was way better than reading it off of manufactures web site!!

 

[Vatsa]

Sarge,



I just PM'ed you.

 

[EEngel]

VA

Sarge,



You have a pm.

 

[EEngel]

Vendor

Sarge,



Just remeber that there are vendors that are not "approved" VA dealers. They may cut you some type of deal, but the approved vendors will have the software to update the boxes, where the other will not.



Also, the level II "duration" box will have a timing option in the near future. This will help with the EGT's and the milage.

 

[Sherman]

Re: Vendor

Originally posted by EEngel

Sarge,



Just remeber that there are vendors that are not "approved" VA dealers. They may cut you some type of deal, but the approved vendors will have the software to update the boxes, where the other will not.



Also, the level II "duration" box will have a timing option in the near future. This will help with the EGT's and the milage.

Who sells the VA box?

 

[curatchko]

Yes I'd like to know who the 'prefered' vendor is for the VA myself... .



Let us know!!!

 

[Vatsa]

I read this thread, among many others this week:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=102429&highlight=Van+Aaken



I called them yesterday and was quoted $890 for the new duration and the pressure box. They also told me they would upgrade when the new timing came out. I asked about group buys, but was told that they were not interested.



As of this morning, I plan on purchasing both boxes, ATS manifold, and an AFE Pro 7 from them. I am going to add all that plus a 4" exhaust, with a Donaldson or Walker, I am getting locally and see how the boost and EGT's react on various levels.



I am very interested in a turbo upgrade but I cannot find any out there right now that give me a warm fuzzy. I am going to wait and see how the boost and EGT numbers run, if they are decent I am going to wait and see if any turbo's come along later this year, if the numbers are bad I will most likely go for a B1 or a DD Jammer.



I am also watching Vaughn MacKenzie's progress with the modified valve cover here:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=103862



Once Vaughn posts about how he solves the breather issue, then I want one of those too!



I thought I wanted a TST. The more I read here and the more dynos I saw I started to lean away though. From what I have read and been able to research the TST just comes on so hard down low that it scares me. I had a VA on my 2001 and it was so sweet I just forgot it was there and this new one seems to be a milder version of the TST. I am wanting to land somewhere between 400 and 450 HP, with the least amount of rail pressure as possible.



I am rambling now sorry... this is what happens when your truck is in the shop!



It sure seems like there are allot of people around that are interested in the VA's. I sure do not mind waiting a week or 2, if someone gets a large purchase thingy going. My truck is having the windshield, roof and hood replaced from hail damage so I have a bit of time before I start all this work.

 

[Sarge]

Wow, vatsa. You have a rich relative die?

 

[Blakers]

I like the VA duration box. About the same experience as EEngel. It will slip the clutch if you try to pull a steep hill in 5th gear and get on it quick. I don't know if it will slip it in normal driving though.



I had good results pulling my 24' travel trailer through Pennsylvania mountains a couple weeks ago. Got 15 mpg on US Rt 6 - two lane with lots of big hills and small towns. Was able to go up most hills in overdrive at 60 or 65 or so.



EGTs are not a problem in 50% mode and are manageable in 100% as long as you know you have to do your part and watch the gauge and back off if necessary. I used 50% most of the time as I have all the power I need for regular driving.