More complex than that...............how about a Smarty downloader stacked with a module, plus injectors? :stir: They're coming (Smarty's) for 3rd gens soon............. To answer your question - power module. Much more power capable than just a downloader.
Yeah, I saw the Smarty's, that is what sparked this post actually. So many options to think about. :doah:
I would have said a box no question...until I read your thread about the new Smarty! Sounds like both is whats hot.
How can you make that statement when you have PPE, Bully Dog, Superchips making hot downloaders. With the exception of TST very few modules are going to put out as much horsepower as the above downloaders.
I think what he is getting at is that the CATCHER ecm upgrade that guys have been doing that is done by Marco in Italy is now available as a plug in programmer and is a better programming device than almost anything out there. It's not about the horsepower with the CATCHER, it's about the difference it makes in driveability. The CATCHER is way better than most chips out there, it reprograms the ECM to deliver a lot more low end torque and makes the turbo spool faster. It delivers better throttle response and supposedly makes the truck feel completely different. It's much better than an Edge EZ, Van Aaken, blue chips,...all of them. It has been the hot ticket on the TDR boards for a 2nd gen. I don't think I'd touch Superchips, Hypertech, bullydog...unless someone wanted to just give them to me. Even then I would question using them. Seems Edge and/or the CATCHER is the very best way to go on the 2nd gens.
waytogo Could we really be that lucky, I've wanted one but the whole thing about taking my ecm out and sending it over there kept me from doing so. More info please!opcorn:
There are two good threads going about the Smarty - one on Turbo Diesel Register (must be a member to read it in the R&D section) and one on www.nwbombers.com under the 'Mighty Cummins' section. The 2nd Gen Smarty is being delivered now, and Marco is working up the 3rd Gen's. There are I believe 9 different programs from fuel saver to full on timing and fuel (which you choose may depend on if you have an Edge Comp for example, which already adds timing). http://www.nwbombers.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=19856 is the actual thread on NW Bombers................ Oh, and for Dunks - what I mainly was referring to was the 2nd gen options - no downloader for them can make what a comp or drag comp can.............adjustable power in-cab up to pretty radical levels.
I just read through most of the NWbombers thread. I have two question and one drawback that I can see. 1. The most aggressive level...Marco says this is much "hotter" than the Super Chip's top level." How would this level compare to a Comp Box? 2. On the reprogrammed ECMs (I guess we'd call this the old way?) could a stock HY35 turbo handle it without EGT problems? I would very much consider going ahead with a smarty programmer if I could get away with not running guages because I'd ultimately like to get the new Juice/A2 to stack on top, which would provide me with complete instrumentation. My drawback....it looks like these 10 levels can not be adjusted on the fly like the Edge boxes.
Yes I know what the CATCHER is. For you to say it is the best out there without personaly having one is a big statement, also I think you should compare apples to apples and not just say edge EZ, VA, Bully dog are crap. I really like the features of the catcher in the downloader config, that is something that I can sell. Its really hard to tell a guy I have to send his ecm up to washington. Mike
Agreed; steve started this thread so I thought we were talking about 3rd gens since he has an 06. MIke
Oh, Im sorry, let me clarify. I don't think any of the other brands are junk in any way, all quality stuff for sure. I just meant that they don't seem to be as popular by a large margin compared to the Catcher. The only reason why I compared boxes like the EZ to the catcher is because they are supposedly around the same HP level, supposedly the catcher adds about 60HP or so on the dyno, from what I've read.
I'm not particularly comfortable with downloaders. Probably won't be able to adjust it on the fly, and if one does encounter a problem while trying to flash it, they'll probably be dead in the water until they can get some sort of tech support on it. Combine that with some of the stories regarding some downloaders not really storing your original factory program but rather using a generic one, and it doesn't sound like my cup of tea. The SMARTY may be better than some of the others in terms of the above issues, which if that's the case, and given enough time and market saturation to ensure all the potential bugs are worked out and any issues are known, I may consider one in the future. Until that point, I'll stick with my TST which if for some reason it decides to give up the ghost I'll always have the option of simply unplugging it and running with the stock computer just the way Cummins and Dodge intended it. Granted that's not the optimum power level but it'll get you home, unlike if there's a glitch during a reflash.
