Low on power
 

My truck has always seemed to be low on power to me. The trans was shot when I bought it, but I got a great deal, so in went a Goerend. I have since put on an HE 351 turbo, exhaust, intake, and full gauges. I have replaced all fluids and filters. I also have a Smarty Jr., but have yet to install it because I feel something is lacking, and I want to get it all sorted out first. Basically it just will not pull like I think it should. The boost comes up to around 30psi, fuel press. is 9-10 at idle, 6-7 at WOT. The lift pump has previously been replaced with the in tank one. I have never seen EGT above 1000, but never pulled much of a load either. I have pulled codes 0234 (overboost), 0480 (fan 1 signal), and 0483 (fan speed). I don't see how any of these are related to lack of power, though. It's kind of confusing because it starts first spin of the starter, idles smooth as glass(replaced the FCA), isn't running hot, is responsive to the throttle, and doesn't smoke in any way (blue, black, or white). I have also checked since my oil change 1K mi.ago, and it isn't making or using any oil. It basically runs fantastic, until you punch it. Then, it just seems to fall on it's face. I don't need a drag racer, but this thing should at least be able to put a smile on my face with the loud pedal, right? Any help in tracking this down would be appreciated.

I didn't see any thing about an intake which will help you with power. Why haven't you installed the Smarty? It will change your mind real quick about power if it does what the Edge did for mine. You'd be suprised.

Believe me, I'm dying to get the Smarty on there! I just can't seem to believe that there is nothing wrong with the power delivery in my truck. It just seems too gutless, even for stock when I got it, and my mild mods now. From what I have read on here, the first step in most of these diagnoses is to remove the programmers to get as close to stock as possible. This is why I haven't installed it as of yet. I've also thought about the intake manifold swap, but haven't yet for this same reason. Any other thoughts?

Are you sure you have the ho model and not the so or the california so which had much less power from the factory? My 06 felt like a sports car to me when I got it after driving an old 97 chevy with a 454! Then, when I installed the edge juice with attitude, it felt way fast... and then when I did the hot unlock, it felt way faster than that! point is... it's all relative, so try the smarty and see if you still think there's a problem.

It is definitely an HO, both the valve cover and VIN confirm this. Your comment about yours feeling like a sports car is exactly what has me so puzzled. I read on here all the time about how lively these things are, and mine is anything but. I don't really have anything to compare to, but I've been around things automotive long enough to know when something isn't right, and when an engine "lays down" on the top end. It really feels like a fuel problem, but the filter is a brand new Baldwin, and I've got 6-7psi at WOT to redline, which I've heard is normal for the stock pump. Thanks for the responses thus far! Keep 'em comin'!

could be slightly related to the bigger turbo and the fact that you have stock injectors. Put on the tuner and hit it! Sounds like it's ready for fuel and timing. The low EGT's indicate a good air flow for the amount of fuel going thru. Mine gets the best mileage when the EGTs are low and the thing feels gutless, turn it up and I see boost go up, temps go up and the smile go up.

Is your fan locked up? If it is locked all the time it would feel a little short on power. could acount for the fan codes.

The Cali model stopped in 03.[duhhh]

I think you have too much Turbo, not enough air coming in and not enough air going out, you may also need better injectors. Also the rearend gears can make a differenc on how it feels.

Whoooooops![redface]

Actually the Cali model was all the way to 04' year model trucks. The 04.5 year trucks on built on or after January 04' is when the California model went away.

I don't know about the fan codes, that's a little puzzling as well. It seems to be locking and unlocking normally, isn't making any noise, and turns freely when unlocked. Well, since there doesn't seem to be any "smoking gun" cause to my issue, I'm gonna go ahead and install the Smarty, and let 'er rip! Hopefully, it is just a fuel and timing issue with the bigger turbo. I will let you know what I find when I do. Thanks again for all the input, guys!

Good luck, and let us know the results!

Well, I loaded it in over the weekend, and (drumroll)...WOW! She really scoots now! I'm guessing that the problem was the increased airflow (turbo, exh.,intake) with the stock ECM fuel tables. I had the overboost code, so I also installed a boost fooler. I am now boosting 35+lbs., fuel press. is still over 6psi at WOT, and EGTs aren't above 1100 at any time I've seen thus far. This is all with it set to max (Version 5.08 SW3, TM4, TQ4). I may back it down after I get done playing around with it. Yeah, right! Thanks again for all who chimed in! It's nice to know that all I had to do was throw more fuel at it, and let 'er eat!:D