The point here is that the factory maximum is 1600 BAR (about 23,500 psi) and that translates to a certain peak HP output. if the VA causes the engine to put out more than the stock peak HP then fuel pressure is higher than stock peak fuel pressure.

the VA makes about 30HP more total peak output and therefore must absolutely raise fuel pressure above stock levels. Therefore, fuel pressure with the VA goes above 1600 BAR. you can't make more HP with a pressure box without more pressure.

"within factory limits" is the big ink cloud that most of the pressure box mfgs hide behind. The factory pressure limit is 2000 BAR, but everyone knows that this is a destructive pop-off safety limit which, if reached, requries dealer service. It says absolutely nothing to say "we stay within factory limits" because the only other choice (not to stay within factory limits" is a blown rail and a dead engine. Guys want to know how close to that limit you are.

Please don't headge about "if the factor maximum is..." because that doesn't mean anything, at least not to me. I can only speak for myself, but I just want to know what the box does.

 

I second that Doug! I'm dying to box my truck but not without knowing the operating parameters of the performance upgrade. The way I see it either they are pushing the limits and don't want anyone to know (which I suspect) or they really don't know (which would be embarrassing). Ted, you have to agree that you wouldn't buy a cam, carb, heads or any other performance part without knowing the specs! I'm not badgering Ted or anyone else as I will purchase a box as soon as someone can give us real, verifiable numbers! Why is everyone hiding this simple information?

 

I believe somewhere on this forum is mentioned that the Bosch HPCR is rated up to 30,000psi. Where the 23,500psi comes in is for injector longivity. Running higher pressure "could" decrease the lifespan of the injectors.
Maybe this is the trade off with the VA box vs. other pressure boxes. VA increases power in the lower to middle of the rpm range where it's easier on the injectors and gives up the big high rpm power where it could be harder on the injectors. Just my wild guess.......

MikeyB

 

the rail may be good for 30,000 but that is beyond pop goes the weasel, and the issue is how much margin to you want. injector seals are also one of the issues, but according to Mark Chapple @ TST there have been rail failures as well.

In my opinion, a dyno day pressure box that fuels strong up to the 2900 rpm region puts fuel pressures in the 28,000+ psi region in order to make 70 HP. Anyone who tells you they make 100 HP peak over stock peak is either lying or they raise fuel pressure to holy smokes levels. Thats in my opinion of course. A "100 HP box" may make 100 HP gains at lower RPMs (but not 100 HP over stock peak) and still be below 27,000 psi thats just my opinion based research to date ( no hard data 'cuz nobody but Banks dares speak the secret words).

But The VA (and I think Ramifier) are more like a towing box than a dyno day box. They indeed attempt to control EGTs by backing off at the high rpms, although they still pull hard in the towing region (2000-2500). they won't raise fuel pressure as much as the dyno day boxes will, although in my opinion Ramifier is right up there in order to make over 200 ft lbs of torque in the 2200 rpm region. its not rocket science -- the Ramifier's fancy MAP to MAP mapping helps the shape of the HP curve but cannot make it peak any higher than a pure pressure box (because MAP is already maxed out and there is no "fooling room").

dyno day boxes: Volumizer, EZ, Bullydog,
towing boxes: VA, Ramifier, Banks

I don't know yet how to categorize the Quadzilla 'cause I don't yet have any info. I didn't mention TST becuase its not a pressure box.

MikeyB you're right. from my reading, boxes like the VA concentrate on the towing region and make torque gains there without making so much HP at the top end. HP at the top end is what requires the most fuel pressure (hard on the rail and injectors) and generates the high EGTs (pilot injection goes away at high rpms I am told).

 

MikeyB,
I think you are right about the pressure range. They increase the pressure at the low and mid-range, but it is still within the "safe" area of all the parameters.

 

I think doug is right on. And MikeyB too.

I have a Bullydog box right now, I would label it a "Dyno Day" box. Doesn't pull as hard at the bottom end, really fattens it up on top. So I would say it increases pressure significantly.

So, since the vA fattens things up at lower RPM, and adds maybe 30hp at the stock peak, and pressure is required for more HP, then it seems clear to me it does raise max pressure slightly, but nowhere near the degree Bullydog, Quadzilla, etc.

As far as the EZ I think you could say it's a combo. . . the one I tried was much stronger down low than my Bullydog, and less on top, but more than the vA I would suspect.

I would be tempted to throw the Banks in the "Dyno Day" category too because I read posts it was peaky and a friend tried one and wasn't too impressed with it, not a lot down low but 2500+ RPM hang on.

Vaughn

 

vaughn thats exactly how I view the VA. only 30 HP at the top end, and not even record breaking torque (avg 135 ft. lbs) in the mid range. so this is definately a towing box.

good comments on the Banks. I looked back at my summary and realized that it does stays strong up to 2800 (on the Kali SO with CAT). So I agree with you, except to point out that the Banks is timing and pressure and has stated they don't exceed 27000 psi even with the speed loader. without the speed loader they only acheive 24,500. give-'em credit for speaking those secret words

I put the EZ as a dyno day box because of the 70 HP at 2900 capability. thats a lot of torque (126 ft. lbs) and wil tend to run hot and high pressure way up there . the VA doesn' make a lot more than that down at 2100 where EGTs are safer.

 

I will shoot an email to Van Aaken to get a fuel map or at least some real numbers.
I agree I wouldn't buy a cam without knowing the specs.

 

Thanks Ted. Your parts department said you were about a week out on the VA boxes. Is that still a current lead time? Got cash burnin' a hole you know!

 

I should see them the 26th or so.

 

How about a group purchase deal ???

 

I have enjoyed this forum especially the technical aspects, Thanks Doug, Vaughn, Gypsyman , Jannetty Racing & others to many to list. I believe the VA box is the one for me. Thanks for all the help.. Can't wait for the 26th.. Group deal, Would be nice

 

Group buy on the VA...I third it!

ron W.

 

Fourth?

 

I would be very interested in a group buy of the Van AAken box. In reading about the box on Janetty site it says it also alters timing as well as pressure.