What Programmer to Buy?

[BZieg]

What programmer should I buy? I know of the Smarty, but very little about it, does it just plug into the obdII port or what? Also I don't really want to have to build my transmission and I don't want it be detectible by the dealer because I am still under warantee. But I also want like a built in killswitch in the programmer so people can't just steal it. Any suggestions or where i can buy one. Thanks you guys are always helpful. Also I have a free chrome Dodge bug deflector for 3rd gen trucks and chrome nerf bars in like new condition that fit a quad cab 3rd gen I will give them away for free just pick up, located in So. CA. Thanks, Bobby.

 

[BBowers]

I have the Bullydog triple dog. It is good for about 377 hp I think to the rear wheels on extreme, but in any case it has a lot of good features many do not. I also have the older outlook monitor version 1. 2. 1, and other than the backlight flickering for no reason I can find, it is a neat unit and will allow you to set defuleing point based on the max EGT's you want to tolerate. I got 1523 degrees on max power with stock turbo and engine but with homebuilt ram air, amsoil ea air filter, stock air box, turbo silencer delete tube, and banks 4" turbo back exhaust. I solved my EGT prob by switching to a HTT 62/14 turbo which netted a 250 degree drop in egt. I have been impressed with hypertech and granatelli BIG G programer/modules but i was interested in MPG gains with a little extra power. There are so many programmers/modules out there I don't think anyone wants to answer this thread. I got maybe 1-1. 5 mpg by using the bullydog and had no issues with tstock transmission till now at 110k miles, but I bought the rig when it had 96k miles, so I don't know how it was maintained/used. Bullydog guys are knowledgable and helpful and the thing is net updateable and can be used on GM, ford, or dodge trucks, which NO ONE else can claim. I don't know if it is detectable by dealer. They never asked when i deprogrammed it before taking in my 2005 dodge cummins, or even commented. I never had a transmission prob, though, bit i did have MPG issues with that truck. It didn't want to get over 17. 5 mpg empty!Oo.

 

[MMerlino]

I have a Smarty. This is a programmer so you just hook it in to the ECM port under the dash and program the ECM. Then you can take the unit back into the house so no worry about someone stealing it. I have reverted to running stock programs as the Smarty seems to be designed with the "hot rod" market in mind. The Smarty will cause the truck to smoke badly when starting out. I did not like all the smoke. I wanted a unit to help out with towing. One great thing (if you don't mind the smoke) is you can run numerous programs - some of which will not hurt your transmission if you drive the truck reasonably. I would recommend you research through the TDR what most owners think. I did and it seemed like the Edge and Smarty came in tops. Another good thing about the Smarty is Bob Wagoner (Mr. Smarty USA) is very good about customer service. As previously stated the only thing wrong with it in my opinion is they don't have a program for us old farts that doesn't smoke like crazy...

 

[osiris]

the new programs barely smoke at all...

 

[Bob Wagner]

Mr. Merlino you need to update your smarty to the new 12/07 software.



smoke? hardly



want to trade down to a NEW smarty junior?



I will take care of you.



Thanks

Bob

 

[timroberts]

smarty jr.

 

[RHestand]

I have the Bullydog triple dog. It is good for about 377 hp I think to the rear wheels on extreme, but in any case it has a lot of good features many do not. I also have the older outlook monitor version 1. 2. 1, and other than the backlight flickering for no reason I can find, it is a neat unit and will allow you to set defuleing point based on the max EGT's you want to tolerate. I got 1523 degrees on max power with stock turbo and engine but with homebuilt ram air, amsoil ea air filter, stock air box, turbo silencer delete tube, and banks 4" turbo back exhaust. I solved my EGT prob by switching to a HTT 62/14 turbo which netted a 250 degree drop in egt. I have been impressed with hypertech and granatelli BIG G programer/modules but i was interested in MPG gains with a little extra power. There are so many programmers/modules out there I don't think anyone wants to answer this thread. I got maybe 1-1. 5 mpg by using the bullydog and had no issues with tstock transmission till now at 110k miles, but I bought the rig when it had 96k miles, so I don't know how it was maintained/used. Bullydog guys are knowledgable and helpful and the thing is net updateable and can be used on GM, ford, or dodge trucks, which NO ONE else can claim. I don't know if it is detectable by dealer. They never asked when i deprogrammed it before taking in my 2005 dodge cummins, or even commented. I never had a transmission prob, though, bit i did have MPG issues with that truck. It didn't want to get over 17. 5 mpg empty!Oo.

I had a Bullydog programer in my O3 Ford 6. 0.

I de-programed and pulled everything Bullydog out, so I could take the truck back to Ford for a recall. ( just one of many problems with this truck)

When I picked the truck up, I was talking to the tech. that had worked on it about some other problems, when he asked me, what kind of programer had been in there? He said when he scanned it, he could tell.

Later I called Bullydog and they said "He was just BSing you".

I never new for sure either way, but it did give me cause for thought.

I got rid of the POS ferd shortly afterward.

I now have a Smarty in my 06 Dodge, and I think it's a great unit.

Good luck, Ray

 

[cclark746]

Bully Dog=problems. Smarty with stock torque management will do you just fine will not have to worry about transmission, mileage will go up, you can also grow into it if you do some upgrades to your truck. I have had many things edge/juice, tst, ect. . Nothing compares to the smooth and wonderful power provided by my smarty. Not to mention Bob will help you in anyway he can. Just buy a SMARTY.

 

[JasonCzerak]

Yeah, the smarty does not smoke. The latest programs are very smooth.



You can lug it and create the smoke screen at will if you want. But just for normal every day driving, no smoke. Don't even bother trying to drive around the smoke, just drive with traffic and you'll be fine.



Even WOT, with the TST box turned up a few notches and the stock turbo screaming over 50psi, it's just a nice haze.

 

[BZieg]

Thanks I think I will get the Smarty Jr. thanks for the help.

 

['strokeThis_'07]

Thanks I think I will get the Smarty Jr. thanks for the help.

That would be the best you can get... enjoy when it comes in

 

[Edgemann55]

Thanks I think I will get the Smarty Jr. thanks for the help.

Great choice-You will be very happy

 

[raxley]

Also there's been a lot of talk here and other places-sounds pretty certain Smarty isn't detectable if removed prior to dealership visit. (Wash the soot off quarter panel it you have the older programs, though

Smarty-best thing I've done to the truck!

 

[BZieg]

Thanks for all the posts back, I am still torn between the Smarty Jr. and the Regular Smarty. BOB4X4 told me he would hook me up on a trial version, thanks Bob. I was wondering if someone can help me build a killswitch into my truck or help me wire one in I will pay I am just not that good at electrical. Thanks, Bobby.