Smarty but no guages...

[daytripper63]

I have a buddy with a bone stock 2005 Ram w/automatic whom does not have gauges and wants to run the Smarty jr, I have always said everyone should have gauges if they are going to mod. I downloaded my Smarty S06 on his truck but only level 3 (60hp + timing) and he wants to try towing his 5er with it. I have read many post here that say the EGT's with the smarty are less than when stock is this true and should I let him try towing with my smarty on level 3.

 

[WOT]

Level 3 with a stock turbo might be on the edge. I made a trip a couple weeks ago through I77 in Virginia (northbound) and going up Fancy Gap mountain put me a 1250 with level 3 and aftermarket injector timing. I do have a bigger turbo so with stock I'm not sure where it would end up. With max timing it might be ok, but I would want gauges to know for sure. I run the aftermarket injector timing to reduce the smoke a bit.

 

[cerberusiam]

Stock turbo will handle level 3 without problems if the WG off feature works. He will need more boost to keep the EGT's in check and use the extra fuel. The WG off feature on the Smarty does NOT work on all trucks so do not rely on it without gauges to verify.



He wll see the highest EGT's in the upper rpm ranges and thats where the extra boost will keep things in check. If towing in lots of hills and letting the trans shift as normal its gonna spike it all the time. If he can keep the rpm's down and minimize the shifting it will work great. A lot will depend on weight of the trailer and the terrain.



With a little attention to rpm's you can minimize the impact by crimping shut the WG controller line to make sure the boost will build. Keeping the rpms under 2800 for any length of time will keep the EGT's in check and the boost should max around 35-37 psi which is within the turbo's capabilities.



There is no substitue for gauges, but, based on what I have seen for the last 100k turning off the WG one way or another and judicious use of the right foot will allow a relatively safe use of level 3.



Keep the TM at 2 though when you load the program. Anything more is death to the stock trans and even on 2 do NOT let it short shift. Don't feather the throttle on acceleration, mash it and let the sloppy fluid coupling protect the trans. Use TH and plenty of throttle and it will help keep things safe. The turbo is probably going to woof at him on the OD shift lock but that is preferable to slipping the TC or direct clutches.



FYI, running rail pressure on 3 will help with the smoke also and give it bit more bottom end. The drawback is it will be cruising at 19k rail pressure and if there are ANY issues with injectors it may push it over the edge. I have run #3 TM 3 RP 3 for over 30k and towing at GCVW with no issues and excellent results. Keep in mind every truck reacts differently and YMMV.



My . 02

 

[Bob4x4]

With the mountains in Cali and an otherwise stock truck,no gauges stick to level 1. His trans will survive to take another trip. I get too many trucks towed in with expensive damage to ever recommend using too much on a stock truck.

 

[WOT]

FYI, running rail pressure on 3 will help with the smoke also and give it bit more bottom end. The drawback is it will be cruising at 19k rail pressure and if there are ANY issues with injectors it may push it over the edge. I have run #3 TM 3 RP 3 for over 30k and towing at GCVW with no issues and excellent results. Keep in mind every truck reacts differently and YMMV.

My . 02

I've thought about bumping the rail pressure since I have plenty of filtration (FASS 3 micron + stocker) but injectors cost $$ and for now I'm keeping at stock levels. If I am just playing I might crank it up a bit, but if I am towing I don't want a bad day and have to deal with figuring out how to get the trailer somewhere.

FYI, I was running a 10K 5th wheel and had no troubles at all with power - left it in 6th and could accelerate to 70 up the mountain w/o problems. I usually run 67 with the trailer in tow.

 

[daytripper63]

His 5er is approx 12-14k what about level 1 ? I cant use my truck to tell weather or not egt's are lower with the smarty cause I have to much other stuff on it.

 

[Motorhead]

With the mountains in Cali and an otherwise stock truck,no gauges stick to level 1. His trans will survive to take another trip. I get too many trucks towed in with expensive damage to ever recommend using too much on a stock truck.

I agree with BoB... You can't just add alot of extra HP and TORQUE to stock components without the threat of damage. I ran my Smarty jr on my '07, G56 and the clutch started slipping at 15,000mi

 

['strokeThis_'07]

I ran two years with Smarty on SW9 and an inoperable EGT gauge. Only gauge that worked was boost and trans temp. However, I didnt tow anything, well I did haul a car over South Pass once.



More boost doesnt mean itll cool better. Up around 40psi the stock turbo is out of its efficiency range and is just pushing hot air



Since I finally got some gauges that work (Performax) on TNT SW5 Im pushing 1500 getting on I80, maybe an 1/8th mile onramp if that



Point is, he needs to get some gauges. I was careful, sometimes, when I was on it and would back out and let it cool. Its not very comforting to be pushing more fuel and having NO IDEA how hot its getting

 

[Swamp Donkey]

I have been running my Smarty Jr without gauges for about 1. 5 years. My TT is only about 6-7000lbs and I tow on the towing setting! My 98 has gauges but for some reason since my Juice with Attitude craped out I have never put in real gauges in my 04. 5. I always think I am going to sell my truck and get a new one, but after 310,000 kms and no engine problems I see no reason to get rid of it. Long story short he might be fine on the lower power levels. I personally think towing without gauges just requires common sense. Don't hammer it to the floor going up a 10% grade for 5 miles with his 12-14k load.



On second thought... ... 14k is alot of weight and gauges are cheap insurance.



Swamp Donkey. Not practicing what I preach! LOL