Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Van Aaken

[tractorface]

Anyone running the Van Aaken box on there truck. I noticed it does not come with a boost module. They claim they do not need it. Anyone using one this way? Does it set codes? Looking at a deal on a used one and wonder if I will need to add a seperate boost module.

Thanks



Also any recomendations on thread sealer for the Pyro I am installing in my Exhaust manifold would be welcomed.

 

[Bob Wagner]

I ran the VA box for 2 yrs.



It would be advisable to run a seperate boost module to prevent defueling and check engine light





You want to use anti-seizze compound on the compression fitting going into the exhaust manifold



If you have any VA questions fire away

 

[tractorface]

You asked for it!



Did you like the module? Is it comparable to the Edge. (claims are similar) My tentative plan is to add lrger injectors after my trans. upgrade and possibly even stack a Pmax TST on it later. Is the VA a good candidate for this? Right now just looking for some good grunt when towing and a little more fun for my one hour commute.

Thanks



Your right I'll use never sieze. What was I thinkin.

 

[Bob Wagner]

The VA was a very good box, but now I have a comp box and its even better than the VA.



Adjustability is geat and the power without the pump wire tapped in far more than the VA (no dyno numbers)





Tha VA box can be stacked with any fueling only box





Just be careful of the vintage of the VA box, pass on the box if it has cork gaskets, they are known to have moisture problems.

 

[Diesel Dan]

I have a VA box for sale and a boost module.



Bob i respectfully disagree with your assesment that a va puts out less than a non tapped comp (i have both) and was suprised that it didn't feel any stronger until i tapped the wire. although all trucks are different this is my observation.



What i like about the VA is there is no delay in fueling waiting for boost. this gives great bottom end and smoke if so desired. If you don't want smoke, just wait a second for boost and then tromp on it and away you go.



My VA is not a vintage box and has performed flawlessly for a year and a half.



VA 300 firm

boost module 75



350 for both



DD

 

[Bob Wagner]

boost module

Dan, Your boost module won't work on a '99

 

[kbond]

Save your money and get the Comp. I have a Van Aaken for sale also for 225 in the classifieds. It is great for an Auto owner who doesn't want to do transmission mods. Good power at low end too!!

 

[Bob Wagner]

and I can get you a deal on a 99 boost module too

 

[jberelson]

Bob-



I have a older VA box with cork gaskets, I don't see how moisture could even come into play. The entire PCB is encapsualted in epoxy.



My VA is *****in'... tons of bottom end, some smoke though. I don't have the balls enough to pierce a pump wire yet... maybe at 100,000. 1 miles...

 

[LSMITH]

I have run the VA for over 60K miles. About 15K was just the VA and no boost module or anything else. It will NOT set codes, but you will feel the engine defuel at 20 PSI or so. If you add a boost module it will not defuel and will pull hard to about 3000. I ran with just the VA and a boost module for abour 10K miles. It was better, but just the VA is darn good.



I ran the EZ for about 15K miles and HATED it. You could not give me another one. The Comp without the pump wire tapped is NO DIFFERENT according to the guys at EDGE. The adjustability is nice, but I would not buy one.



If you have any questions I have about 70K miles with the VA so far, and would be happy to help. I have tried a lot of stuff, so I can compare on a lot of it too.

 

[cam4g63]

I'd recommend a newer VA because they do have built in boost modules. I would think this is a good way to go with injectors later - particularly if you have an HO motor. ETC guys probably should get a Comp...

 

[Mr. Brewski]

Come on Bob... . Pierce that pump wire... IT ROCKS!

 

[tractorface]

sounds like a VA and a boost module is not a bad way to go. Anyone know what a boost module should cost. I'm lookin for deals. You know keepin my $ for transmission mods when it starts slippin.

Thanks

 

[Diesel Dan]

Tractorface

Look at my reply up the page for a fair deal on a great VA and boost module



DD

 

[Bob Wagner]

Re: boost module

Originally posted by Bob Wagner

Dan, Your boost module won't work on a '99

Dan, The map sensor on TF's 99 is different than your 01





<b>It won't work</b>

 

[tractorface]

Exactly.

Thanks anyway.

 

[Diesel Dan]

Sorry,

Wasn't paying attn to sig's. Trying to do too many things at once. Maybe decaf is a good option



Carry on friends



DD

 

[Big_Daddy_T]

I had just the va and it caused the tc to slip. I had a weak transmission ,maybe, but it can happen. No heavy towing in its entire life. I added the boost fooler and noticed a very nice difference. Then the dark side took me. I just had to accept that darth Vader WAS my father and Im ok now.

We have a nice cool air charge up here in Alaska so we can get away with alot more fuel. Id like to see the boys racing up here.

 

[Bob Wagner]

that would be a beautiful site, drag racing in Anchorage



I could handle that but I would never want to leave





Anchorage is nice

 

[Big_Daddy_T]

There is a pretty good track about 30 mins north of anchorage. My boss has an 8 second mustang that he runs. He offered to let me run it but I declined. Id have too much fun I told him and hit the end going way to fast.