Smarty the start of an new era.

[Bob Wagner]

Marco arrives 10/21 then the dyno testing commences for the whole 7 days. long days :-laf

 

[PRout]

I understand Gary. . All I can say is you might want to give it a try and "your results may vary". .

It may have to do with the smaller injectors in my rig, but everytime I take off for work or need to run an errand Im constantly noticing how well its running. It seems to be running smoother and more controllable down low. Thats all I can say. Don't want to mis-lead anyone.

It would be nice to hear of the changes made. I read on another site that one person thought some power was transferred from the lower rpm's to the upper, but its "only" opinion. No hard numbers or inside info.

Believe me, Im hoping to hear there were changes made in the lower part of the fueling maps also so I dont sound like a "dreamer", but Im sure we will find out soon. .

I do recommend giving it a try though. If nothing else, it isnt ramping off at the higher cruise speeds as before. . Not advocating speeding though. I prefer 65mph but on those 75 mph stretches, Im sure it will cruise better.

Edited: Thanks for the update Bob. I really would like to know if there were any changes to SW#5 fueling down low so I'll know if Im dreaming or not. . My apologies to all if I have been incorrect.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Marco arrives 10/21 then the dyno testing commences for the whole 7 days. long days :-laf

C'mon Bob - you can do better than that!



ARE there really more changes in the latest 2nd generation upgrade than the single adjustable speed limiter function listed with that upgrade - and as Phil feels - or NOT?



I have it downloaded - but UNLESS there are more changes than just the speed limiter, I'll hold off on actually installing it!

 

[ddunk]

HMMmm - unless I missed something (it happens!), all that the latest September download provides for 2nd generation Smarty units is:







SO, I sure can't see why Phil noticed any significant running improvements, less smoke, etc. , because no such programming changes are listed in the MADS news section regarding the latest upgrade...

Gary, you didn"t miss anything

 

[PRout]

Apparently I'm not the only person that has noted similar results...

If interested, Note post #84 and on.

Just tested out the Smarty VP44 Beta - Page 6 - Dodge Diesel - Diesel Truck Resource Forums

Maybe we are ALL dreaming. . Like I said, this is only "impressions" and nothing more. Again, Not trying to mislead anyone.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Apparently I'm not the only person that has noted similar results...



Just tested out the Smarty VP44 Beta - Page 6 - Dodge Diesel - Diesel Truck Resource Forums



Note post #84 and on.



Maybe we are ALL dreaming. . Like I said, this is only "impressions" and nothing more. Again, Not trying to mislead anyone.

NO problem Phil - after all, with no more documented proof than is now publicly available from the MADS site, "SOP" impressions are all we have available!



But DAMN, I DO get sorta impatient with the "nudge, nudge, wink, wink" sort of info passage we seem to so often get - what's the problem with just coming out and clearly STATING exactly what the updated SW does and what the goals were - why the vague. evasive BS and guessing games?

 

[Bob Wagner]

Gary, The software update was to incorporate the adjustable speed limiter.



Did that change have any effect on other aspects of the software?



I would say yes and a lot of other customers have made comments ttoo.



who knows for sure. I may dyno my truck tomorrow.



We are going to try the new rev lelimination software on an early 2004

 

[PRout]

Ok,

After re-thinking the input above, all I can logically say is the "extension" of the available power at higher revs (probably combined with a somewhat recent injector change) is giving an impression of a smoother response.

But, it is as Bob says, others are noting similar impressions of improvement in managability as well on other sites. I do think there is something to that. .

Not implying Bob is holding out on us, but maybe there could be some minor refining that was done in the coding when the speed limiter option was added that he was not aware of. (or we are all just "wishing").

Guess we will have to wait and see. . I DO recommend trying out the new stuff though. . It definitely will be more "responsive" with the 1. 6s as they are already quite efficient off the low end for sure. . But the taper of the entire throttle travel linearity is no doubt improved.

ADDED: With 275 injectors and no other box involved, Smarty SW#5 is VERY good. With bigger injectors it might still be a little too touchy for some people off the bottom. . Hopefully, that comment is fair and helps clarify things.

Bottom line is I believe we are headed on the right track. . And know most of us really do appreciate the efforts. .

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Gary, The software update was to incorporate the adjustable speed limiter.



Did that change have any effect on other aspects of the software?



