Confused: Smarty POD vs EDGE Juice w/ Attitude

[kevhype0825]

the edge is all in one chip gauges with limits u can set where u want"egts/ backdown/ boost an so on' and shift on the fly so if you want more power its at a touch of a button can crank it up or down at your needs or wants also set the fuel/boost so it so it doesnt dump fuel before it builds boost, but it does leave foot prints so if your worried about your warranty they can tell its been there.

smarty has a lot of research done an seem to work very well no foot prints upload an your done good smooth power, but u cant change on the fly and need to purchase gauges an watch them you have to let up. because it wont back down for you.

i've never owned a smarty but have had programmers i like the edge because you have control at your fingers. i like to tune it down to cruse and jus press up have that extra power. if you like to play wiht it i would say go with edge. if u want to set it an leave it programmers work well but buy gauges andwatch them they do no good if u dont watch them

Much appreciated DFairhurst! How adaptable have you found the EDGE to be with other mods like turbo's, manifold's, bigger injector's etc. Although I may never add those mods, I would like to purchase something that will allow me to if I so choose.



I am keen to have that tune on the fly functionality, which in my opinion is the greatest advantage of the EDGE. Have you seen major improvements in drivability of your truck during daily use? Also, in your opinion how dependable and accurate is the EDGE's gauge functionality?

 

[scootergmc]

You are correct... . I am not concerned about warranty or the possibility of the EDGE leaving a foot print as long the foot print does have any other negative effects. If I were to go with an EDGE what would be the issue with removing it? Doesn't the truck go back to stock configuration?

The "footprint" issue is that dealers can electronically tell the Edge was installed if you take it out if/when the truck goes in for warranty work, possibly voiding the warranty... Smarty doesn't leave the "footprint. " That's all. But you're not concerned about the warranty, so I think you're good to go.

 

[AMcCormick]

I dont think that the Edge will work for anything other than stock size tires? I beleive that the Smarty can reset to any tire diameter. I dont have either, I do like the gauges of the edge but on my truck it will not read transmission temp. I have read problems with erratic readings from digital gauges. The thing that worries me about the smarty is the smoke issue. Seems some trucks smoke like freight trains others have no problems at all.

 

[THorn]

I am a SMARTY believer 100%. I have had no issues (knock on my fake wood desk) with it what so ever. Keeping the settings under SW#5 i have a hard time getting EGTs to unsafe levels.



First I would recommend gauges no matter what you choose (first mod in my opinion).



The techy side of the Smarty is what impresses me. Since i purchased it, i have loaded new software 3 or 4 times. Every time, its a better, stronger, more efficient. Now, it definitely doesnt smoke like a freight train (like it did when i purchased it) but i will trade less smoke for the better power and mileage i get now.



Filled up yesterday and running SW#5 with 35" tires, i got 19. 74mpg hand calculated normal driving with the occasional burst.



My bias opinion, is obvious. I have never taken a diesel guy (not just Cummins owners) for a ride and not had them impressed. Even converted a few Banks and Edge guys over, not to mention Ferd and Cheby guys.



That's my entitled opinion, take it any way you'd like. Any specific questions id be glad to answer.

 

[kevhype0825]

I dont think that the Edge will work for anything other than stock size tires? I beleive that the Smarty can reset to any tire diameter. I dont have either, I do like the gauges of the edge but on my truck it will not read transmission temp. I have read problems with erratic readings from digital gauges. The thing that worries me about the smarty is the smoke issue. Seems some trucks smoke like freight trains others have no problems at all.

Would the EDGE be affected if I used another speedometer correction device and then reconnect the EDGE?

 

[kevhype0825]

I am a SMARTY believer 100%. I have had no issues (knock on my fake wood desk) with it what so ever. Keeping the settings under SW#5 i have a hard time getting EGTs to unsafe levels.



First I would recommend gauges no matter what you choose (first mod in my opinion).



The techy side of the Smarty is what impresses me. Since i purchased it, i have loaded new software 3 or 4 times. Every time, its a better, stronger, more efficient. Now, it definitely doesnt smoke like a freight train (like it did when i purchased it) but i will trade less smoke for the better power and mileage i get now.



Filled up yesterday and running SW#5 with 35" tires, i got 19. 74mpg hand calculated normal driving with the occasional burst.



My bias opinion, is obvious. I have never taken a diesel guy (not just Cummins owners) for a ride and not had them impressed. Even converted a few Banks and Edge guys over, not to mention Ferd and Cheby guys.



That's my entitled opinion, take it any way you'd like. Any specific questions id be glad to answer.

Thorn, I appreciate your opinion because you substantiated it with your results! Are you saying that the issue related to excessive smoke at lower levels (1-5) has been corrected in recent revisions of the software? Obviously I know it would produce more smoke as you increase the power but I have read several complaints about too much smoke at lower levels. How often do they release new versions of the software and do they provide details on what exactly has been tweaked with each release? Also, how does the truck respond to other mods (turbo, manifold, injectors) when using a Smarty?

