Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 99 and Smarty ?

[DavidC]

It appears my 10+ year Diesel Dynamics fueling box is breathing it's last gasp. The system is kicking codes, box lights up led's but I had to turn it on/off 3 times or more before it actually would work and intermittent fueling/timing shutdowns for a very brief time that jar my teeth. The search is on for a new system. Would the S-03 work well for towing my approx 12k 5ver with headwinds, steep grades etc. The DDUFM was like the Edge comp with 5 settings and 5 sub levels for each. The truck's primary job is towing the 5ver and I have every conceivable gauge already installed so I do not need anything fancy. Unless someone has a better idea than the smarty where is the best place to purchase ? Smartydieseltuner.com ?. As you can imagine, towing that weight with a 180hp and stock torque is very frustrating so I have to do something.

Dave

 

[petersonj]

I just put a Smarty S03 on my 2002 truck with stock engine and clutch and six speed last April. It is my first programmer and it works excellent for me. My trailer weighs only 4,000 lbs, so it is not comparable to yours, but I think the programmer would work for you. I have the Smarty set on a lower setting (SW 3). It provides excellent torque in the lower rpm ranges from clutch engagement becoming very strong from around 1400 rpm and up.

There are nine software settings on the S03 and each setting allows for independent adjustments by the user for torque, timing, and fuel duration. It is very flexible.

I have towed various trailers (from 4,000 to 9,000 lbs) for about 3000 miles and I wish that I had purchased the Smarty S03 a years ago.

I purchased my Smarty S03 from Craigslist.

- John

 

[Killer223]

you won't like the smarty, it's not very much HP. as compared to a comp box.
all the changes in the smarty, you still only get 65HP it just changes how fast you get the HP. i would look for a pump tap box like a edge comp.

 

[JR]

Wasn't the Diesel Dynamics box something like a +50hp tune? Should be similar to the Smarty. Smarty is not as big on HP as a wire tap programmer but has shown to make over +100lb ft torque on the dyno on a stock engine. They make good use able power for towing.

Brian@Smarty (the Smarty rep on here) is adamant there are some advancements in tuning for the VP trucks coming down the pipeline in the near future. I'm not expecting the same performance as what they've done with the CR trucks but should be good none the less. They are also very reliable. No wires or plugs or modules sitting under the hood contending with countless heat cycles and vibrations.

 

[Killer223]

i digress, the smarty is a great box, but for me and about the same amount of cash why not get a tap box? yes the smarty uses the OEM ECM, so it should be dead-set reliable. but i never had an issue with my tap box. and it's adjustable on the fly.
for the money i'd get the comp.
but if a set and forget is your thing then the smarty is a great great option.

 

[DavidC]

Wasn't the Diesel Dynamics box something like a +50hp tune? Should be similar to the Smarty. Smarty is not as big on HP as a wire tap programmer but has shown to make over +100lb ft torque on the dyno on a stock engine. They make good use able power for towing.

Brian@Smarty (the Smarty rep on here) is adamant there are some advancements in tuning for the VP trucks coming down the pipeline in the near future. I'm not expecting the same performance as what they've done with the CR trucks but should be good none the less. They are also very reliable. No wires or plugs or modules sitting under the hood contending with countless heat cycles and vibrations.

I really do not remember the DDUFM numbers but it is made by Edge I believe with a milder tune, adjustable on the fly. Running around town I usually have it on 3/5, when towing the 5ver 4/5. I was waiting for the Marco box (now Smarty) before I bought the DDUFM with a lot of will be out soon going on. So from what I gather the Smarty is a glorified Edge EZ ?. Guess I will start going over wiring on the existing, re-do some connections and see if it helps (fixes) the problem. It will be tough to know if I am not towing under load as that seems to be the key in letting me know there is a problem. When the teeth rattling jerk happens the check engine lights up with a 251,252 and 253 code. If I turn the box off, no jerking, no codes and gutless. Other than that it is looking like a Comp may be in my future.

Dave

 

[JR]

Ive never personally owned an Edge so my opinion may be a bit skewed but everyone I've ever known that had any time on them ended up having problems. In all fairness they were several years old so depending on how long you keep your truck it may not be an issue for you. I don't believe the harnesses or modules they use are up to snuff for the long haul, which is where the durability of the Smarty comes into play. Edge has an advantage in tuning on the fly if that's what your after, me personally once I dialed my Smarty in I've left it alone. Been on the same tune for more years than I can remember and really have no desire to change it. The reason why the guys I know that had the Edge had to change tunes so often was because the higher HP tunes were too hot for otherwise stock trucks when towing. So if your trucks primary function is to tow the extra power levels will be more or less useless to you.

Smarty also can reprogram abs for different sized tires and is a good code reader. Being it is vehicle specific it is better than many of the general OBD scanners.

Either one would do you well, I suppose it all comes down to personal preference.

 

[JR]

So from what I gather the Smarty is a glorified Edge EZ ?.

In terms of power I believe they are similar. Smarty has no harnesses like the Edge. It rewrites the ECM through the OBD port. Takes about 2-3 minutes start to finish, from what I remember. Been a while since I messed with it

 

[DavidC]

I really need a try before you buy smarty. Just cleared the 251,252,253 codes that came up on the way back from Minot ND visiting the daughter, about 3500 mile round trip. I figure the existing box may have been set for 90hp, not sure about torque but when working right it would climb most any grade on 4/5 and I would have to keep an eye on egt's. I am sure the smarty is very reliable but not sure if it will do the job. I also have the little voice in the back of my head telling me it could also be a problem with the VP. I do not like expensive projects.

