I have an 06 and I am wanting to get a chip/programmer. I don't know anything about them. I have the predator puck on my truck right now which I can't tell if it makes a difference or not. I also have a cold air intake.

My question is can I get a programmer without getting guages and putting a new exhaust system on. I don't really do any heavy hualing other than a 14ft mowing trailer. Any advice you can give me is good.

 

The first thing I would do it get gauges. Edge Products has the Insight which has 4 gauges on the display at any one time. If you are looking for a programmer, the Juice w/ Attitude will also display up to 4 at a time. Edge Products also has 0-60 and 1/4 miles performance tests.

At least get a gauge that will show your EGTs. This will save your turbo from premature failure due to high temps.

 

Sure you can, no requirement for gauges or exhaust with a chip/programmer...loads of folks do it, just need to remember that you will have higher EGT's with the tune.

 

How hard is it to install these programmers?

 

If you know where your OBD port is (under steering wheel) and you can push a cable in...you are golden!

 

While some believe that adding chips/programmers can be done without having some kind of a monitoring system, I am truly GLAD that the first thing I did was add gauges to my truck. The information/feedback you get is invaluable with regard to protecting your asset.

I was truly suprised at what the REAL number were with regard to the EGT's when towing average stuff. Even more suprised when towing heavy. And this was without a programmer that would increase those values, just a stock truck.

The 2006's had some changes to them that DO make them run a little hotter than say the 4.5's and up, and certainly hotter than earlier models before the 4.5's. There are namy posts here and on other forums that discuss what I am talking about. If you do not truly understand what a probrammer does, and cannot find information here, go over to cummins forum, they have a sticky that has a very good and comprehensive bunch of information regarding programmers.

There are many programmers, like the Edge, that have an additional monitor that can be had as an addition to a chip that will give you the necessary monitoring information to run your truck safely down the road without doing damage that is unseen because of a lack of gauges.

If you are thinking about something like the Smarty Jr POD, their advertising says they are safe without gauges, probably the better bet if you do not want to invest in gauges. If you are thinking about the Smarty Sr, then gauges are a must. I had the Smarty Sr, now have the Jr, I did not need all the capabilities of the Sr, just wanted some better fuel mileage and a little hp boost when towing. I have noticed that I have a reduction in EGT's with the JR as well. Of course I see that information on my gauges, so I do have some peace of mind when it comes to my choices of a programmer.

CD

 

The hardest part was drilling a hole in the exhaust header for the EGT sender. That took about 15 minutes. Then running the wires was easy enough. The Juice with attitude requires unplugging and plugging new components in. You can go to the Edge Products website and download the installation manuals. The manuals are good with great pictures and step by step instructions.

 

Pretty much every programmer out there that can be used on our trucks has a website and you can download the manuals for them. Take the time to familiarize yourself with all of them, then make you choice based on what you like or think you want to have. Time well spent.

All of them install similarly. The EGT probes take up the most time because of drilling and tapping needs.


CD

 

Gauges are the first mod you should do! They let you get a baseline and monitor engine operation. They are also a great diagnostic tool to have. Most programmers come with built in safe limits too. Listen to what CD in NM said too, and do the research.

 

Ok, I will get the guages first......what about the exhaust? how important of a piece of the puzzle is that?

 

Unless you pushing huge numbers, don't worry about it. The stock 4" is plenty.