I would say yes and a lot of other customers have made comments ttoo.



who knows for sure. I may dyno my truck tomorrow.



We are going to try the new rev lelimination software on an early 2004

OK - that is understandable and acceptable - the only PLANNED and EXPECTED program mod was the speed limiter, as clearly indicated in the MADS download info - but apparently that has also provided additional program characteristics that weren't particularly expected to occur?



Perhaps the extension, or increased width of the RPM range has sorta s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d the Smarty throttle response across that increased range, making it less sensitive in the lower RPM area than before?



Sort of an "unintended consequence"? :-laf



I went ahead and loaded the new programming (at least I *think* I did - is there a way to check Smarty for a difference between the latest loaded version, and the one immediately before it?. Mine now registers "V:1. 20B, and D:3. 07A at Smarty turn-on), and took a short drive into town on setting #8, Comp in EZ mode and 1x1 - had to pretty well stand on it to make smoke - have now loaded Smarty #2, with the Comp on same 1x1 - that USED to generate lotsa smoke without even trying - but will have to wait until tomorrow to try it out...



EDIT:

I thought I had screwed up and installed the wrong update file - and I was right!



I have the right one installed now, and loaded program level #2 into the ECM as intended above - will see how things roll tomorrow - the give-away to the "right" SW version, is that Smarty now asks for speed limiter data when doing the SW load into the ECM (I set mine to 250) - it ALSO clearly displays the oft-times tendency to see/feel the changes we WANT to, regardless of fact - I *thought* I was experiencing a difference in operating characteristics, when in fact, I had actually simply reloaded the very SAME SW version that had been in there to begin with!



Imagination and assumption are POWERFUL deceivers - which is also why I tend to question or ignore some of the wild-eyed, enthusiastic reports some guys pop up with after installing some new "magic" performance device, then raving as to the SOP "feel" of added performance...

 

[rweis]

Question on the speed limiter -



Can I set say 10 mph? I know most want to set high mph, but what about low mph? "The truck" just could make a great driver training vehicle, set 25 mph and let them "take it out around the neighborhood" knowing the max speed is 25 mph.



Theft deterrent 0 or 1 mph? (I know the "0" setting of not starting and dieing under any load)



Just courious,



Bob Weis

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Question on the speed limiter -



Can I set say 10 mph? I know most want to set high mph, but what about low mph? "The truck" just could make a great driver training vehicle, set 25 mph and let them "take it out around the neighborhood" knowing the max speed is 25 mph.



Theft deterrent 0 or 1 mph? (I know the "0" setting of not starting and dieing under any load)



Just courious,



Bob Weis

Interesting possibilities! :-laf



I'm wondering about the guys seemingly feeling a difference in power across the RPM range, and what they have their speed limiter value set to - is it remotely possible to spread - or condense - the power output depending upon the speed control setting, such as aggressive power application with a setting of 100, and more leisurely if set to 250?

 

[Bob Wagner]

Bob the speed limiter is the ultimate valet switch. fully programmable from 25 -250 mph.



when you hit the limit is no go baby :{:-laf

 

[JR2]

I guess I will have to download it just for the speed limiter. Now I can let the teenager drive my truck. He will be the fastest kid in the hood all the way to 45 mph.

 

[JesseJ]

So what would this software do for us "smokers"? I try not to make it smoke with my right foot simply because I know it's wasted money going right out the pipe, but there are certain occasions when a smokescreen is needed. If this new program takes that away then what's the point? The fun pedal will be gone!

 

[PRout]

Gary, you might try SW#4 also since it is a "Catcher" program. Cant really say anything about 2&3 as I havent tried either one.

FYI - I think I set mine for 200 if that matters any. . (doubt it).

Anyways, I'll still stand by the earlier statements. My truck (2000 6 speed ETC non-HO) is running very well with this setup on #5 regardless of whether there are any low end changes to the software or not.

And also know you're not taking shots, just looking for real quantifiable or measurable info as we have in the past years. Thats why I repeatedly stated the above comments were derived from impression only and I could be "eating crow" to make it clear, and not make a big deal about it. I was mainly suggesting that Smarty for 2nd gen trucks is moving in the right direction, and I wasnt happy with #5 before, and now (whatever the changes are) it is PDGood.

