Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) VP44-LP frustration

[SPearson]

Hello Guys,

I'm new to posting, but been doing alot of reading. I need to get a VP44 and a new LP but I'm getting frustrated trying to figure out what to buy. I like the Blue chip special X for mileage and HP gains, but can't afford the price right now. I like the Thoroughbred (+15%HP) and Midwest prices, but a bit concerned about mileage, HP gains, and more importantly-longevity. For LP's, I am trying to figure out if I should get a FASS or Airdog, 95 GPH or 150 GPH. I live in Tucson Arizona so it is HOT and DUSTY here. I think the higher flow would be good for keeping the VP cool but not sure if it works that way. I am thinking about a few HP upgrades down the road a bit, but I'm concerned about giving up too much mileage. I will be towing a heavy 3 horse slant steel horse trailer (gooseneck) a couple times a month. I know this subject has been discussed at great length, but I need to know what will work the best in my area and be the best value in real world use. Please help a new guy! Thanks for your time!

Stuart

 

[SSolderitch]

I am also looking for a vp-44 and I think about the special x... I like the new computer, case, etc, even though it doubles the price. I have a fass 95 - that all you need. the stock pump flows at 5 psi, so at 15 psi your getting more flow than stock. If you flow to fast then maybe the heat transfer won't take place as well (or any better) than with the 150 over the 95. Remember 70% of the fuel is returned to the tank.

 

[JayStraight]

I replaced my lift pump and injection pump (in that order) with an AirDog 95gph and a Blue Chip Diesel special 'X' injection pump and I am very, very pleased with both of them!

Since you live in Arizona you could bypass the stock fuel heater and go straight to the injection pump from the AirDog for the best results and pressure plus volume.

The AirDog was a breeze to install and I'm even using the stock tank pick up so I didn't have to drop the tank or raise the bed.

The injection pump was also an easy install but time-consuming. With step-by-step instructions and watching the online videos you should be able to complete the swap. Make sure you get/borrow/rent a puller to get the gear off the injection pump!!! Also replace the sensor that's mounted on the engine behind the pump, since you cannot get to it once the pump is in place.

(I'm not sure which sensor it is... ..... I think it's the cam sensor!?!?!)

 

[DCreed]

I have the MWFI SOVP pump and FASS150. I had issues with the stock rotten sender @ the tank so went with a 1/2" draw straw run into the stock pick-up location and have had 40K+ miles without issue. I also towed a 3H slant LQ goose when I was @ 438hp with no problems. I now tow a steel 4H stock and just pulled loaded hay wagons over 9000lbs each with 250hp injectors custom 66/480 twins and Quad ADR, and the truck actually pulled with LOWER EGTs than when empty! Reason I mention is similar work and no issues. I avg 18MPGs too.

 

[BDaugherty]

I've installed a few Blue Chip VPs and I have had top notch service from them. I've also put on a few FASS DDRPs and I've found the product to be good with the customer service not too far behind. I haven't had any experience with the special X pump, but it seems to me that if you plan on adding a box later on, it's an expense that's not really needed. I guess it all depends on where you want to end up. The Blue Chip is supposed to be THE premium pump. However, for the $$, it's hard to pass on MWFI pricing. It's really your decision. For mild performance (ie: box only) I sure wouldn't hesitate to buy a cheap VP and DDRP. If you are planning on keeping the truck for a really long time, then the premium stuff may be worth the extra coin.

 

[LBARTLETT]

I really like my Fass 150 with the large filter and the fuel strainer, easy to get to, easy to change, easy to deal with if you get bad fuel, I also have the 1/2" draw straw run into the stock pick-up location, put on a stock VP44 80k miles ago, have my juice w/attitude and run on #2, pull a 4 horse and last weekend my hay load from Kansas to Texas weighed 35,600#, ran easy at 65 mph and with my new turbo egt's were about 1,050 to 1,150



one thing that really helped engine temp and trans temp was getting my radiator pulled and cleaned at a radiator shop, best $150 I spent on my truck, 110 degrees pulling and it runs just over 1/2 on the temp guage

 

[GOTSOOT]

I am having some belief issues on Blue Chip claiming that they have "BETTER" parts in their pumps than anyone else. Anybody have any substantial proof. ?

 

[CstlEng]

I have dealt with Blue Chip for about 8 years now. I can't tell you for sure that they have better parts in their products, but I can tell you that they have always been honest with me. I have never experienced them "over selling" what a mod would do for me, and I have found all their reccommendations sound. My experience tells me that if Chip says he takes the time to match components, and the matching the components makes a differnce, he does and it does by something very close to the amount he claims.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Unless someone recently started building VP parts, Bosch builds all the parts that go in the VP44 so every rebuilder starts with the same stuff, the only difference is how it is built.

I installed a Blue Chip pump in my truck many moons ago, er, make that miles ago. It lasted for approximately 250,000 miles. A Scheid pump replaced the Blue Chip and it currently has 120,000 miles or so on it.

I do highly recommend the AirDog pump, mine has over 300,000 on it and has never had a single issue. The Fleetguard replacement filters are much less expensive than stock style filters or FASS filters and you can get them down to 3 micron which is the most important point. BTW, the 95gph is more than sufficient unless racing.

A Smarty will help with towing. You really should consider valve body and torque converter upgrades before trashing the transmission.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[telliott]

no experience with the fass or airdog, but just to throw in a another option for a LP, i have been very happy with my walbro and big line kit. 15 psi idle, no lower than 12. 5 WOT

 

[SPearson]

I want to thank everyone for their responses! You guys are very helpful and I appreciate you sharing your experiences with me both on the forum and thru PMs. What I finally decided to do is buy the Airdog II 150 GPH due to the adjustable pressure, quiet operation, off-the-shelf filters, completeness of the kit (including the 'in tank module') 1/2 inch lines, harness etc. I also chose the Thoroughbred VP44 (15% more HP over stock-due to advanced timing) primarily due to price. They claim to have everything the special X has but half the price. I am not trying to start any brand loyalty wars or any controversy. I am trying to do the best I can with the limited resources I currently have. I'm looking forward to slowly modifying my truck for more power and reliability as I can afford to. Things such as a torque convertor and valve body to increase reliability, then a box etc for increased power. Always reliability first due to breakage being so expensive. Thanks again for the help guys!!

Stuart

 

[Bob Cochran]

SPearson good luck and let us know how the installations go for you and how the Thoroughbred works too.