Smarty or Smarty JR???????

[Mr. Hemi]

Finally going to bite the bullet and buy one, but trying to decide if the Smarty is worth $150 more. I am not big on modifying and stacking, usually drive like a snail. I just want a little extra performance, lower EGT when towing, and a few more miles out of the tank.

The Smarty JR sounds like it will fit the bill as is, any thoughts?



PS I see that some are listed on ebay for 439 plus 10 shp for JR and 599 plus 10 shp for Smarty.

 

[johncameron]

#1, keep in mind there are no AUTHORIZED dealers on eBay. Buy one there and you don't have a warranty. Mads Electronics - Smarty - CaTCHER - Dodge Tuning - Home



If you don't need the last bit of power the smarty has, go for the junoir, same features just less power.

 

[Tinman]

If you are gonna keep the truck basically stock, then the JR. ought to do. If you think you might change things in the future, or want to play around a little with timing changes, maybe injectors/ turbos, then definitely the "adult" Smarty. I just got a Smarty and am getting 1. 5-2 MPG improvement on the timing only program on the highway. The drivability is MUCH improved.

 

[Buffalo]

Mr. Hemi,



I believe what has been said here is good advice.



If you get "too creative" with performance items, you will have to start replacing expensive items like transmissions, turbos, fuel pumps, etc. It's hard to do just 'one thing' without having to address others, unless you keep the performance add-on rather mild.



With that said, I just installed the Smarty Jr. on my '03, HO, 6-speed, on Christmas Day. I really like it!!!!! Especially on the 100 HP setting. But, the others (40 & 70 HP) are good, too. In my opinion, the "Jr. " will really wake-up your truck without going overboard. For guys that want to race, it's not the one you want but, for guys that want just a bit more performance & economy, it works GREAT!!!!!



I had a Van Aaken C-3. 2 (duration-only) box, along with the tone ring mod on the truck & replaced the VA with the Smarty Jr. The VA was advertised to give 130 HP on the high level. The Smarty Jr. on the 100 HP level is definately more powerful feeling. It seems that the Smarty Jr. 's power is conservatively advertised.



Judging from what you told us in your post, I believe that you would be VERY HAPPY with the Jr.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[RRees]

Ditto on the Jr. I've only had mine for 8 days now. Just running on the 40hp setting is noticable.



If it doesn't snow here in central Iowa in the next few days, I'll try the higher settings. I know when I try the higher settings though, that I won't want to go back down to the lower settings. Except when I am towing.



Good luck with your decision.

 

[Heavyweight]

I think you should get the Jr as well. I would not buy from e-bat either. Stick with: MADS Electronics - Smarty - CaTCHER - Distributors

 

[Mr. Hemi]

I see that Bob has it cheaper as he includes shipping, and a real dealer to boot!!!
One thing I want to avoid is the never ending cycle of adding performance parts, trans, converter, turbo(s), injectors, etc, etc, etc.
Did this route on my 12 valve and while it was quicker than a built Impala SS, other things rapidly started to fail costing lots of $$$. But with the power it had I guess if you want to play you have to pay!
Definitely want to avoid the same scenario so I was reluctant to buy the Smarty when it came out.

 

[KYachovitz]

Yep, definitly the Jr. ! Get it from Bob, he'll take care of you. Super fast shipping. I had mine in 2 days!

 

[Bob Wagner]

The kid on ebay is only out to make a quick buck off our sucess.



He is a fraud and a punk



If anyone knows this guy I would like him name



his email is -- email address removed --





Thanks

 

[SilverSage]

Finally going to bite the bullet and buy one, but trying to decide if the Smarty is worth $150 more. I am not big on modifying and stacking, usually drive like a snail. I just want a little extra performance, lower EGT when towing, and a few more miles out of the tank.

The Smarty JR sounds like it will fit the bill as is, any thoughts?



PS I see that some are listed on ebay for 439 plus 10 shp for JR and 599 plus 10 shp for Smarty.

What the other guys said; get your Smarty Jr from Bob. Bob is an honest dude and will stand behind the items he sells. Honesty in this business is tough to find, so I for one will support vendors who care more about customers than just making a quick buck.

 

[RDHamill]

Wonder where the Ebay guys gets his product?? could it be from a distributor ??

Hate to think they might be stolen? if they are on the up & up, why is the support from the manufacturer canceled ?

What does it do to the legit consumer that wants to sell his goods on Ebay ??

 

[Mr. Hemi]

I see he has lots of feedback!!!
Not!!!
One(1) feedback makes me very suspicious to say the least.

Thanks for the input, I think the JR is the way to go in my application as I just want a bit more MPG and performance.
I hate to blow the trans as last time I did upgrades on my 12 valve a BD trans and converter lasted about 1000 miles and broke on the way to the store on Christmas eve.
Best part was I had to park it at a strip club at 7AM. Luckliy the Mrs. was with me so there was not nearly the awkward situation it could have been.
Could you say, "Honey, honestly I just broke down at the local strip club"?
Yeah right dear.

 

[johncameron]

I see he has lots of feedback!!!

Not!!!

One(1) feedback makes me very suspicious to say the least.

YA, the S-03 adds 170HP too:-laf

 

[SilverSage]

Wonder where the Ebay guys gets his product?? could it be from a distributor ??

Hate to think they might be stolen? if they are on the up & up, why is the support from the manufacturer canceled ?

What does it do to the legit consumer that wants to sell his goods on Ebay ??

The internet is a great place for unscrupulous dishonest vendors; they can remain anonymous and disappear at will. It's reasonably easy to find people who have had problems with a vendor because they go onto forums like this one and warn unsuspecting victims. As with all information gathered, the user must decide if such warnings are truth or just soured grapes. When I see numerous customers expressing satisfaction with a particular vendor I will take that as a good sign. Bob and Marco have both taken a beating from members of TDR wanting faster, better responses to their concerns & problems with Smarty. Although Bob and Marco may have taken longer than some want to wait, they did provide solutions. Oh and by the way, Bobs answers and customer service can be seen on several other diesel truck forums.

 

[phloop]

And if you buy from Bob, you get a candy bar. Oo. Oo.

 

[Pawpaw]

Bumping this one back to the top.



I'm ready to pull the trigger on either the Smarty or the Jr, but can't make up my mind.



I'm looking for a mileage increase and wonder if the upcoming Revolution software might provide a bit more capability to "dial-in" the Smarty for the best mileage.



I don't tow and have never done any performance mods before. Of course, one taste and I could be hooked.



All advice is welcome, but I would really appreciate Bob or Marco weighing in on this one.



Bob