This is a bit if a long story, but here goes.
I bought my truck an 01, last August with numerous upgrades including a TST Power max with remote. I made the deal and a couple things needed to be looked after on the truck so I came to pick it up a couple of day's later.

When I got it they said that the chip was failing and had to take it out. Obviously I wanted it replaced and they said they would. I've been passed aroun to different guys and been EXTREMELY patient. Now I've gotten nasty and got ahold of the owner.


He first says "I didn't think we were going to replace the chip" that obviously wasn't going to fly and now he says he won't put the power max back in because it isn't reliable and he will put in a Van Aken chip.

Now that my rant is done, the bottom line is I don't know anything about the Van Aken. Is it any good?

 

I know a guy what a VA that is happy tell you what though the TST is a way better box + its upgradeable.

 

I would tell them....give you the defective power max back (since it aint no good anyhow ) and go ahead and replace it with the van-aken. If the TST is junk they don't want it anyhow right? Who knows maybe you can find some one on this page to buy it..(ME!!) or some-one to fix it. Check prices for the different units!! Just what I would do.

 

The TST is a lot better box. The VA is like an edge EZ I think. They probably don't want to put the TST on because it is not approved by dodge. Tell them you want the TST box or money for a new on, around 600, they may change thier mind about it being bad.
dave

 

The VA is supposed to be a good box, from what I've read.

Supposively power is close to the EZ but more low end.

The VA just plugs in.

The Powermax hooks to the pump wire.

I'm looking to pick up a 00-02 here soon, and I'm leaning towards the VA as my top choice.

 

Thanks, guys. I will let you know what happens!

 

So is the samtrbox-v5 compareable to the ez?

 

Yes

Power output is very close, but from what I hear, the VA has more low end power.

 

Well the owner of the dealership doesn't seem to be returning my calls now. In the mean time I have been gathering some info, particularly from Scotty @ Wildcat Deisel and Mark @ TST. It seems like the only problem with the original box was likely a loose wire connection.

The dealer can't produce the box though.

As for the Van AAken vs. the Powermax3 there appears to be no comparison as to the power they provide. The Powermax3 at level 9 is supposed to put almost 4X's the power to the ground as the Van Aaken. Would be a problem for a stock tranny, but mine is upgraded to handle the extra power.