 

[THorn]

Kev,

In my truck (hopefully the results would be similar in your truck) the smoking has been greatly reduced in each updated version of the software. I ran on SW#3 for almost two years, knowing if i went up to SW#5 i wouldnt go back, well im at #5 now. At $2. 00 a gallon for diesel i can sacrifice some mileage for a bit more get up and go. If i lug the truck (stick) it still smokes pretty good, but other than that, even towing, i do not see nearly as much as previous versions of the software. with an auto, as in your case i wouldnt push it past SW#3, for sake of the transmission.

I check the MADS website every 6 months, to see what they have come out with as far as new versions. This is the key, the software just gets better as i stated before. Some guys complain about to much smoke (which is not my case), but i have buddies who dont like how little my truck smokes now. They like to roll the coals, but when i walk by them going down the road, its a perfect example of black smoke just being wasted fuel and power. More smoke doesnt mean more power, it means more fuel is being presented and NOT utilized (wasted).

As far as other mods, i can only attest to the things i have done, on my specific truck. The exhaust manifold made a difference in spool up and EGTs, but i got a deal on it and couldnt pass it up. Injectors and turbos (eventually) will come, but i feel from what i see on my guages i am not pushing the limits of my engine with what i have done now. In fact, i am happy to say its "safe" and i drive it every day. 79K on the truck to date. The smarty will work with any modifications. If you go to their website (MADS Electronics) you can see different setups (or settings) for aftermarket turbo, or injectors.

Honestly, i dont see why i would "need" more power than i have, but needing and wanting are two completely different things!

Keep the questions coming.

 

[DaveHess]

46 days and counting to Oh-Smarty Jr-Hundred. You military guys out there can appreciate the verbage!

 

[kevhype0825]

Kev,



In my truck (hopefully the results would be similar in your truck) the smoking has been greatly reduced in each updated version of the software. I ran on SW#3 for almost two years, knowing if i went up to SW#5 i wouldnt go back, well im at #5 now. At $2. 00 a gallon for diesel i can sacrifice some mileage for a bit more get up and go. If i lug the truck (stick) it still smokes pretty good, but other than that, even towing, i do not see nearly as much as previous versions of the software. with an auto, as in your case i wouldnt push it past SW#3, for sake of the transmission.



I check the MADS website every 6 months, to see what they have come out with as far as new versions. This is the key, the software just gets better as i stated before. Some guys complain about to much smoke (which is not my case), but i have buddies who dont like how little my truck smokes now. They like to roll the coals, but when i walk by them going down the road, its a perfect example of black smoke just being wasted fuel and power. More smoke doesnt mean more power, it means more fuel is being presented and NOT utilized (wasted).



As far as other mods, i can only attest to the things i have done, on my specific truck. The exhaust manifold made a difference in spool up and EGTs, but i got a deal on it and couldnt pass it up. Injectors and turbos (eventually) will come, but i feel from what i see on my guages i am not pushing the limits of my engine with what i have done now. In fact, i am happy to say its "safe" and i drive it every day. 79K on the truck to date. The smarty will work with any modifications. If you go to their website (MADS Electronics) you can see different setups (or settings) for aftermarket turbo, or injectors.



Honestly, i dont see why i would "need" more power than i have, but needing and wanting are two completely different things!



Keep the questions coming.

Once again... thanks for all the valuable input. I actually feel like I am closer to making an informed decision! Oo.



Just a few more question:



1. What is the difference between the Smarty S-06 and the Smarty S-06 PoD?

2. I have read that the first time you use the Smarty it becomes VIN locked. I know I should be able to read and clear codes on other trucks while it is locked but I would like to know if anyone has actually done this across gen's and their results? I would really like to be able to do this for my Dad's truck which is a gen 2 truck.

3. What would you consider the most effective gauge combination for monitoring the safe limits of my motor? (Boost,Fuel,EGT or Boost,Trans,EGT)

4. Can MADS Electronics provide custom tuned SW#'s based on exact modifications done to a particular truck?

5. Taking into account my truck's configuration (auto), what would be the minimum required mod's to go past SW#3?

6. What were the EGT's you have seen at the different SW# levels you are tried?



UPDATED:

7. I noticed you have a Greddy Timer on your truck. Were you able to find a Dodge Ram wiring diagram or wiring harness for that timer on the Internet or did you have it installed?

 

[THorn]

Kev,

Ill answer as best i can. I am sure the other guys have better answers than i do.

