Gents,
Truck is in the signature. I would like reasoned opinions. My preferences include low-end power, quality of components, and tunability. Also, what editions of the Smarty electronics will work on my truck? Thanks.

BlackBanshee

 

Duh...Smarty!

 

Is cost and issue? Buy both...

I had the TST for the 1st couple of years and then added Smarty when it became available. Both are good devices and work well together.

 

Cost is an issue. I can only really afford one at present. Plus, without a bigger turbo, some sticks, and a much better clutch, having both would be pointless. BossHog, why do you vote for a Smarty?

BlackBanshee

 

JP-4.5,
What did you like/dislike about either?

BlackBanshee

 

Smarty no doubt! amazing programmer and worth every dollar!

 

If I had to choose between my TST and Smarty I choose the TST. For one the TST will back down if the EGT's get to hot nice feature if other people drive your truck now and then.

Smartys strong point is a 3 year old can install it. Smarty does have better low end power. TST needs a few more RPM's before it really starts to pull.

TST has a lot less smoke when your driving around town. Smarty's smoke can be a little to much in my opinion

 

RAMRODD,
How noticeable is the difference in low end power?

BlackBanshee

 

I have both and stack both on my 04. If I had to go with only one, it would be Smarty.

Now both are different devices and have different functions. Smarty lets you clear codes, adjust for tire size and has the most versatility for tuning. TST gives a couple of guage functions, has the cool down timer and a few other nice things. The way power comes on and can be tuned for is very different between the two. TST is peaky and hits hard later; Smarty is smoother and more linear. If you were to tune for equal power output (for sake of argument let's say you found a tune on either unit that gives you exactly 500 HP) Smarty power tends to be less smoky and lower egt than TST. Yes, some folks will experience more smoke with Smarty, this is because it fuels harder down low--- which equals your "more down low power".

 

soulezoo,
Thanks for the explanation. I like Smarty's delivery (from what I've read), but the on-the-fly adjustability of the PMCR R49 would be really handy. The newer Smarty does have the PoD, but as far as I can tell, it is not as convenient. Also, I am hoping to buy this thing used in order to save some cash, so the Pod might be out.

BlackBanshee

 

I love my TST. I have tried the smarty and it is a great product but no guages and no fuel cut off with hight boost or egt. TST especially with the TWINS programming it just as good as the smart from 1500 rpm on. The smarty can make gobs of grunt from idle to 1500 with it tourqe manament setting but it will eat clutches and ujoints over time. You can just about as much tunning with the tst. Both great products I think you get more value for your money for the TST if you want all alround performance and guages. If you have priced gauges lately the TST is cheaper and with SMARTY you must have gauges if you would like your motor to live a long life.

 

Blackbanshee,
I can't argue the TST isn't a great product, however the Smarty just has more capabilities. Honestly, when I first got into modding my 04 I like the versitility of "on the fly" adjustability. Now I hardly feel a need for it unless Im towing a heavy load. Even then It only takes about 4min or less to change power lvls, and when Im not towing there is no need for less power is there? LOL I've been driving my truck on high Smarty lvls and stacked with a Quad box for quite some time without any issues. Maybe under certain extremes driving on high lvls all the time would hurt the truck, but these things are allot more bullet proof than some make them out to be. Mines been a tank, and hasn't had many problems. Just don't do anything stupid and you should be fine!

..and I've never personally owned a TST, so I can't say for sure, but from what I've read its peakier like others have mentioned. For the options you get with a Smarty, the power, and the ease of install/unistall the Smarty wins in my book hands down!

 

At this point, I'm leaning towards the Smarty. I am a great fan of low end power. I have a Bully Dog Outlook monitor (just the monitor, no chip) on the truck (came with it). It has egt, boost, rail pressure, and coolant temp. This won't be as effective as the defuel on the TST, but will make playing safer. If I could afford both, I would definitely get both (with the necessary accompanying mods of course). I looked at the installation instructions for the TST and it looks like a pain. How easy is the Smarty PoD to use, i.e, how does it compare to the on-the-fly of the TST?
Thanks fellas,

BlackBanshee

 

I have had both units....and I will tell ya, when stacked they are AWESOME. Either one alone has its own issues. From the adjust on the fly to lack of power. In my truck the TST could not begin to touch the smarty as far as fueling my turbo (64/12) and the smarty lacks in the upper end fuel....either way I would start with a smarty then later add an adjustable chip to help with pressure/fueling up top.

 

If your truck is an 04 HO, only listen to the guys who have or have had that engine (305hp/555tq). The newer owners have no clue based on their results w/ their newer engine... I've had both and if you can't get both right now(for a great stack); buy the Smarty. You'll never out grow it and it is endlessly adjustable for anything you might want to do with your truck from mild to wild. Soulezoo DEFINITELY knows these trucks; I'd take what he says to the bank.