VA - E on a 6 speed truck, review [Archive] - Diesel Place : Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck Forums

: VA - E on a 6 speed truck, review


mannytranny
06-04-2005, 06:57 PM
Got a 0-70-150 VA box yesterday. (Used of course......)

I had been having trouble with the Predator and driveability, even on the little custom <40 hp tune they made me. I wanted something with a little more pop, better econ, switchable, and CARB approved.......the VA fit the ticket.

And just like everyone said, the VA is sweet. The 70 hp tune is completly driveable in stop and go. I didnt do much with the 150, but I think it would be good too. Just like stock, but more.

I towed a bit with it, and there it felt quite a bit stronger than the old Predator.

The 70 smokes about the same as the custom predator tune. Just a wee bit if you go WOT before the boost comes up. I hopped on the 150 for a second, and it let out a decent plume. But I dont make a habit of driving like that, so its not a real problem.

I mounted the switch in a good spot. Same with the box.

Im making a 1200 mile trip in a few days, so well see just how good she does on fuel econ.

Im also running B50.

mannytranny
06-04-2005, 07:01 PM
Oh, also.....if I set the cruise at 73, which setting, if any, would get me better econ?

Tx

noreaster
06-04-2005, 08:10 PM
No wonder why you have bald tires

mannytranny
06-04-2005, 08:33 PM
I havent even smoked the tires on the truck......nothing at all.

The roads where I am are pretty bad. Ruined by heavy avocado trucks and the like.

I also drive up a 1/2 mile long "26%+" grade about 3 times a week.

mannytranny
06-06-2005, 01:23 AM
Oh, also.....if I set the cruise at 73, which setting, if any, would get me better econ?

Tx

Anyone?

fredw
06-06-2005, 08:07 AM
depending on other mods, but i have a few buddies that use them, and they never take off the 110 setting, even for pulling, they have close to now 100k and no tranny problems

MaxRock
06-06-2005, 10:47 AM
manny,

Glad to hear the VA doesn't make the throttle real touchy. Looking forward to hearing your feedback after your trip.

I typically drive 70 to 75 and maintain a little over 20 MPG. I am running the H2 tires which has an effect on the overall final gear ration. Engine is running at approximately 1850-1900 RPMs, I would keep the engine at this speed if you are after economy.

MaxRock

Jeli
06-07-2005, 02:57 PM
Max, are you running a chip/box? I run like you and get the same mileage with my Quad on 110. 6 spd and H2's. Even turning lower rpm's I still try and grab 7th once in a while!!!

Mark Craig
06-10-2005, 11:08 AM
mannytranny,

We sell a LOT of the VA's just because of the info you mentioned, unfortunately it's a second purchase for a lot of folks and they have spent extra money etc on a first module.

Mark @ DPPI

mannytranny
06-10-2005, 12:40 PM
Knocked out 1200 miles with it.........

Running B50, 77 mph, AC on most of the time, stiff headwind for one tank I got 19.

Loaded with 3-500 lbs running with a slight tailwind at 80-85 with AC I got 19.25.

Not too shabby. If I had slowed down a bit, Im sure the mileage was there.

I am also running bald stock tires, so 85 mph is ~2500 rpm, and thats no good for mileage either.

But I sure had a sheetload of power when I needed it.........:ro)

mannytranny
06-10-2005, 03:23 PM
mannytranny,

We sell a LOT of the VA's just because of the info you mentioned, unfortunately it's a second purchase for a lot of folks and they have spent extra money etc on a first module.

Mark @ DPPI

You are correct about the second programmer thing.......I bought a $450 scan tool............

Anyone want a LB7 Predator?
:eek:

MaxRock
06-10-2005, 04:37 PM
Max, are you running a chip/box? I run like you and get the same mileage with my Quad on 110. 6 spd and H2's. Even turning lower rpm's I still try and grab 7th once in a while!!!

No chip yet...however I do have a 0-70-110 VA box on order. Jeli, you aren't the only one that reaches for 7th every now and then. How cool would that be!!!

manny...still waiting on your review of the VA box??? Enquiring minds want to know!!!

MaxRock

mannytranny
06-10-2005, 05:30 PM
Youre reading it!!!

What else do you want to know?

David Schear
06-11-2005, 03:16 AM
Hey Manny,
How much are you asking for the predator?

mannytranny
06-11-2005, 11:46 AM
Well, I was looking around in the classifieds sec. here, and they seem to be going for 300 bucks.......

But first Ive got to get it unlocked.....

From what Ive heard, they do much better on an allison than a 6 speed.......

MaxRock
06-13-2005, 03:21 PM
manny,

I was looking for your impression of the VA box. Is there a throttle sensitivity issue, how is the power...

Oh well, while waiting on you I ordered a 0-70-110 VA Box from Kennedy Diesel. I ordered it on Wednesday evening and received the box on Saturday. The install is simple, I placed the switch on the "A" pillar next to my boost gauge. The power is smooth coming on, nothing radical...very drivable. I really like the option to switch power modes on the fly. Pretty cool stuff.

I'm pulling my 5er this weekend and I'll let you know what my impressions are next week.

MaxRock

mannytranny
06-13-2005, 04:49 PM
Oh, well, as you pry now know, it is pretty much as smooth as stock. Just more!!!