Decisions.... Which Module or Programmer? [Archive] - Diesel Place : Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck Forums

: Decisions.... Which Module or Programmer?


Diesel Bob
12-18-2004, 09:40 AM
I have searched the forums and read many threads on modules vs. programmers and the different brands available. I am still not sure what to buy. I am looking to increase HP & Torque, but I don't want to have to do any tranny mods. I am running 315 tires, but I'm really not concerned w/ speedo accuracy. It seems that the Edge is the most popular @ The Diesel Place. Any imput would be greatly appreciated. Also, would you guys recommend buying any of these units used? Thanks, Bob

McRat
12-18-2004, 10:03 AM
The Edge for the LB7 has always drawn rave reviews by it's users. Their support is second to none. With it's trans protection and temp protection and built in gauges, it's got every feature you need in a diesel tuner. If I had an LB7, and I wasn't racing it, I'd have an Edge in it.

For the LLY though, I'd wait until they finished getting the bugs out of it.

bigd
12-18-2004, 11:48 AM
banks six gun speedloader if you never plan on doing the trans, they do not have all the problems as the edge does, no start etc, and you can not utilize all the power with the stock trans, also the trans protect on the edge can not be as good as the banks because they do not tap into the transmission control module, you will find both positive and negative problems about both in this generally pro edge forum, but the negative threads about banks are not about a programing failures but rather disputable dyno numbers, and poor customer service. there is lots of information in this forum so do your research.

Crawler
12-18-2004, 12:13 PM
I've run most everything out there at one time or another.

Edge with attitude (keep it of the high setting)

Or

Bully Dog Power Pup (load one program that the trany can handle and leave it alone)

BUCKSHOTjr
12-18-2004, 11:24 PM
I like my Quad 135 pretty Gooooooddddddd........Ü

JJs DuMax
12-19-2004, 08:32 AM
Might as well throw the Predator in the mix. If your not wanting to do any tranny, exhaust or intake mods you are definitely not concerned about stacking programs then you don't need anything too fancy. Check out the Predator or Hyptertech. Inexpensive bumps in hp/tq, plug and play, easy to return to stock for dealership/warranty issues. I'm seriously considering the Predator. Good reports on it, easy to use, and $399 on JK's site.

On edit, I almost forgot the Predator can do diagnostics as well. Later. JJ :)

skoryaro2
12-19-2004, 09:04 AM
JJ,

Sounds like you and I are in the same boat. I want the same as you in a programmer and no trans / exhaust mods.

Here's my take: I have it narrowed down to the Edge or Predator. Edge is having cold weather issues right now which apply to me in MI but not you in sunny FLA. You are pulling a good load so will need to monitor EGT's.

Predator = $399 + $145 EGT gauge = $544 (and you end up with a diagnostics too)
Edge w/ *** = $600 / $650 ish most other times (vendor sale right now)

Petty much a toss-up on either one for you. For me I'm leaning toward the Predator because of the cold weather issues. One thing I do notice though is not many people seem to be posting who are having driveability problems and having to return the Predator to "stock" to correct them like they are having to disconnect the Edge.

My .02

Rob

Donnie 1
12-19-2004, 01:18 PM
Rob & JJ
i was in the same boat as you, Predator or Edge

i bought the edge/w attitude the cold weather issue will be worked out.
i looked at it this way extra $100 for the edge or extra $1000 for an ECM IF the Predator screws it up.

Rob, i got the edge/w attitude and ATS overhead mount for $650 shipped to my door from a place up close to you in Detroit.

Diesel Bob
12-19-2004, 02:20 PM
Thanks for the imput so far guys. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like the Edge is more of an easy, no nonsense install and safer for the computer and the tranny. I don't do any towing, so it looks like I would run a setting of around an 80-100 HP increase. This is all I really want to gain, plus a little better fuel mileage would be nice, but I don't really want to have to do any other mods. Any other discussion, pros or cons would be appreciated, as I am still not 100% sure what to buy. Thanks, Bob

Kennedy
12-20-2004, 02:35 PM
The Van Aaken Smart box for the LB7(not LLY) is about the easiest install with provisions for an in cab level change, and provides excellent performance.

dgerb
12-20-2004, 03:55 PM
Do you know when the Van Aaken Smart box is coming out for the LLY?? Or did I somehow miss it and it's out now......

Kennedy
12-20-2004, 04:13 PM
At this point it does not agree with my LLY...

gelecon
12-23-2004, 08:02 PM
I had a 6 gun with speedloader and banks exhaust on my 02 d-max. Kit installed as advertised and went smoothly. Increased power and mileage and I was very satisfied with Banks. I towed 10,000 lbs and lower and towed through the White Mountains in New Hampshire with no EGT issues. I have traded and got a dodge like HOOT and am currently toying of putting a banks in this truck once my old one sells.

