Smarty Chip

[JLewis]

Hey guys, I been researching chips + programmers and I think I'm going to go with the smarty. I noticed that they offered two different ones, which one is better? Also, do you guys use the electronic style gauges that monitor everything? How reliable are these, and who offers the best one? I'm new to the 3rd gen trucks, so I just don't want to buy something that is'nt very reliable. Please let me know how you guys like you're smarty and gauge setups? Thanks

2003 3500 SLT NV5600 4x4 SRW Quad Cab

 

[Diesel Nut]

Smarty is a great little tuner. There are 2 available, a VP44 version and a CR version. As your power desires increase, you can update the Smarty with different programs available on Madselectronics.com to get more power.



As for digital monitors, I think the Commander is about the best bet. Stand alone operation and monitors many different parameters. I still prefer analog gauges myself, but for a digital gauge the Commander is pretty nice.

 

[JLewis]

Thanks, that exactly what I was looking for. Anyone else have any input, and thanks again guys!!!

 

['strokeThis_'07]

Love my Smarty, had zero problems, everything works like its supposed to (unlike some programmers) and can update new versions online. Id highly recommend it. The version for common rails is S-06. I have 4 ISSPRO gauges, but hear the Commander is a good piece

 

[brods]

Ahh... the great Smarty and it’s dirty little secret..... it certainly wakes the truck up and is a nice product, but the cost is lots of black smoke out the tailpipe.



I’ve been running the stock program for a while and decided to give the Smarty SW1 with stock torque management another try. Well if you drive like an egg is on the go pedal and never go past half throttle, maybe it will not smoke too much. I had to pull out into traffic so I rolled into the throttle gently and then gave it like 3/4 pedal. Left a big smoke ball that the guy behind be actually steered around.



So if you don’t care about being inconsiderate to all the other users on the road and leaving a smoke trail anytime you get on it, then get the Smarty. Maybe the beta towing program they are working on will rectify some of the excessive smoke (at least on the lower power levels hopefully). I’d recommend waiting until the next Smarty software release to see if the smoke level is reduced to something reasonable or get a box that you can adjust back to stock on the fly.

 

[Bob Wagner]

brods what software version are you running? and is your truck otherwise stock?



I would be happy to help you select another software until the next release.



The beta 4. X release will be a great one and I apologize for the wait.





Please let me know if I can help

 

[wcjp]

I haven't tried the higher levels. With stock injector/stock turbo software on SW1 and/or SW3 smoke is easily controlled on otherwise stock truck.

 

[brods]

Um... yeah thats what everyone says. I guess I just can’t drive for crap :-{}



Thanks for the offer to help Bob. Truck is totally stock except for the smarty 409B108A47. 7z. I have been in contact with you both by pms and have asked questions on the forums. Most of my questions go unanswered.



After several 45+ minute uploads I have tried the aftermarket injector (as you have suggested) and aftermarket turbo programs and still way too much smoke. It seemed to smoke less with the original software version that came with the smarty, but of course one cannot go back. I’m sure you guys could make a mpg program that would smoke similar to stock... ... but I also understand there may not be a market for such a program..... seems everyone wants more power at any cost.

 

[Bob Wagner]

we have the program that you are wanting but we need to tone it down to acheive the lower hp levels.



If you would like to try the beta software please send me an email



Or we have a new products coming out next month that may be be suited to your needs.



Thanks

Bob



PS The beta software is very clean and low egts but the lowest level is 150 hp. FYI

 

[SNoyes]

I would agree great product, but yes, it smokes. I have to be careful if someone is behind me, if I accidentally hit it it'll black out an intersection. My biggest gripe is the lack of adjustablility on the fly, which would allow me to select a lower level to prevent the smoke. However, good product overall

 

[Bob Wagner]

Our goal is to always being able to improve our product. I know that we will be in a great position soon to address your input.



We are a young company but we are coming on strong. Please give us a little time to get through some growing pains.



The outlook very very promising for much improved fuel economy.



The R&D is going strong.



Thank you

 

[brods]

Bob, thanks for the Beta software. What you guys can do with programming changes is truly amazing. The truck is like a rocket. On the highway just thinking about speeding up makes it happen, actually push on the pedal and your going too fast and have to let off. The throttle response is insane. I don’t even what to think about driving on snow with this program and thats only SW1.



You’re on the right track with this one. Definitely need to tone down the torque and throttle response for SW1. Its no fun driving a vehicle that you have to baby all the time, although it does help with the mpg numbers. Any guess when the finished version will be ready?

