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The Plug-and-Play Way to Add Up to 275 lb-ft of Towing Torque
Smart boat owners know that diesel-powered towing vehicles are wise investments. A diesel powerplant’s premium price is eventually recovered through better fuel economy and engine longevity, and nothing quite compares to the off-the-line towing pull provided by a late-model oil-burner.
True boat enthusiasts are constantly striving to get more power out of their water toys. They often apply this same hot-rodding mentality to their tow vehicles. Although the “performance” diesel aftermarket has existed for a few decades, it’s only recently exploded—largely thanks to today’s computer-controlled diesel engines. Although factory “black boxes” are dirty words to many gas-engine gurus, the diesel aftermarket actually embraces stock tuning—and then takes it to a much higher level.
Edge Products is one performance manufacturer that’s been at the forefront of diesel engine-management technology. By either reprogramming the factory computer or recalibrating its signals en route to the engine, Edge produces gains that sound too good to be true. Legions of satisfied customers and the fact that other companies are producing diesel-performance modules attest that the reality backs up the hype.
For the do-it-yourself boater who owns a late-model diesel tow rig, the best performance bang-for-the buck modification is probably an engine module. Edge offers two product lines in this arena: its Juice With Attitude system (which combines an under-hood module with an in-cab monitor/controller that has all the functionality of a complete set of gauges) and the EZ module. Both produce impressive gains and are easy to install.
Technologically speaking, the underlying theory is simple: Signals from the factory computer are intercepted by the Edge box and enhanced before they reach the engine. Fueling, timing and turbo boost are the three main parameters that are modified to create power: up to 70 hp/275 lb-ft for Edge’s EZ line and up to 125 hp/325 lb-ft for Juice With Attitude systems. All Edge products offer multiple power modes to match driving conditions ranging from heavy towing to quarter-mile racing.
After installing an Edge system, fuel economy can also improve up to 10 percent. That sounds almost fraudulent, but more engine power is available under lighter throttle. Also, increased power allows the truck to be driven in a higher gear longer, especially when towing uphill. In reality, many people don’t see an immediate increase in economy because they’re too busy feeling all of the newfound power with a heavy right foot.
The photos here show how brainlessly an Edge EZ box installs. These systems are available for 1998-1/2 to current Dodge Cummins engines (adding 65 to 70 hp) and ’94-’03 Ford 7.3-liter Power Strokes (increasing power by up to 60 ponies).
The Edge EZ box offers four user-selectable power modes. For the ’03 Dodge Cummins installation here, Level 1 is for medium-duty towing and adds about 40 hp/150 lb-ft, and Level 2 bumps output by 50 hp/180 lb-ft for light towing. Edge recommends the 60hp/200-lb-ft Level 3 for all-around cruising. Level 4 increases rear-wheel power 70 hp/275 lb-ft for exhibitionist situations. Exhaust-gas temperatures (EGT) rise along with the power output, so Edge recommends using stock vehicle settings for heavy-duty towing. Auxiliary gauges or the Attitude monitor are recommended for keeping tabs on boost pressure and EGT.
Light-duty diesel-performance specialists such as Premier Performance Products are a good starting point for anyone who owns an oil-burning tow vehicle. Performance computer modules are just the tip of the iceberg in modern diesel hot rodding and the quest for ultimate tow-ability.
Article Sources
Premier Performance Products
888/497-3666
278 E. Dividend Dr., Rexburg, ID 83440,
