A couple of questions, since I am getting a new turbo is it worth it on a stock setup to get the Powermax?

Also is there any difference between BD Powermax and Powermax, or is it just BD diesel putting their mark on it?

Thanks

 

Subscribed.... I'm interested in this as well.

 

I've heard great things about the Powermax turbo from people that use it on here with regard as a direct replacement turbo. I use a bigger non-vgt turbo which is still relatively direct replacement, but just requires more fuel to help utilize it's full potential.

As to if there is a difference between BD Powermax and Powermax. I would have to look at the specs, they could have done something a little different other then slap their name on it and re-sell it, but that would be my first inclination, just re-badged and sold, but I don't know for sure.

 

I just put in a Garrett PowerMax GT3788VA. Bought through Riff Raff diesel.

Riffraff Diesel: Garrett PowerMax GT3788VA Turbo 04-07

But, it will be hard for me to say how much better this turbo is over the stock turbo.

The same day, I also installed my repaired FICM, that Ed at FICM Repair.com - Your Source for FICM Repair.

I had the Atlas 40 FICM tune added. So, with that said. This turbo is performing better than the stock. It spools a bit quicker, and seems to give more power through the RPM range.

Folks said I would need to tune to get the turbo to respond better than stock tuning. I think the FICM tune helped in that regard.

As for BD Powermax? I did some looking around on ads, and find that they all say the same thing as the ads for Garrett's Powermax.

So, did they, BD, do something different? Can't tell by the ads. Why wouldn't they say what the difference is?

Just my 2 cents.

Oh, and it whistles louder than stock. It definitely stands out.

 

I have had my powermax for almost a year. I really like it but is does make some noise. the wife said it sounds like a screaming banshee and a jet. (no cat). I think with a set of 155 or 175 injectors and the atlas 40 would make a nice towing machine. I also run IDP tunes.

 

If you've got the adders to handle it, there is this option out of the June Diesel Power Magazine:

Big Power 6.0L Turbo
Based on the popular drop-in PowerMax turbo for 6.0L Power Strokes, Elite Diesel’s PowerMax-SSX unit may be the ultimate complement for your highly modified ’03 to ’07 Super Duty. By using a larger, 65mm compressor wheel, and a larger-trim, Inconel, 10-blade turbine wheel, intake and exhaust flow is greatly increased. Other turbine upgrades aid in variable-vane reliability, and each unit comes with a VGT solenoid. The SSX was designed for trucks that see up to 45 psi of boost and make 550 hp (or more) at the wheels.


Read more: June 2012 New Power Products - Diesel Power Magazine

 

Something about that 1mm extra just goes into the realm of diminished marginal utility.

 

I'm sold, just ordered one from XDP. I'm also going to add the atlas 40 tune.

One of my friends is a concrete guy and looking to get a bigger shop with a lift. If he pulls the plug then I can use it to do my studs

 

Since I own the dreaded 03.... I already had the whistle PowerMax on a stock truck lags a little, but nothing big.

 

Can you not do a tighter housing on those? I know I have a tighter housing on my 64mm.

 

Never looked into it Tex, with tunes it is fine and to a regular user I doubt if they notice the lag. My 03 drives like a gasser on the go pedal with tunes.

 

MY question is... How do u get a non-vgt turbo work with the computer and paramiters that the truck already has... Im assuming you have to get special tunes to get rid of the vgt operation in the truck correct???

If not is it as easy as unplugging your vgt.... and swapping in a different turbo???

 

Yep. Which getting rid of the VGT operation is the easy part of that particular tuning.

 

With a non VGT don't u have to add a waste gate also.
What is the size of the stock turbo ?
Is there any advantage to running a non VGT turbo ?
Is one better than the other ?

Once I get my new quad pod gauges ordered I'm goin to start fillin my piggy bank so I can do bigger injectors an bigger turbo.

Any simple mods u can do to the tranny to help it hold the extra HP an torque ?

 

Ive had a power-max for about a year now and my edge insight 1/4 mile time went from 94 mph in 15.25 sec to 99 mph in 13.99 sec I lost about 2 mpg, some from mashing the skinny petal! Now ive added the 40 hp ficm tune with matt's tuning and have my mpg back There still is a small/short lag with tuning.