Mike L.
12-23-2004, 10:42 PM
There is no program that will protect your Ally. Your factory ECM has defuel protection on the shifts and will pull timing and fuel if it senses the Ally slipping. You may not notice a slip but the TCM will and default to a different parameter. Some programs have their own defuel as I understand it but they cannot protect the Allys clutch holding power. That's where some of you guys are fooling yourselves. The Ally has fixed pressure ( it does not rise to the needs of extra demanded tq like all other transmissions because there is no need to if the Ally is used as prescribed. But, it isn't):h thanks to us. The holding power of all the clutches in the Ally are set to work at a certain pressure with a maximum given load, that was the design. Your programs exceed that by a great margine and yes they defuel( the shift from one gear to the next puts all transmissions at their weakest point) but there is also the holding power of the applyed clutch under extreme tq when the trans is not shifting. That problem can only be addressed inside the trans. You are not protected by any means with certain programs that advertise protection. Some of you guys have not had any problems, some of you have. I don't know why. I fix them as they come in and try and share my knowledge and help.:D

mike

lylecraig
12-23-2004, 11:01 PM
Mike L. what upgrades to the Ally would you make if you were running juice on an LLY?

fat92boy2001
12-23-2004, 11:18 PM
Diesel Bob,


I made a thread and asked the same questions, and this is the conclusion I came to: After talking to Diesel Performance in Ca, My local shop, and numerous people on this forum, it all depends on what your right foot is telling you. No matter what you put in you are going to want more:D . See if someone will let you borrow there tunes or if you can afford it buy yourself an Edge w/o attitude (because you don't want to do any other mods) and a Predator . Once you get a feeling for which one works the best for you, turn around and sell it in the forum or on ebay. That's what I am doing. My Predator will be here on X-mas eve and the Edge will be here on the 28th. If you haven't bought something yet I will let you know what worked best for me. Good Luck and Merry X-mas:ro)

Mike L.
12-23-2004, 11:24 PM
Mike L. what upgrades to the Ally would you make if you were running juice on an LLY?
In my experience, the Suncoast level 3 is an outstanding choice, the TTS multiplate converter is great for low end power and works very well with the Suncoast clutches. ATS is also a great choice especially matched with their CoPilot. Got Juice has stated that DTT has released their Ally mod. I have no experience with DTT but they have a great name in the Dodge circles. There are plenty of others out there that want a piece of the pie but have not earned it imho. I suggest you stay with the big transmission rebuilder names, they will be here tomorrow if you need them.:D
mike

bigd
12-24-2004, 09:08 AM
In my experience, the Suncoast level 3 is an outstanding choice, the TTS multiplate converter is great for low end power and works very well with the Suncoast clutches.
two more days and eric will install on my truck can not wait , if he can get to the tranny with all the ice and snow packed in there...

Diesel Bob
12-24-2004, 12:54 PM
fat92boy2001, I am still undecided on which way to go. I have been trying to negotiate on some used Edge Juice modules, but I also like the sounds of the Bullydog Power Pup. I am skeptical of using something that alters my trucks ECU. Please let me know what you think of the Edge vs. the Predator. Thanks to all for your imput. This is a great forum. Merry Christmas to all.

RickDLance
12-24-2004, 04:51 PM
I tried the Power Pup. It would not load. I called them and sent it back to them. They had it 3 weeks and said they fixed it. I tried again to load it and got a hole new set of problems. I returned it for good. I have 3 of the Edge Juice's now. I have them for sale in the classifieds. I am in the process of playing with the Quadzilla, which works great, but may be a little to much for me and towing, and I just ordered a Predator. I am happy with all of them so far except the Bully Dog stuff. Still looking for the best fuel mileage.

tbone1227
12-24-2004, 05:26 PM
If youre looking for good all around performance and it to work like stock but with more power than go with the predator - its much better than the edge, bully dog and quad. its got great power and runs smooth. the only program im expecting to better would be the new TTS Tune

Jim659
12-24-2004, 10:27 PM
If youre looking for good all around performance and it to work like stock but with more power than go with the predator - its much better than the edge, bully dog and quad. its got great power and runs smooth. the only program im expecting to better would be the new TTS Tune Maybe on an LLY but definatly not on an LB7.

john@dps
12-25-2004, 10:03 AM
We have a Year End clearance Sale going on Edge Check it out, you won't be disappointed. John

tbone1227
12-25-2004, 01:44 PM
Maybe on an LLY but definatly not on an LB7.
exactly what i think as well, thanks for mentioning that as i over-looked it - i was referring to the LLY and not the LB7. i know on the lb7 the other units work very well but not so on the LLY IMO and from testing them all