Howdy fellers. I have done a great deal of reading and searching and still can't really get myself a definitive answer. The truck is an 04(new style) f150 subercab 4x4 with a 5.4, 3.55 gears, towing package, and about 43,000 miles on it. I am getting new tires today, 255/75/17 BFG Mud Terrains on stock wheels. I also now have the money to do a Troyer upgrade. Definitely going to at least get the Stage1, but the Stage2 is only like $530 more. Before I make my decision I am trying to figure out just how much difference performance, reliability, seat of the pants feeling there is between a Stage1 and Stage2. $530 is not too bad if it makes a pretty good difference over the Stage1.

 

Did I post this in the wrong area?

 

the stage 2 would be a pretty noticable difference over the stage 1. the only thing that you may want to look into is that a lot of people have problems with the e-fans. just do a search on here for efans or electric fans and you should get plenty of stuff to read.

 

I like my stage 2. IMO--ditch the fan controls and get something more weatherproof; there's much better controls out there, like spal from jaycorp.
Don't install your e-fans with the copper rods; get the new bracket kit. Take the radiator out and do it right the first time. Good time to do a cooling system flush. Plan your install strategy so you make things as easy as possible. For instance; do the underdrive pullys and plugs and everything else up top with the radiator out. Put your e-fans on the radiator on the bench---------so much easier. Think about what you're doing with your rig before you order tunes, so you get what works best for you. And last, get a good load of patience, 'cause by the time you get your tunes, you'll be in a rest home.

 

Have you talked directly to Mike yet? I don't know him personally, but I've heard great things about him and his tuning. You may want to take a few minutes and ask him the difference between the two.

 

I wouldnt call spal a trouble free controller either. Had two go bad on me within two month span. Flex a lite also has had problems with controllers. Went through three of those then finally just went back to factory clutch. Ive never heard anything bad about mikes controllers or mad enterprises setup.

 

I did call Troyers but I didn't get to talk to Mike personally, I talked to a younger guy. I have at least found out not to put the rods through the radiator, but man there seems to be a lot of other problems with the fans in general. I haul my two daughters with me everyday to and from school in this truck so maybe I just better stick with the stage 1. I don't won't to risk the reliability of my truck and the safety of my girls for just a few more ponies. Kinda sounds like I have answered my own questions. I don't want a drag truck I just want it to be more responsive even with the new tires.

Its winter so I don't mind the wait for the tunes. Whats the wait up to now?

 

The difference between stock and a stage 1 upgrade is night and day...it will make your smile huge. Try that first, then add pulleys/fans if you want more.

 

That sounds awesome. If the difference between stock and stage 1 is really night and day then that sounds like exactly what I am looking for. Thanks for all the help guys. Now, what's that wait time up to again?

 

Fourteen months -- no wait! That's just for PHP. Kidding! I'm kidding! (It's only thirteen months ) Actually, Bill's working on tunes in his hotel room right now!

Why didn't you ask the guy about the wait when you called Mike, Silly?

 

Mount the new style Flex-a-lite controller in a cool spot and you wont have any troubles. Don't mount it under the hood near the motor, heat isn't good for any electronics. Mine is mounted inside the cab, never had any problems.

 

When I first called Troyers I didn't know the wait time was an issue, so I didn't know there was a need to ask. I will call this week to get the details.

 

I bought the efan kit from Mike and I was very pleased with the new mounting system he has now instead of the rods. The controllers are a different story after I went through my third controller I decided to go with a VSC type system and I mounted it in a sealed enclosure to keep the water out. The controllers with the kits are sealed but I do not believe they are water tight, just my opinion. This is also a good time to do the pulley upgrade to as everything is out of the way. I did mine at a later date and it was a snap with the stock fan out of the way.

 

I agree Corey. This guy should ask Mike, or whoever, at Troyer Performance. He won't be able to get a real answer from anyone here. Why? None of us work for Mike Troyer. It seems that most of these people posting questions on the forum should pick up the phone and ask their questions to the people who are writing the tunes. That way they can get real information.