Modifying Traeger to increase BTU

heavydpj · 12-12-2012, 09:52 AM

Hi, I'm a noob on this forum, but I love the subject matter!

I have a Traeger Lil Tex Elite that I absolutely love. However, in typical man-fashion, I want to make it better.

Specifically, I want to increase the BTU to get temps over 500f (heck, I'd be happy with over 450).

I noticed that Traeger website has a "deluxe" grill with a 3600 BTU output with the same 418 in2 grill space, so I know it can be done.

My hypothesis is that I can either increase the auger speed, or increase the airflow (probably both). Anyone have any experience with this?

dmprantz · 12-12-2012, 10:26 AM

Upgrade the auger motor to the 2.5 RPM one. If you do that and put it on high, you might get the high temps you want. You also may need to replace the controller. Texas Star Foods has the updated motor in stock.

dmp

Wrench_H · 12-12-2012, 11:57 AM

I met a guy at a competition that swore that if you remove the heat deflector, you can get a nice sear on a steak on one. I haven't tried it yet, but plan on it at some point.

heavydpj · 12-12-2012, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmprantz

Upgrade the auger motor to the 2.5 RPM one. If you do that and put it on high, you might get the high temps you want. You also may need to replace the controller. Texas Star Foods has the updated motor in stock.

dmp

I will make that my first stop! Thanks! I'll let you know how it works out.

dmprantz · 12-13-2012, 10:56 AM

Just a quick note, I'd hate to have you buy something you don't need: If you can't achieve the temps on on your controller, the upgraded motor will help. If your controller has a "high" mode which is always on, as opposed to just 450 degrees, the upgraded motor will help. If you find that it takes too long to reach a set temp, or once your temp drops enough to push the controller into "Raise temp mode," the updated auger motor will help. If none of those are an issue, you might not see any bennefit from the new motor, and I'd go for a new controller (or switch) first. The motor's bennefit is seen by those who havea controller which allows them to either seek higher temperatures or run the auger 100%.

dmp

12-12-2012, 09:52 AM	#1
heavydpj Got rid of the matchlight. Join Date: 12-11-12 Location: Fredericksburg VA	Modifying Traeger to increase BTU Hi, I'm a noob on this forum, but I love the subject matter! I have a Traeger Lil Tex Elite that I absolutely love. However, in typical man-fashion, I want to make it better. Specifically, I want to increase the BTU to get temps over 500f (heck, I'd be happy with over 450). I noticed that Traeger website has a "deluxe" grill with a 3600 BTU output with the same 418 in2 grill space, so I know it can be done. My hypothesis is that I can either increase the auger speed, or increase the airflow (probably both). Anyone have any experience with this?

12-12-2012, 10:26 AM	#2
dmprantz is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 01-11-08 Location: Nashville	Upgrade the auger motor to the 2.5 RPM one. If you do that and put it on high, you might get the high temps you want. You also may need to replace the controller. Texas Star Foods has the updated motor in stock. dmp __________________

12-12-2012, 11:57 AM	#3
Wrench_H is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 10-22-09 Location: Wilmington, NC	I met a guy at a competition that swore that if you remove the heat deflector, you can get a nice sear on a steak on one. I haven't tried it yet, but plan on it at some point. __________________ Anthony - Pork City Grillers KCBS team CharGriller Smokin Pro, King Kooker Cast Propane Smoker, Smokey Joe Silver, Blue Mosaic Kamado, Traeger 075(Somehow I now have 2 of these), Weber Performer, BW Fatboy, Char Griller Akorn Multiple Time [URL="http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/group.php?groupid=39"]Zero[/URL] Member Try the [URL="http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=86"]Throwdowns[/URL] - MMMMM...tastes like liquid crystal

12-13-2012, 10:56 AM	#5
dmprantz is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 01-11-08 Location: Nashville	Just a quick note, I'd hate to have you buy something you don't need: If you can't achieve the temps on on your controller, the upgraded motor will help. If your controller has a "high" mode which is always on, as opposed to just 450 degrees, the upgraded motor will help. If you find that it takes too long to reach a set temp, or once your temp drops enough to push the controller into "Raise temp mode," the updated auger motor will help. If none of those are an issue, you might not see any bennefit from the new motor, and I'd go for a new controller (or switch) first. The motor's bennefit is seen by those who havea controller which allows them to either seek higher temperatures or run the auger 100%. dmp __________________