For you guys with the programmers. I have been struggling with this decision for months now. My questions is:

In reading the directions on line for the EDGE products it suggests to choose a setting and drive for 200 miles to allow the Allison "Smart" transmission to learn the new setting. If this is true then what good is the ability to choose different power levels with the EDGE w/Attitude (levels 1-5) display panel for example? You would need to drive 200 miles to make sure your not damaging the transmission and for smooth shifts.

Also, will running 40 extra horse give a guy that much better gas mileage?

Thanks.

Warden,

Good questions, the right ones to be asking before you pay. I don't think people are buying an Edge for improved mileage. It is for inproved throttle response, drivability, and horsepower/torque. I have not had any problems to mention switching between the different program settings or the Tow/Haul mode once the Allison has learned. I doubt you will damage your trans while learning.
Good Luck with your decision.
Bill

IMO set it once and drive it. The Alli will adapt. If you go from one power setting to another often it will do nothing but confuse the tcm. Thats when people start to have shift problems. Set it on 5 and drive it like you stole it!

The Allison "smart" feature is an adaptive process to optimize the trans shifting to your particular driving style and loading. It "improves" on the basic programming, but not to any great extent. It's continually making small changes, which it why it would take 200 miles if you maintained the exact same conditions (which I doubt you could). So it's always adapting to the last inputs. The adaptation is *SMALL*, so you are never very far from the basic programming. The Edge has slip sensing defuel - and you can override some of the protective functions. The Edge change in timing and fueling is an amazing change in the way your truck will drive, even in the lower settings. I ran my first Edge in level 2 for nearly a year and was over the moon with the improvements in low-range smoothness and tractability. I run my Edge/Attitude in level 3 with low boost setting at 1 (been shown to be the most economical combo) and have defuel on for all locked shifts. This gives me great power, fantastic drivability and good mileage. If you "Put it in Level 5 and drive it like you stole it" you will be looking for a trans update and limping your stock trans in short order. If you run it in level 4 or less (I tow in level 2) you will have a great truck programmed the way it should be out the door and never look back.

............My questions is:

In reading the directions on line for the EDGE products it suggests to choose a setting and drive for 200 miles to allow the Allison "Smart" transmission to learn the new setting. If this is true then what good is the ability to choose different power levels with the EDGE w/Attitude (levels 1-5) display panel for example? You would need to drive 200 miles to make sure your not damaging the transmission and for smooth shifts.

..............Thanks.

I read that as the manufacture is saying basically that their product performance is best after the tranny has had an opportunity to make its adjustments and not to make a conclusive judgement until that time when its potential can be fully realized. I don't read that as a liability disclaimer of dire consequences.

To chime in with one important point not previously mentioned. Roll-on power (from start, at-speed accelleration, hill-climbing, etc.) all have their own distinct parameters to limit in-trans slips, and to prevent torque converter overheat (hense the de-fueling). There are over 250 adjustments being "perfected" to your style of driving every time the allison rolls more than 5 or 10 miles (short trips, between ignition on-off, would not be practical to try and make any form of adjustments....especially winter driving, where fluids do not get to full operating temps).

Secondly, monitoring of stops, deccellerations, and downgrades (trans. braking) are also collecting information and making changes to the torque inverter lock-ups and gear selections. To prevent "sudden-impact", only minor changes are being made, which can only be optimized over time, hense the estimated 200 mile "rule" from the chip maker.

Consider how significant the performance change is when adding the "chip", which the "smart" systems in the vehicles must make adjustments to. Similarly, significant changes occur when oversized exhausts are added, and when adding an exhaust brake (main reason these mfgs do not endorse the use of them on pick-uips, BTW). These new parameters impact the overall aspects of performance (emmissions, engine damage protection, fuel efficiencies, ABS, traction control, etc.), where operating safety could be compromised or premature failures of major parts and components would expose the manufacturers to liabilities......

If you operate your truck for a business, and frequently towing heavy loads, configure your "add-ons" for that purpose and leave it there all the time. That is the only way you can be shure that it will provide the best performance when you need it most (rolling and stopping). Inversely, should you operate you truck in sporting conditions (off-road rallies, or drag racing), set your add-ons for that purpose, and assume the same responsibilities for replacing damaged parts as any anyone else who operate production vehicles in "extreme" conditions.

Good luck.