Dave

 

[NIsaacs]

After 12 years of running an EZ I jumped up to the Edge Juice w/Attitude, I really like it. The EZ had good pulling power but was slow to accelerate when passing. I tow mostly on level 5 with 6 levels total. Level 6 is where the Attitude comes from, I don't use it at all, my turbo is stock so it just smokes. With RV injectors it runs 400/950 (level 5) on the chassis dyno. The EZ was 335/850. Fuel mileage is the same. I have the CTS also, it is like a smart phone, it can do way more stuff than I have a clue about. I just use it for more gauges and set it to defuel at 1400* and hold back low boost fueling until 20 psi boost. Even on this setting it will still smoke if I step on it too quick.

On a long tough pull it will get the EGT's up to 1400 and on a hot day the water temp will get up to 220 so I still have to watch it but it is not bad at all. I have 27k miles on it now and less rubber on my tires, lol. When towing it does seem to melt the rear tires off. I installed new tires at the same time and they are down to 8/32's so over half used up.

Nick

 

[Regcabguy]

No plumbing with the Smarty and the tunes have to be much cleaner running than the initial ones released years ago.
Tire recalibrating and DTC reading and clearance is a plus too.

 

[JR]

I also have the little voice in the back of my head telling me it could also be a problem with the VP
Dave

Hard to say from across the country but based on your description it sounds like typical programmer failure unless the VP is acting up without your programmer plugged in.

 

[DavidC]

Brian@Smarty (the Smarty rep on here) is adamant there are some advancements in tuning for the VP trucks coming down the pipeline in the near future. I'm not expecting the same performance as what they've done with the CR trucks but should be good none the less. They are also very reliable. No wires or plugs or modules sitting under the hood contending with countless heat cycles and vibrations.

I remember reading that post, I believe it was 6/28/16

Dave

 

[Bob Wagner]

The 98.5 - 99 ecm's flash memory is reaching its lifespan. If you would like to try a smarty I have no problem sending you a demo to try at no charge. But if there is any flash issues I don't want any blame. Happy to help. Bob

 

[DavidC]

The 98.5 - 99 ecm's flash memory is reaching its lifespan. If you would like to try a smarty I have no problem sending you a demo to try at no charge. But if there is any flash issues I don't want any blame. Happy to help. Bob

Now your scaring me Bob. Flash memory reaching it's lifespan ?. So you are saying uploading/downloading may have problems with the ECM ?.

Dave

 

[BigPapa]

Brian@Smarty (the Smarty rep on here)

Brian@Smarty is employed by SmartyResource.com, not Smartypower.com.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but SmartyResource.com does not sell the Smarty, but are "the dedicated technical support and customer service for Smarty Performance King SA" and they sell Big Bang Injectors.

Bob Wagner of Spartypower.com, the folks who developed the Smarty and where you can actually purchase one, has represented the Smarty here on TDR and other sights for a VERY long time. He would be who I'd go to with a Smarty question.

 

[JR]

Thanks for the history lesson, Scott. I wasn't aware there was a difference between the two.

Maybe Bob could expand on some of the VP developments Brian@Smarty has been speaking of for sooo long.....

 

[Joe Mc]

David,

Here's a tad of what worked for me: around 2003 I was at an event and a fellow TDR member I met there offered to let me try out his Smarty (of course his was same year as mine 99, I think the year is critical as prior to this a friend of mine with an 01 tried to load smarty in my 99 and it wouldn't take, thru all kinds of odd codes) after try-out he told me, "so you are aware you'll now have the most updated software for the 99, which includes cold weather rpm up/down and a tap on the break pedal or place in gear will return idle to normal, there's a few other pluses too".

So all has been well ever since. Shortly after this "smarty test" I ended up purchasing an Edge Comp Box and tapped the wire to the VP. I've enjoyed the ability to change settings from 1/1 to KILL (5/5) while on the fly and to date I've had no Edge issues. Not saying there's anything wrong with Smarty or any other box, just communicating that in the 13 years I've had my Edge box, it's been fine. I typically run around on 2/3 and only go to Kill if and When necessary. I don't haul anything but my arse around so I can't provide any info on hauling loads.

Hope this helps somewhat. I'd go for the "test one out" method then make your decision.

 

[DavidC]

Thanks for all the idea's/recommendations. I just returned from my annual mandated smog test in Maricopa County #@$%!. When I do this Da** routine I turn the box off until I pull out of the test facility. This is a great plus side of the box. I am leaning towards replacing the DDUFM (made by edge and looks identical to a comp) with a comp. On the way home I was set on 4/5 and did a few romps just to see if anything would show up. Ran perfectly, the problem so far has only shown up under load and the Cummins working it's as* off.

Dave

 

[Bob Wagner]

Marco is still beating on the vp truck on the dyno. There are quite a few built in limiter in the early model ecm's. I will report back when progress has been made. Thanks . I have been with Marco for over 10 years now. We started back with the mad ecm many moons ago. Its been quite a ride.