Want a slight power increase from my SO

[MFalkinham]

Ok guys, I'm thinking about bumping up the power on my 250HP/460TQ 2003 standard output.

First, which "mild box" would be best for the following criteria.....

• I'm looking for around a 50HP increase, plus a slight mileage boost
• I don't want to jeopardize my injectors or 48re, so no high-pressure boxes
• I want something that plugs in clean and I don't have to "tap wires", etc.
• I'm looking to spend about $300 max, so I prefer to buy used
• I don't want to have to add pyro & boost gauges ($$$) at this time

Is the Edge EZ what I'm looking for, or is that considered a pressure box that will damage my stock injectors long term? Are there boxes that do not increase rail pressure?

My other option is to go with air intake (Cool Blue Hose) and exhaust mods (replace stock 3" with 4"), but I don't think that is going to get me 50HP, and both will cost more than $300.

Thoughts, ideas?

Thanks!

 

[Graphic man]

Smarty is you best bet... talk to Bob



http://www.wagnerandassociates.biz/





Scott

 

[JCleary]

Based on your parameters, I'd suggest a Quadzilla XZT. 65hp, plug-and-play, no tapping of anything.



It's $299 new, comes with a warranty, etc.



I've run Quad's products and they're of good quality. You won't be disappointed.



I would not, however, recommend running any performance enhancer w/o at least an EGT gauge...



Quad has a cost-effective solution for that, too.



That said, I'd agree with the above post about the Smarty. It rocks! And it is better for your injectors than a pressure box. It's just twice as expensive.

 

[CMast]

i would like to respectfully disagree on the quad box I have one it throws codes and is now useless, but it did work great for almost a year i would go with the edge

 

[CPittman]

I was looking for similar parameters and went with a used Edge EZ - you can find them on eBay for a reasonable price. I run mine on power level 2 when pulling the 5er and on level 3 around town just for fun. I don't run gauges and I do get a little bit of a mileage boost - nothing to brag about though.

 

[JCleary]

Also keep in mind that the EZ and Quad box are both pressure boxes.



If you're looking to avoid rail pressure increases, your choices pretty much are the VA C3. 2 duration box (which gets your EGT's way hot when towing) and the BD X-power. You can probably find them used somewhere for your price range, but you definitely need gauges with those.



Or just ante up and get a used TST. They can be had for $500 or so with built-in gauges.



Still, though, the Smarty is the way to go if you're only looking for one power-adder.

 

[MFalkinham]

Thanks much, very good information. It sounds like there are pro and cons to the different power add-ons.

I'll do some more reading on the various options you mentioned and see which fits best. Maybe I'll have to postpone a purchase decision until funds are available for additional gauges.

 

[osiris]

i dont think you need EGT gauges with the Quad box any "mild" box for that matter depending on how you are going to use it. If you are just running around empty driving it normal you aren't going to get superhot. If you are towing heavy then yes i would say you need gauges but if you just get after once in a while and dont tow anything whats the point of the EGT guage?

 

[jjordan1]

I had the Diablo power Puck on my 2001 that i tow w\ & really liked it. Can`t use it on my 2006 though. It helped w\ power + gas mileage. You might give them a look. Good Luck

 

[JJPage]

If you do not want to buy gauges first... then I personally would not put any fuel box on my truck. I ran an Edge EZ without gauges for about 2yrs on level 4, when I finnally installed gauges I was shocked at my EGT'S while towing my trailer. 1400+ and I was not even pulling that hard, if you buy a box, spend the extra $ and purchase one that comes with monitoring. You won't be sorry later , Good Luck!

 

[JCleary]

whats the point of the EGT guage?

Well, for one it can tell you if something's wrong. If you have an aftermarket power adder that's malfunctioning and delivering way too much fuel, or perhaps some injector problems, you'll be able to see that on your EGT gauge and rectify the situation before it becomes serious.



I personally have 2 EGT probes, one for the front three cylinders and one for the rear three. Usually they're within 25°-50°. If it's a lot more than that, I'll suspect I have a problem with one or more injectors.

 

[osiris]

I am not saying that guages arent a good idea i am saying that if you arent towing and only have 300 to spend the get something like a quad box just use your foot responsibly... .

 

[Bertram65]

I would reconmend the Quad box, works very well, makes a huge difference on a SO engine.

 

[qzilla]

I know you said $300 and it can be done as already stated. Of course you can buy used stuff as well and that is probably not an issue but, most used stuff will not have a warranty with it. I think most companies are pretty lax about it but, it is something to think about.



Now about the $300 we do have a Recon XZT packaged with the Xzillaraider XZT. They work independantly of each other which is nice for warranty work and such but, the complement each other very nicely. This is why we offer it as a package. If you look around or contact some vendors you will find the package for under $500. The gauge also is not just an EGT gauge. It also does boost and transmission and includes everything you need. It also has recall function as well as the ability to set warnings for your set maximums on each parameter. Later on if you want to for a few bucks more you can swap the transmission probe out for the Fuel Pressure kit and watch EGT, Boost and FP if you want.



Just an option and most likely you do not have to have an egt gauge but, it is awfully cheap insurance. This is really true when you consider the price of the Recon XZT. It is also nice and small but with a good display to read on it and the display has a brightness control. There is no extra mounting parts you need either as it is designed to sit on the steering column without hindering the view of any of your stock gauges.



If you get a chance go to the website and check it out. I recommend looking at the installation instructions so you can see it actually installed in a truck to get an idea of its size as well.



We also have the Commander which does a lot of stuff and more stuff than the Recon but, it is also more spendy so I did not recommend that.





Cmast,



I hate to see anything sitting around being useless. If I remember correctly it worked fine until you added the brake? Then it started acting up and somehow we never fixed it or figured the issue out. Is this correct?



I think we need to revisit this as I hate to see anything sitting around not being used. I understand what a hard earned dollar is and at worse case scenario we need to see if we can get it in working order so that you could at least sell it and re-coop some of the $$ you spent on it.



Shoot me a PM again so I can go back and try to find what we did or did not do.



Quad