OK.... I have an 2003 HD with stock everything!!! I am looking to buy a programmer to plug into the ODBII port and program it. I have no clue on what the best or even just a good programmer are out there. I know the main ones and when you go to their website, they ALL claim to be the best ya know. So I was hoping to get some real world non biased input and opinions on the different programmers. I have talked with several of my friends that have them and they were all biased towards whatever they were running. PPE, Predator, Bully Dog, Banks, etc...............I just dont wanna make a rash and un-informed decision when spending this much jack on a programmer for my towpig.

Hey Rebel, I too have a completely stock 03. I researched on here and came to the conclusion that I wanted a tuner that did NOT get it's power from increasing the rail pressure. I was new to "electronics" when I purchased the truck in my sig. I was very worried about the injector issues, but the price I picked up the truck for in Jan. 08 was worth it.

Long story short, I went with a Van Aaken Smart Box E 0HP-70HP-110HP tuner. This plugs into the wiring harness underhood and has a unit that sits under the hood. Van Aaken is no longer in business, but left over, new units are still avaliable from some vendors (one I used is not a sponsor here, PM me for info). Kennedy Diesel tested the Van and says they will not harm the tranny on the 70HP tune. Kennedy seems like a stand up honest guy who has been on here forever (do a search), and he still has some avaliable. I just wanted a little extra kick, not an all out 1/4 mile scorcher, and have no plans to upgrade the tranny.

Just one persons opinion.......

Jim

I only know the PPE, but did a lot reading before I bought it. It has a very smooth feel to it, I have not seen any complaints from others about it, has several diagnostic functions, etc.

I don't think you could go wrong with the four you listed, but I am sticking with the PPE.

Anything over 100 flywheel hp, and other upgrades are needed IMHO. Get gauges first! Then an exhaust, then the programmer.

On a stock or mostly stock vehicle, I like the Edge (Juice, Juice w/attitude, or Hot Juice) alot. Keep it to level 4 or lower and you won't bother the stock tranny (5 or 6 will limp the tranny if you floor it on the 4-5 shift a few times), it gets good mpg if you try, and it'll roast the tires nicely. Take a look around the site, you can find them for a pretty cheap deal. It's been my first mod on all my stock Dmax's. Get a turbo back exhaust too, it'll compliment any tune well (keep egt's down).

what are you wanting to do with your truck? That will help us all figure out what would be best for your application.

Also, I agree with Sparky1562.. Get exhaust and guages first. (coming from the guy without guages. DOH!)

I got 3 letters for ya, PPE.

I am into 4x4 rock crawling so I need something to help me get better mileage when towing my buggy to the rocks. Basically, with the fuel prices the way they are ($4.74 a gal here in FL) I am looking at ways to help boost the economy on my rig and help with the long hauls with trailer and 4x4 in tow. I dont give a rats ass about burning my tires and racing it....Thanks for the input. A 5" turbo back is in the works.

X3 On the exhaust and gauges part.... Before I ever had a lot of mods I ran a predator on 65hp setting which I am now desperately trying to sell. For the money, it was well worth it and the power felt awesome. It towed great and egt's were low. They are all going to do you the same thing if your only running a small tune for ex. 65 hp. But if you were going for power and had plans for a tranny I would go with PPE hot x2 or EFI live. Not too familiar with Edge but you can find a good deal with an edge tuner that already has the monitor for egt's and that sort.

I am no expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I have nothing but great things to say about my PMT. Other than it is a bit pricey, but then again you dont have to buy anything else. All the guages are built in and it comes with the pyro in the box. It is ablast to drive, however it will limp my tranny on extreme in the 4-5 upshift. Other than the fact bully dog took away crazy larryI have had good service and support. Now I just gotta get a tranny.

IMO-If you are looking for more power whatever the reason may be, it will never stop :) .
You will accidently limp your tranny on 65hp tune like I did then need a transmission. I figured for an extra $500 I could throw in a lift pump and an efi live license through my buddy. Now I want a bigger turbo. If you think you can get a tuner and stay with it on the smallest setting resisting temptation, more power to you.