I have that box and don't run a lift pump. I am not that hard on my truck so I am not sure about surge. It has not happened to me. I think the truck might run better with it if I was hard on it, but for now I don't see the use for it.. As far as smoke, I see it under heavy acceleration..I would think that Pro is correct in saying that a lift pump will clean that up. I guess I will find out too if I get to that point.