Hey everyone,
I am new to the diesel world and had a few questions about a chip/programmer. I was looking for some advice as to what brand/model to go with. A little background info on the use of the truck: towing usually nothing heavier than a fishing boat or a trailer full of decoys for hunting. Do a lot of interstate driving to get to spots and would also like to improve the fuel mileage if possible. Along with that the truck see's its fair amount of snowy mountain trails since I live in wyoming. Any advice you guys have would be great!
Thanks
Alex

 

Welcome to DTR!! You are going to get a wide variety of opinions on which one is best, so I'll start the debate off with my personal opinion. Edge Juice with Attitude. Its not a programmer so it doesn't leave a "footprint" on your computer. It comes with gauges in the monitor so you don't have to buy external gauges, which if you're going to run any performance mods you will DEFINITELY need! It has 5 levels including 1 for mileage, and 1 for towing. It is IMO the safest performance mod you can buy, and their customer service is AWESOME. Hope this gets you started, like I said there are a bunch out there, do some research and choose the one that best fits your needs/wants. Again WELCOME to DTR!!

 

depends on how crazy you want to go with modding your truck and what kinda HP range your thinking about. i would say a good starting point is a edge juice with attitude monitor it will save you from having to buy gauges and a programmer/box. also if you wanted to update the juice you could always get he hot unlock code. you can find edge juices for sale on e-bay or in the DTR classifieds for a reasonable price. guys that have started out with an edge and wanted to go alot bigger. my edge hot juice stacked with an EZ put 507 to the rear wheels of my 05

 

run away now man dont get a programer dont do a thing to your truck if you do sell all the hunting gear cause your going to be hooked. and it will start with a programer and that will be good for a bit untill you loss a race or get tired then it will be sticks turbo cp3s fass and then a tranny. Oh bully dog is good i like the pmt all in one no gauges to buy on the fly changes and so on.

 

cancel your subscription to DTR. we will help you spend your money! your wife will hate us but on the other hand, you will have crap eatin grin that no one can kick off your face.

smarty!!!!!

 

Hey Alex!
Welcome to DTR!
Reading your signature, it looks like you are well on your way to a happy relationship with your truck!

I run a Smarty programmer, but I'm thinking that may not be for you.

There is a Smarty Jr., but I have no experience with it.
I've "Heard" it's pretty good.

No "Guage" option like the Edge Juice with Attitude, though.

I copied some dialog off the Mads electronics page about it for you.

Three different performance levels: 40 / 70 / 100 hp

Improved fuel economy

Optimized drivability

Fastest download in the industry, up to three times faster than
the competition, a typical ECM update takes about 3.5 to 5
minutes, depending on the truck model

ABS tire height updates in just few seconds from 22,5" to 44"

Not traceable in the stock setting. Smarty leaves no footprint

Cold weather 3 Cylinder High Idle is enabled in all softwares

Reads Diagnostic Trouble Codes in plain text

No tools required, no fuses to pull

USB built in for simple updates from internet

Easy installation

Reliable, it works off your OEM hardware

Here's the link:
http://www.madselectronics.com/SmartyJR.html

The things you may be most interested in are the tire size adjustments (Noticed you are running 35"s)

You live in Montana, so that 3 Cyl high Idle would be the Hot ticket for the cold mornings out hunting or whatever.

You have a "mature" truck, at about 4 years old, the diagnostic code reading might come in handy when sensors, etc. start to fail...

Guages will always be a recommendation, so if your truck doesn't have them, you will definitely need them.

Good luck with your decision!

 

I would also look into an X2 XZT. I have the Smarty/XZT stacked, but right now I'm only running the XZT. Can't beat it for the cost. For a mild box like that.... all you need is an EGT gauge in a SRT-10 pillar unless you want the full blown gauge setup.

 

hey i did a little research and called a couple friends that have diesels and one of them said he loves his Bully Dog Triple Dog Downloader. He has his with the outlook monitor too. Does this compare to the edge juice with attitude combo? are the bully dog downloaders also a good downloader?
thanks again
Alex

 

Nothing wrong with BD, alot of guys are running it. My problem with BD is its a "downloader", it writes to your trucks ECM/Computer, personally, I don't like that at all. Just my personal preference.

 

I have had the Van Aaken, Superchip,Quadzilla and Bully Dog triple Dog downloader. The Van Aaken was a good chip truck ran smooth and a little extra power. Not enough to worry about EGT's and all. The Superchip was fine, standard downloader, I did not ever see the power gains it claimed. The Quadzilla made good power but the truck never ran smooth. I now have the Bully Dog and it is great. Lots of power and the truck runs smooth. They also have great customer support. I also use their transmission fluid. Overall I have been happiest with the Bully Dog. I have never had a problem with the dealership about a "footprint" voiding warranty issues.