Chopper_Bob

Gentlemen,
I was dead set on buying a Banks Six-Gun with the PDA. It seemed comparable to Edge, and Bully Dog on paper. But I liked the color screen on the PDA and the adjustability of the screens.

I also subscribe to Diesel Power Magazine and notice that a lot of the guys entering in these diesel challenges are running TST boxes. The power that the TST website is advertising is awesome! I have become very interested in this programmer. (PMCR with R49) I know that the advertised power is more than my truck can handle stock. But it sounds like with the addition of a clutch and a pusher pump I can handle a lot more power.

I don't intend on stacking anything. Probably upgrade the air intake but thats about it. 90% of my time in the truck is driving to and from work. Every now and again I get to pull our camper or the Bob Cat. Nothing major. I have had thoughts of hooking up to a sled on occasion. But so far that hasn't happened yet.

I know most of the people on here haven't had much good to say about Banks. However the biggest complaint seems to be their price. The TST seems to be about the same price. If anyone has run the TST or Banks and likes it let me know. I have an '06 with a Silverline Turbo back system. Other than that my truck is still stock for the time being.

dodgezilla04

welcome to dtr.

the tst is a module, not a programmer, 2 entirely different animals.

a module plugs in(or taps harness wires) and modifies sensor outputs which are then provided to the factory ecm, increasing power. most are adjustable on the fly.

a programmer connects to your obd2 port under the dash, reprograms the ecm with different code, increasing power, mileage, and some do other cool things like read codes and adjust for tire size. none are adjustable on the fly, what you program is what you get until you reload a new program, takes about 3 minutes with the truck shut off.

the tst is awesome for making power. but without some modifications, you are not going to realize its full potential and will damage your truck.

banks is overpriced, comes in fancy boxes, and do not give as much power output as cheaper and more recently popular modules, programmers.

what is your plans for power output?

just my $.02

RamWheelsBy4

Well the above is mostly correct, but the Bully Dog Triple Dog is "adjustable" on the fly either with the Bully Dog Triple Dog plugged in or with the Outlook monitor. I am pretty sure the Banks PDA interface is adjustable on the fly also, but not sure.

Out of the products you referred to I would make the TST R49 my first choice.

Chopper_Bob

The Smarty sounds awesome from what I have read. However, I kind of like the idea of pushing a button on the fly and gaining more power. For instance if you decide to tow and your in program one and you get into some hills and think that you would rather be in program 2? I have been browsing around some old posts on this site and it seems a lot of people like the Bully Dog Package.

I have never used any performance module. However, the thing about the Banks PDA that I liked was that it would be like using my Window's Based PC to make adjustments or manuever around. With the other boxes it seems that I would have to scroll through several lines of code to find what I am looking for. Again I am just guessing because I have never used any of these.

It would be nice if there were a store around that cariied all of the brands so that you could play around with each one a little before you made your decision.

ptgarcia

Actually, they usually have a simple, easy to use menu tree. You don't need to know C+++ (or whatever) to use these.

Me too. Almost everything these days needs to be ordered. The days of the well stocked showroom are over.

truk

hey bob !! midwest trucks i think is the name its on st. rt. 40 on the other side of springfield. dont know how much they carry in stock, a friend bought his stuff from them . thats about it ive been looking my self! you should look at the quadzilla stuff good prices and very good service!

DrDiesel

I have the TST on my 06 and had one on my 03.
I like it. I like the way it works and the power it makes.
The new one has some nice features. Cool down timer by time or temp.
I like the timing duration control with the split power/torque control, the remote with gages. I have not changed my fuel rail pressure control as my truck is stock with an intake hose and air filter.
But if your going to mod your truck, it is my opinion this box has the most expandable coverage. I like the fact of not running separate gage`s and mounting them after I paid 850.00 bucks for a new controller.
Plus I can hide the remote or even remove it.
That`s my 2 cents. Thanks for listening.

wap

Nice thing about the tst is you wont out grow it if/WHEN you decide you arent makin enough power and you want more you have the perfect starting point.

Chopper_Bob

I guess that I want to have adjustability from fuel economy setting up to the max that my stock components will take. In addition to that if/when I decide that it is time for a better clutch and a better pusher pump I already have the module that will expand to the next level of power I can use.

I appreciate everybody's .02 cents!

Chopper_Bob

Thanks for that info! I will look into the Quadzilla also. I will check out Midwest Trucks while I am at it!

dodgezilla04

the banks pda is just controlling the banks module via the pda. it is still a module. but you are probably right on with the bddl.

MOJO1

Chopper_Bob We just put PDA Bundle on my buddies (06) runs real good!
My (06) we put the TST on CODES CODES CODES Low boost rough idle so on! GOOD LUCK WITH YOURS

goodeyesniper75

go with the bddl or the tst

InFeRnO

wait a couple of months for the PMT I heard it is going to be awesome.

Chopper_Bob

What is the "PMT" ??