1. POD allows you to change the programs percentage (0-100) on the fly. I have been debating the usefulness of this, and im sticking with the "old" style, i like that there is NO box attached to my truck. Drives under the hood snoopers NUTS! The POD requires the smarty to be "attached" to the OBDII port at all times to my knowledge.
2. I havent tried reading codes on other generation trucks. It is a great question, even id like to know. Although scan tools are so cheap these days, i typically use my old OBDII scan tool on other vehicles.
3. There is NO limit to the number of gauges you can have. The three i chose fit my truck and what i feel is "important". I had EGT and boost at first, than added the fuel pressure. Without ever owning an automatic truck i dont know how useful the trans temp gauge is. I have buddies who have a trans temp gauge and blown up transmissions (obviously something didnt add up). If i were towing heavy loads long distances, a trans temp gauge would be useful. With a limit of three gauges on the pillar... EGT, boost and fuel pressure. These are direct results (readings) from the engine. Which is why i bought a 6 speed. (thank god they dont make a clutch slipage gauge!)
4. MAD's does not do this per customer that i am aware of, but i know Bob Wagner (US sales rep) and all the guys on here with Smarty's have run countless different setups and are willing to share what they "run". For me, its fun to "play" with all of the different switch settings, as well as torque management, timing, and all the other goodies listed. Without a dyno at your disposal, the seat of your pants test is much more fun in my opinion. And trust me, dont go higher than the number you want to run every day, because you'll never go back down.....
5. Again, without ever owning an Auto, from what i have read... Beefed up torque converter #1, and the list goes on... . Sorry, i know thats not a lot of help.
6. EGT's have never been an issue since the smarty was installed, i dont think i have ever had it passed 1300 since i put the Smarty on. And for me to get above 1200, i either have to be lugging the truck, or absolutely flat out flooring it. Running at 60 mph, EGTs were lower at both SW#3 and #5 than stock. Doing 60MPH on flat ground, i normally read; 4-5lbs boost, 500-550 degrees EGT and 8-8. 5psi fuel pressure.

 

[JEngledow]

from what I know every product out there weather it's edge, smarty, banks, bully dog the list goes on has pros and cons . screens go out units go dead voltage spikes list could go on it's a chance game I have got mods the plug in ones are the ones I worry about the bolt on ones not so if I had the $$ I would go all bolt on. .

edge does have a tire size adjust on it's dissplay but will not change your dash have edge on my 05 with 305's and it would dissplay a 5mph diff @ 65

 

[WOT]

FYI, you don't have to have it connected to the OBDII port all the time, just when you want to change the power percentage (which is on the fly change) or the entire load (5 min change).

Kev,



1. POD allows you to change the programs percentage (0-100) on the fly. I have been debating the usefulness of this, and im sticking with the "old" style, i like that there is NO box attached to my truck. Drives under the hood snoopers NUTS! The POD requires the smarty to be "attached" to the OBDII port at all times to my knowledge.

 

[THorn]

WOT,

Thanks for clarifying. The POD unit needs to be hooked to the OBDII plug to allow "on the fly" changes. Once it is set i assume you can unplug it, but loose the ability to adjust the % without hooking it back up.

Again, i like the "old" style, where i download the settings, unplug it and hide it away. No boxes velcro'd to my fuse box, etc. I prefer to have a CLEAN looking engine compartment, which is one of the reason i bought the last of the 5. 9s... ... .

 

[WOT]

THorn,

I know what you mean. Typically it isn't hooked up all the time. If it were smaller and the OBD port was in a better spot i might leave it hooked up, but i find myself just leaving it on 9 and 100% power most of the time anyway

The only thing I would do different is buy the gauges that can be hooked up to the computer so you can pull data from them. But as far as tuners go, i love the smarty. I had an EZ on my Y2K truck and it was a very nice box to - never had any problems with it.

WOT

 

[THorn]

Thanks guys... . my day at the desk went by a little faster than normal

 

[kevhype0825]

Thanks guys... . my day at the desk went by a little faster than normal

Mine too!!

 

[kevhype0825]

"The only thing I would do different is buy the gauges that can be hooked up to the computer so you can pull data from them. "



WOT, are you refering to a setup like the EDGE Insight?



Can anyone shed some light on this question?



"2. I have read that the first time you use the Smarty it becomes VIN locked. I know I should be able to read and clear codes on other trucks while it is locked but I would like to know if anyone has actually done this across gen's and their results? I would really like to be able to do this for my Dad's truck which is a gen 2 truck. "

 

[WOT]

kevhype0825,

I'm talking about the ISSPRO gauges that do data logging. ISSPRO Performax PC Datalogger kit goes on the ISSPRO Performax Gauges.

Performax Gauge line from ISSPRO

 

[kevhype0825]

Can someone explain this function of the Smarty S-06 PoD?

"Manual High Idle is enabled in all softwares"

 

[kevhype0825]

kevhype0825,



I'm talking about the ISSPRO gauges that do data logging. ISSPRO Performax PC Datalogger kit goes on the ISSPRO Performax Gauges.



Performax Gauge line from ISSPRO

Is Diesel Manor the preferred vendor for ISSPRO gauges? Their kits seem very well put together.