The SMARTY Conspiracy (long & rambling)

[JimBob24]

I feel compelled to inform members of the TDR that I have discovered a sinister plot aimed at the many Dodge/Cummins fans out there. Somehow these Italian dudes (I don't even use the term "dude". I'm 55 years old!) are involved and have apparently linked up with some American double agents (a certain Wagner fellow and others) to infiltrate our midst with this so-called Smarty device.



They started with the poor, gullible 2nd gen crowd and then spread to the 3rd genners. No one was safe! In some manner, possibly using subliminal suggestion or other devious psychological mind control they forced innocent purchasers to submit glowing reports of this glorious device. There seems to be no stopping this advancing scourge.



Fortunately, I am too smart to fall in this trap. When I bought my first CTD, a '97 Ram 2500, I had to do some mild bombing to get it to pull my 5th wheel satisfactorily. When I bought my current 04. 5 I did so because I wanted a stock factory truck with as much or more capability than the old '97. I have been well pleased and I have decided that there is no way I am falling for the Smarty Conspiracy. I just will not do it.



I continued to say this even as I pressed the "Order" button on the Wagner dude's (dude again???) website. You see, I also knew I was at the end of the line in ordering one of these things because of all of the pre-orders so I knew I had plenty of time to change my mind and cancel the order. Of course, I underestimated the determination of Mr Wagner to perpetuate the spread of this menace. I have received a notice of shipment from him not even three days after I pressed that stupid "order" button. Don't worry though. I will not use it when it gets here!!!



Enough of this ridiculous rant and drivel for now. I have to go figure my finances for a transmission upgrade and then go find a good seat by the window so I can watch for any big brown trucks passing by. (Even VISA is involved in this plot by giving me some ridiculously high credit limit. It is the American way. Ask not how much it costs..... ask how much the payments are. )

 

[JVolpe]

Well I have been engulfed in the Conspiracy also. My Visa bankers said "NO WAY", but it seems that MasterCard is part of the Conspriracy also. So given that it may produce a "priceless" moment, mine arrived at the post office yesterday. After my first download and short test runs at lunch I believe that there may be a number of other Conspiracy members. I think you might need more than transmission upgrades. Mooooorrrre air, 6 point belts, etc.

 

[JimBob24]

Yeh, I suspect you are right about the upgrades. I am prepared to start off slowly and add all the necessary stuff as needed. I am mostly interested in the driveability part of it, like quicker response, smoother, steadier acceleration, etc. , not to mention a little better fuel economy. My current stock setup mostly meets my needs, but I have noticed that sometimes my truck seems to have noticeably better acceleration and performance than other times, even though conditions, like load, ambient temperature, brand of fuel, etc. are about the same. Of course, as could be anticipated with the conspiracy theory, I suspect there will be an uncontrollable urge to progress beyond the lower settings of the Smarty. (Naturally I suspect that the manufacturers and sellers of turbos, air systems, FASS, and other performance upgrades are in on the conspiracy too. )