Obviously, Bob is sort of stuck in the middle, so he is only reporting the changes he is aware of and the adjustable speed limiter may be the only change.

I have a feeling yours may still be a little touchy off the bottom due to your larger injectors, which leads me to the next sentence. .

If we could have SW#2 & 3 made to be the next logical step down, still using the "Catcher" theme and programming and possibly name it the "Mini Catcher" I'm thinking it may satisfy (or help) a big portion of people's past concerns/issues just from making an even milder version (re 2&3).

Would like to keep #1 the fuel mileage stage, and #0 at Anti-theft where it will start buy stop under load "May" stop a thief from ripping someones dash apart looking for a "kill" switch.

Hey, good ideas about the training settings or even anti theft ideas by even lowering the bottom speed setting to 5 or 10 mph.

We do have some good ideas brewing. .

IF I have over "Wished" noticing an improvement on the bottom end, I apologize to all.

But dang, I am liking Smarty more and more all the time. .

The only other time my rig has run this well is when it had DD1's and the "original" Van Aaken box. But its smoother now with #5 alone.

Thats Straight Out. . I hope and think you guys will find your sweet spots soon if not already. Thanks.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

By NO means "taking shots" at you Phil - I appreciate your observations and comments - merely commenting on how easy it is to allow our wishes and expectations to slant our deductions and judgements - as clearly happened to ME further up above! :-laf



THAT'S exactly why I keep hammering away (and GETTING hammered ) at asking for substantiating DATA to back up what might otherwise just be misguided assumptions...

 

[PRout]

So what would this software do for us "smokers"? I try not to make it smoke with my right foot simply because I know it's wasted money going right out the pipe, but there are certain occasions when a smokescreen is needed. If this new program takes that away then what's the point? The fun pedal will be gone!

Thats why you need a good "fueling only box" to go along with your setup. . Just for those "Special Moments"

 

[Boondocker]

I can't afford to take shots either because I'm as wishful as anyone. After Phil's post, the first thing I did when I got home was upload the latest program. I was on stock program going to work that day and switched to #7 on the way home. It felt great and wasn't too smokey, but it was also 20 degrees cooler than last time I ran any CaTCHER. I downloaded the "new" #7 and was all set for a back-to-back comparo. Then my wife informed me that she had to use the truck the next day. So I put it back to stock because she's a ham-footed engine lugger. I say that with the utmost affection.

I seriously doubt that the speed limiter has any affect on performance. I'd like more top end power, but I think it takes a wire-tap fueling box to do that. All I really want different from Smarty is a program that delivers fuel commensurate with boost. To me, that's the height of efficiency and would feel strong too.

I keep the original software so that I can have the Half Power #0 program for my annual smog cert. It's not the
a' la carte programming I'm dreaming of, but it'll do.

Phil, I was really hoping that Bob had favored you with a beta version. A little wishful aren't I

Best regards,
Neil

 

[NoSeeUm]

Bob the speed limiter is the ultimate valet switch. fully programmable from 25 -250 mph.



when you hit the limit is no go baby :{:-laf

LOL Yeah Howdy... .



Forehead - Knuckles - Steering Wheel - Ouch



Not quite, but the speed limitier works as advertised. I will say that.



Jim

 

[NoSeeUm]

I wanted to see less smoke, but I am not really sure that I did. At first use, I thought there was less smoke. Now I am undecided.



But... .



I realised that I was driving differently for those initial tests.



For me, SW 3 is about as high as I can go and still be more or less polite to my fellow drivers. I mean, under my normal driving style. If the truck is driven to a higher performance style (like rev'ing solidly to 2600 rpm before shifts) then very little smoke. This has not changed.



Stock SW will still smoke on my truck, I have often be careful how soon I push the diesel peddle down hard. But the Smarty SW can produce a significant cloud very quickly under relatively mild condtions. I feel badly for the driver behind me.



I will say that once, under very hard fueling to high speed, my truck did make a noise I don't remember hearing before. I would have sworn that it seemed to be fueling harder at those higher RPM's. Just from the sound, which seems to have normally tapered off, it just kept pulling and making R's. AKA the nice purr a pulling truck makes at about 100 feet.



Other than that I can't tell much difference in the SW performance between the newer and older versions. Like Bob explains, a dyno will be able to tell.



Looking forward to the rev limiter / less smoky SW's.



Jim