Tuners
#1
Tuners
Time for me to buy a tuner. All my searches are telling me that the smarty jr is the way to go. Im interested in the quadzilla as well because of the guage features. Is the smarty that much better? Dont they do they same thing? Sorry for bringing this up but im new to this whole world and looking for advice dont want to regret my purchase. Also curios about the power max does anybody have one, if so do you like it? thanks alot
#3
DTR 1st Sergeant
You can do a lot of searching and find a lot of info. Smarty jr may be the way to go, but you didn't define any goals. Fill out your sig with what you have got so we can help you better. It looks like you may just be stock. That is ok too.
You are wise to consider gauges. Whether electronic (like quadzilla, edge, or bully dog) or analog (like auto meter, Isspro and etc) you need them. The most important one is egt. But there are more.
Now, there is a difference between what is commonly called a downloader (like smarty) or a module (like TST power max and quadzilla). Each has its own advantage/disadvantage. some folks like me, "stack" them (use both at the same time) to take advantage of everything. You do not need to do this at this time. But you need to decide what advantages are important to you!
The downloaders, like smarty, reprogram your ECM directly and can also do things like clear trouble codes and calibrate your speedo for tire size. Modules take the ECM signals, modify them and send them on down the line and are an "external box" that does this. They can do things like act as gauges, have "shift on the fly" (change power settings while driving) and etc.
Smarty can "shift on the fly" to a degree with an option called "Power on Demand"... but it requires that the unit be hooked up.
The TST power max is a very powerful unit and can tear things up in a hurry if you abuse it without knowing what you are doing. Same thing goes with Smarty "Sr" or really any power adder. But these two are among the most powerful along with bully dog, diablo predator, and PPE.
A smarty jr was designed with the stock to mostly stock truck in mind and this may be your best bet. However, take the time to do some research and LEARN! (oh, and don't fall for the Banks ads in the magazines)
You are wise to consider gauges. Whether electronic (like quadzilla, edge, or bully dog) or analog (like auto meter, Isspro and etc) you need them. The most important one is egt. But there are more.
Now, there is a difference between what is commonly called a downloader (like smarty) or a module (like TST power max and quadzilla). Each has its own advantage/disadvantage. some folks like me, "stack" them (use both at the same time) to take advantage of everything. You do not need to do this at this time. But you need to decide what advantages are important to you!
The downloaders, like smarty, reprogram your ECM directly and can also do things like clear trouble codes and calibrate your speedo for tire size. Modules take the ECM signals, modify them and send them on down the line and are an "external box" that does this. They can do things like act as gauges, have "shift on the fly" (change power settings while driving) and etc.
Smarty can "shift on the fly" to a degree with an option called "Power on Demand"... but it requires that the unit be hooked up.
The TST power max is a very powerful unit and can tear things up in a hurry if you abuse it without knowing what you are doing. Same thing goes with Smarty "Sr" or really any power adder. But these two are among the most powerful along with bully dog, diablo predator, and PPE.
A smarty jr was designed with the stock to mostly stock truck in mind and this may be your best bet. However, take the time to do some research and LEARN! (oh, and don't fall for the Banks ads in the magazines)
#4
thanks guys my truck is stock aside from 4" mbrp turbo back exhaust and 33" dick cepek mud country tires. My goal is to achieve 500hp 800+ ft lbs, Right now my truck is slow (03 SO ) and looking to get a smile on my face when i put my foot into it. I plan on doing the tranny in the summer, so what you guys think?
#5
DTR 1st Sergeant
If 500 is your goal, with that truck, you're gooonna need a lot more than just a tuner. You are starting where I started from.
So at a minimum, you will need a smarty sr, not jr, Tranny, a better turbo (yours is way too small), lift pump upgrade (the canister mounted one you have now is notoriously weak), an injection pump (cp3) mod. (a mild one is all), and probably small injectors like 50hp.
I just spent about $3000 for you not including tranny. and that is $3k if you buy wisely and some used stuff.
So at a minimum, you will need a smarty sr, not jr, Tranny, a better turbo (yours is way too small), lift pump upgrade (the canister mounted one you have now is notoriously weak), an injection pump (cp3) mod. (a mild one is all), and probably small injectors like 50hp.
I just spent about $3000 for you not including tranny. and that is $3k if you buy wisely and some used stuff.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
PhilR
3rd Gen High Performance and Accessories (5.9L Only)
1
03-19-2008 09:04 PM
Slice
3rd Generation Ram - Non Drivetrain - All Years
27
06-15-2005 06:28 PM