Best programmer w/o further mods.

I finally bit the bullet and bought a Cummins.waytogo It's an '06 Mega cab 2500 4x4. Man, what a difference from my '04 2500 Hemi. I am thinking about getting a programmer/module. If I do, I do not want to have to modify or change anything else. I'm just looking for a little more "uumph", although it already has plenty. Any suggestions? Oh yea, what about engine brakes? I am planning on getting a travel trailer around the end of the year, and would like something to supplement the truck/trailer brakes. thanks.

 

No true engine brakes for the light duty pickups... You can get an exhaust brake, I went with Banks but the electronics are not so great... All the brakes do the same thing, BD and Pacbrake are good.

As far as a programmer, don't get anything that adds pressure, just a timing and duration box like the TST is good. Go to TDR and read alll the threads about melted engines from injector problems due to pressure boxes. The TST you can run on 2/2 or 3/3 and be fine with your stock equipment and it has gauges built in.

 

Either a TST with gauges and LOTS of restraint or a better idea is a Superchips Flashpaq. I currently run both right now.

As for the exhaust brake, I recommend the PacBrake PRXB. Its a very nice kit, has more retarding hp at the lower RPMs and includes an air tank for running air horns or filling tires or whatever.

 

I know I am being bias but I have tried every chip/tuner on my 03 Ram and have gone back to the BD X-Tuner. It is easy to install, inexpensive, has 4 power levels and doubles as a code reader, as most tuners do.

In your case I would run it on power lever 2 towing or power level 3 empty, that way you will not need to modify anything else or spend a whole bunch of money to get a good performance gain and better fuel economy, I do recommend at least a high flow air filter to maximize the fuel economy gains, which we also stock.

BD X-Tuner http://www.bd-power.com/ford/product.php?pn=BD X-Tuner Programmer&tt=ford

 

For what you are looking for I would say the Superchips FlashPaq. The TST is a very nice box but is a little more than what I think you are looking for.

 

Ramified,
Here's a link to "Smarty", a programmer that you might want to check out: http://www.madselectronics.com/ It's been some time coming but the 3rd Generation model hasn't been released yet! However here is another link that I think you will find interesting as well: http://dieselram.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=35;t=000023

I called Bob Wagner of Wagner and Associates:http://www.wagnerandassociates.biz/
and he put me on the list for the first Smarty programmers that will be released for 2003- 2006 and said to look for their comming out in mid to late July.

Also have a Jake / Cummins exhaust brake and I really like it on our Mega Cab! I use it all the time, even in town. It just doesn't make that much noise, and is also dealer recognized with your warrentee. Hope this helps, Stanmar

 

Without any disrespect to BD (great products) I have tried every chip availbable (minus the TST, what is the point on a stock turbo?) and the superchip flashpaq is hands down the best for towing, low EGT's, Power, low smoke, and all around economy. Keep in mind that this is only on the 06 that I feel this way. We have tried several on our 04 and 05 and I do not feel the same but we are not talking about those trucks. As far as exhaust brakes, I believe the BD works and installs the best however as mentioned, the Jacobs is under factory warranty.
Mike

 

I run the stock turbo and TST. I have no problems with EGT's or the turbo. Biggest thing you need is self control. If your hard on the gas DO NOT lift on the throttle fast or you will destroy the turbo. Also don't run a setting higher than what your equipment can handle... But it's always there later when you buy more parts waytogo

 

guys with TST's are sure defensive. Thats kind of funny that one of the mods required to run the TST is Self Controlrotfl

 

Yeah it's too bad these dodges are so weak that you have to do that :doah: rotfl

Sorry, I'm just into the whole buy one and grow into it thing... Most people buy an EZ, then a Juice, then a TST... I WILL NOT put a pressure box on my truck so I went with the TST. With the cp3's and injector failures on these trucks I don't trust pressure boxes...

 

I went with the Superchips Flashpaq (for now anyway). All I wanted was #1 better fuel millage, #2 a little more hitch in my giddy up. I run it on the Tow setting and I'm good to go.

-Troy

 

If I had a common rail truck I'd be running a TST for sure.... nice unit.

 

So what other programmers/moduals just add timing and duration? Would like to start gathering info to compare.

 

The BD X-Tuner is timing and duration only, got one on my rig and love the power and fuel economy.

 

Do you guys have one for the 2006 yet?

 

Yes waytogo

P/N 1054757 $565.00 USD

 

Cool, any specs on it yet?

 

BD X-Tuner for 06 Dodge

BD X-Tuner for 06 Dodge

Power Level 1 Stock
Power Level 2. 60HP
Power Level 3. 90HP
Power Level 4. 130hp

 

Thanks, nice to see the 06 stuff hitting the market, looks like Edge is out also and Smarty around the corner.

 

Nice thing about the Superchips is it can compliment other chips as well. I have the TST stacked with the Superchips and it is sweet!