 

[Bob Wagner]

Thanks. just wait until its mild torque management and backed off to the 30 60 90 hp levels



This software is going to be superior to anything else on the market.



fuel economy increases should be great too.

 

[Regcabguy]

Smarty goals.

Thanks. just wait until its mild torque management and backed off to the 30 60 90 hp levels



This software is going to be superior to anything else on the market.



fuel economy increases should be great too.

Thanks for the input Bob. With my camper load,even on sw#1,I can't begin to use Smarty's power due to smoking anytime I remove the egg from under the accelerator. Being such a new truck,I want to leave the intake alone although I have substituted a free-flowing muffler to help. With my stock clutch,just a 30-60hp shot in the arm,stock torque management,and much less low end smoke would be heaven. (Not asking for much am I?)

 

[RickL]

I've been thinking about the smarty but I've had enough trouble with the a/t running stock. Replaced it at 59k. At 150k it's ok so far. Just afraid to burn one up. D/C paid half at the time. Won't happen again. Just looking for a little tweak and better mileage. What's new on the programming front? I don't need to kill mosquitos either.

 

[Regcabguy]

cheap hp.

I've been thinking about the smarty but I've had enough trouble with the a/t running stock. Replaced it at 59k. At 150k it's ok so far. Just afraid to burn one up. D/C paid half at the time. Won't happen again. Just looking for a little tweak and better mileage. What's new on the programming front? I don't need to kill mosquitos either.

You might just consider a used Edge EZ or Van Aaken box. 65 hp,slightly better mileage and transmission friendly w/stock injectors. Might set you back $200.

 

[jdbecker2]

I just got mine today, and I LOVE it, absolutly love it... Smoke really isnt bad if you go easy on it... If you hammer it down it will smoke like a freight train All I gotta say is get it

 

[JLewis]

I am going to go with it seeing how it seems to be the most powerful of the programmers which is what I want. Also if you ease into it and start to build some boost up does it still smoke really bad at wot? To download new settings does that mean that you lose one of your other settings or does it just add another one to the previous ten? Where do you go to get the new updated settings and does the programmer come with a usb plug to hook it up to the computer or do you have to buy that seperate? Are the updates free or do the cost money, and how much if so? Thanks



2003 3500 SRW Quad Cab NV5600 Afe Stage II Smarty and boost foller on the way soon

 

[raxley]

I have a Smarty and a Quadzilla Commander and I love them both, guess I'm biased but I don't have any complaints, maybe the Commander instructions are vague, but use your common sense and read it a couple of times.

The Smarty is something else! Lotta power-looking forward to 'turning it up' after my transmission upgrade. I don't mind the extra smoke, it only smokes when I'm stepping on it, I've heard of others who complained but it hasn't been bad for me. I haven't tried any other versions of the software. I have it on 90 HP with timing. I bought it because EVERYBODY spoke well of it, and now that I have it, I agree. What is cool is that it will 'follow' you when you upgrade your truck for more power. I'm not into bigger wheels so I haven't used the speedomnter adjustment, and I haven't set any codes so I don't need the code clearing, I just like the power. I noticed a small MPG improvement, probably would be more if I could avoid stepping on it.

The Commander is perfect for me-I want the multiple watching of different parameters but wasn't into all the gauges all over the place, with the A pillar mount, it's pretty subtle. I haven't used the data logging software yet (I just have the Smarty for mods so far) but I'll use it later after my trans upgrade and turbo upgrade after that. I have used the defuel thingy, it is convienient and helps keeping out of trouble. They are making boxes that work well with the Commander, like the Van Aakan C5 (in the mail from Imills Mid-Atlantic Diesel) and Quadzilla makes wiring harnesses to work with the other boxes like the TST and others.

What is good about both the Commander and the Smarty is that the customer service is just head and shoulders above a lot of other manufacturers and businesses. Other places kinda forget about you after the sale, but if you check out these boards, you will see a LOT of posts from both Bob Wagner and Quadzilla reacting to questions about their products.

Looking forward to the 'moderate' torque management of the Smarty (after transmission upgrade) and the 'wild' version too.

 

[AKaiser]

My particular engine with the Smarty will smoke bad if you don't baby it a little bit in the low end, and if you're under 1600 and punch it, look out! Smokes like a freight train. If you ease into the pedal and shift above 2000, it won't smoke very much at all. Without the Smokey:-laf... errr, Smarty, it would smoke on the top end more than the bottom. I love my Smarty, and know I'll really fall head over heals for the Beta when it's ready. BTW, keeping it from smoking has an added bonus: no clutch slippage.