Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Smarty and auto conversation thread.

[Fishin Guide]

Dave, There was a schematic that showed how to bypass the signal around the ECM to the PCM on one of the transmission sites. I can't find it now but I think there may be a way to use this for an upgrade.

If the signal was intercepted from the APPS and run thru a voltage converter, AGM, Phenoix or Weidmuiller, say 0-5 vdc to 0-10 vdc. This signal would then give a greater APPS voltage to the PCM for shift ranges. The Smarty would see the same signal but the PCM would see a different value. The converters are only a c-note or so. If you like I could get the part #s and post them for you. Mike

That would be very interesting!!



If you could pass on that info I would greatly appreciate it!



Dave

 

[AKAMAC]

OK, I'll leave it up to you to find the schematic. It tapped the signal before the ECM and bypassed the ECM to the PCM. I'll also need to know if you want the voltage to increase or decrease, log, square root, or n!. Mike

 

[Fishin Guide]

Mike, I am way too technically challenged to answer all that! LOL



I would want a voltage increase from the APPS signal. I know what wires do what to the PCM, but I will still try to find that schematic.



I do worry that even with that mod, it may still be too touchy, but I'll give it a shot!





Dave

 

[24VChev]

You can install a BD Torqueloc if you want to lock up your t. c. sooner. They lock up the t. c. at a fixed MPH (approx 25-35 mph). If you want a better way to control the transmission then get a Tow Loc. You can program it with a laptop and have lock up occur a 10 mph if you want.



Malcolm

 

[Fishin Guide]

I ama gonna try to find a simple EZ or a Van Aaken and plug that in first. Seems I had no driveability issues with the Comp. Maybe the EZ/ TST combo is due for a comeback. :-laf



Dave

 

[FTwardoch]

You can install a BD Torqueloc if you want to lock up your t. c. sooner. They lock up the t. c. at a fixed MPH (approx 25-35 mph). If you want a better way to control the transmission then get a Tow Loc. You can program it with a laptop and have lock up occur a 10 mph if you want.



Malcolm

What does one of these BD loc deals cost? I'd hate to have to spend big $ just to make this work... ... ... ... .

 

[FTwardoch]

I ama gonna try to find a simple EZ or a Van Aaken and plug that in first. Seems I had no driveability issues with the Comp. Maybe the EZ/ TST combo is due for a comeback. :-laf



Dave

Dave - here's my plan for now. I went back to stock last weekend and running on 'only' the Mach 1 injectors. Yes, I miss the bottom end but there is NO shift weirdness going on and as a side benefit my mileage appears to be up over 20 mpg (won't know till I hand calculate and add the tire size adjustment to my spreadsheet). Then Friday I'm getting a Drag Comp installed by Rip at 11am. Going to keep the stock program and run just the Drag Comp for a while to see how the transmission behaves. If it seems 'normal' I'll add Smarty on level 2 and see what that does.



More reports to come.

 

[FTwardoch]

I have the same 3-4 hard shift and dead spot. But after a lot of help from Jeremy, we are going to try something new to fix this. My CaTcher is running level 9 smarty on it, Bosch 300 sticks, mildly built auto, AFE intake, PDR HX35 just so you have an idea of how I am set up. It will be a week or two before we have results so stand by.



Philip

Philip, I'm kinda intrigued by what you guys have in mind (you and Jeremy). As he's practically a neighbor (we live a couple of miles apart) I'd love to hear what you have in mind.

 

[Fishin Guide]

Rip can help ya out!



I have spoken to him about these issues as well. Got some good insight from that guy over time. Nicer guy you'll never meet!



Dave

 

[SKargo]

You can install a BD Torqueloc if you want to lock up your t. c. sooner. They lock up the t. c. at a fixed MPH (approx 25-35 mph). If you want a better way to control the transmission then get a Tow Loc. You can program it with a laptop and have lock up occur a 10 mph if you want.



