Smarty Jr or Gauges

[Hincka]

As the header states, I have come into a few dollars and can spend a few of them on the truck. I only have enough funds to do one or the other. Which would be be the better first investment? In reading the info about the Jr, it says you don't need gauges, but I would like to hear some opinions on that.



thanks,

Louis

 

[daytripper63]

I would never add any performance mod to my truck without having gauges first, after all are you willing to chance the motor in your truck if something goes wrong?

 

[AH64ID]

As the header states, I have come into a few dollars and can spend a few of them on the truck. I only have enough funds to do one or the other. Which would be be the better first investment? In reading the info about the Jr, it says you don't need gauges, but I would like to hear some opinions on that.



thanks,

Louis

If you get a Smarty Jr you will be fine on SW1 w/out gauges, even towing at GCWR... But I would put a pyro on the short list.



The smart way would be gauges first, then Jr... But you would be fine on the lower SW... SW1 add zero fuel, just increases the timing for its power gain.



Best scenario... Pyro, Boost, FP, (Trans if you have an auto) and a Jr. .

 

[Hincka]

I am not really looking for the power part of it. My 06 is a rocket compared to my 98. What I am looking for, is a bit better mileage, the ability to change the speedo and pull codes. I am hoping to get the gauges this summer if all goes well. I am wondering from people that have both what kind of operating impacts they have seen with it.

 

[CKelley1]

the smarty jr first. after that the other two items will cost you $2,000 you need to get the best mpg

 

[MScheiper]

I agree with AH64ID, on SW 1 you shouldn't have a problem w/o gauges. I noticed on my 04. 5, my egt's dropped about 100-150 deg. on SW 1 while towing. Would definitely invest in Pyro next and trans temp (if auto). It gives you real peace of mind when you have your foot in it to see where egt are at.

 

[Motorhead]

I run a Smartyjr and loaned mine also to a friend of mine to try. I put a EGT in his truck as he was running another series hook up tuner. With brand "X", towing his 14,000lb 5th wheel, He could peg the gauge at 1400deg. BAD!. With my Smartyjr, towing the same load, He COULDN'T get the EGT to pass 1200deg... WELL within safe limits.
Buy the Smarty jr. Buy a Westach dual gage later, EGT and TRANS temp. They will custom build one for your needs. I had them build a 1400EGT with a 300deg trans temp. They will also install a white gauge face.

 

[Jefff929]

I say get the gauges installed.

Once you have the Jr. the bug will get you, "trying it once" will become a regular thing.

good luck what ever you choose.

 

[CToney]

Get the JR then gauges. Driving the truck without the JR sucks.