Malcolm

On my controller I can set my lockup anywhere from 18mph on up. It also controls my OD setting as well.

 

[Fishin Guide]

On my controller I can set my lockup anywhere from 18mph on up. It also controls my OD setting as well.

What brand of controller are you running??



Dave

 

[Fishin Guide]

Did a test with the half power program last night.



Fixes most of the issues I am having. I get lockup on time, everytime. However, I get the "stacked shifts" others get with it in the normal modes. This goes back to the theory that we auto guys need less sensitivity on the bottom or a delayed Smarty effect.



I am going to try an EZ if I can locate one this week. I'll try all 3 settings to see if that's an inprovement or not and to rule out any other factors.



I did try out another APPS previously and that is not the issue either.





Dave

 

[SKargo]

What brand of controller are you running??



Dave

I'm running a prototype that I beta tested, but you can get the retail box here

http://www.painlessperformance.com/webcatalog/largeview.php?SearchField=64347

 

[Fishin Guide]

I'm running a prototype that I beta tested, but you can get the retail box here

http://www.painlessperformance.com/webcatalog/largeview.php?SearchField=64347

Does this take control over the governor solenoid? Or is it a simple lockup interface?



Dave

 

[SKargo]

Does this take control over the governor solenoid? Or is it a simple lockup interface?



Dave

Dave,

I have no idea to be perfectly honest. I do my testing for SP Diesel, they would know for sure how it works, I just know it does indeed work for me :-laf

They are on the board here.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/member.php?u=18051



Scott



p. s. totally off topic, where are you a guide?

 

[Fishin Guide]

Thanks for the info!



I guide in WA state.



Dave

 

[BJMarshall]

Scott,
I have been watching for painless to release that controller. I just talked to them and they say they are still a few weeks away from putting it out. No information on pricing yet. This is all the information they have on their website now.
"The module allows user programming of the third to forth gear transmission shift points and torque converter lockup points. Uses factory switchgear to control transmission parameters on the fly. Results in increased acceleration and brake life, plus reduced 1/4 mile times, and significantly reduced transmission temperatures. "
If it is like other painless products I have used in the past, it will be professionally done and my experience with their customer service has been good.
Could you share some more detailed information on how it is working out for you?

 

[SKargo]

Scott,

I have been watching for painless to release that controller. I just talked to them and they say they are still a few weeks away from putting it out. No information on pricing yet. This is all the information they have on their website now.

"The module allows user programming of the third to forth gear transmission shift points and torque converter lockup points. Uses factory switchgear to control transmission parameters on the fly. Results in increased acceleration and brake life, plus reduced 1/4 mile times, and significantly reduced transmission temperatures. "

If it is like other painless products I have used in the past, it will be professionally done and my experience with their customer service has been good.

Could you share some more detailed information on how it is working out for you?

It's working great.

I have mine set to turn my OD off once the truck hits approx. 10 mph. I usually set it to come on at 55mph or so(I have 3. 55's). I set my tc lockup at right around 35 mph after the trans shift. My trans(goerend bros) probably runs 20° cooler with the TC locked up. I control it via my cruise control buttons on my steering wheel, so there is really no need to mount it where it can be seen, unless you want to see the red LED that signifies TC lockup.



I am not sure if you can only get it via painless, or if SP will sell it direct. I know it has been tested on 3rd gens with positive results as well.

 

[BJMarshall]

I don't think painless sells direct. I think you have to buy it from a distributor. That's pretty nice that it works with the cruise control buttons. I don't like adding switches.
Was it difficult to install?

 

[SKargo]

I don't think painless sells direct. I think you have to buy it from a distributor. That's pretty nice that it works with the cruise control buttons. I don't like adding switches.

Was it difficult to install?

SP installed mine while I watched :-laf Basically, they fab up harnesses and test different connections. So while my stuff might be slightly "homeade', the retail stuff has high quality connectors and harnesses.



I think it wouldn't be terribly hard to install though, as with their other products, they send along thorough directions.