Power Programs, Chips, and Modules For Diesel Truck Performance
Diesel power in the light truck market is experiencing a boom these days. As many of you who own diesel trucks know, the aftermarket industry is coming out with new power upgrades with ever increasing frequency. Diesel motors, as they pertain to Chevy, Dodge, and Ford trucks offer lots of torque and towing power right out of the box. If you use your diesel rig to tow a four-horse, horse trailer, a 20-foot travel trailer, or gooseneck flatbed for transporting a water pipe from one alfalfa field to another, you’ll probably agree that even a stock diesel motor is a workhorse in its own rite.
At Trucks magazine, we recognize the interest in diesel ownership and performance amongst our readers. We thought it might be helpful to offer a reference chart for diesel owners who are considering an investment in electronic power and performance aftermarket products that replace or modify the factory computer module, programming, or computer chip. An aftermarket product may include one, two, or all three electronic components mentioned above. This is called “stacking,” where one electronic performance upgrade works with another electronic component or other hardware like intake and exhaust to bring out the potential buried in the motor. If you gain any understanding or benefit from this type of information, please let us know what your interests are and we’ll endeavor to drill into it.
This is a survey of available data from information supplied by manufacturers, similar to a search you might make yourself if you where looking into electronic power upgrades for your diesel. Several, but not all, manufacturers highly recommend that intake and exhaust upgrades be installed prior to, or in conjunction with, their electronic performance upgrades. On the other hand, some manufactures engineer their product to work within factory intake and exhaust parameters, and an otherwise stock motor. Power and torque increases vary between diesel engine manufacturers and the individual motors themselves. And claims of enormous power and torque gains cannot always be verified unless the truck is tested on a dynamometer, and a chassis dynamometer at that.
A chassis dynamometer measures torque and horsepower at the rear Wheels of the vehicle under real world conditions where power is channeled from the motor, past the flywheel, and through the drivetrain to the rear wheels. Four-wheel drive trucks have transfer cases (gear case that coordinates and engages front and rear Wheels in high-range and gears down to low-range) that soak up some of the power coming from the motor. “It’s where the rubber meets the road,” that you want to know whether, or not, the professed gains of any feature or benefit align with reality. Most aftermarket makers of electronic power and performance products test their equipment on a chassis dyno these days and post the power increases for consumers to evaluate in the form of a dyno reading on a line chart. But remember, each truck, each motor, will likely vary to some degree.
Although you can buy “Extreme Use” modules, programmers, and computer chips, we left them out of this table. We did include the highest power gains that are available within the variable power settings intended for use “on-highway.” For the sake of space and simplicity, we had to generalize power and torque increases to fit within a range of increments. Some components are at the higher end of an incremental range and will be revealed to you as you do your own research in light of the year and model of truck and motor you own. You will notice that few features and performance gains pertain to all engine manufacturers at the same level.
FEATURES TO LOOK FOR
Features for tuning fuel pulse width, timing, and fuel pressure are functions that increase the amount of fuel delivery depending on the performance setting selected. Exhaust Gas Temp (EGT) is a critical component of a diesel motor’s health, and may well be part of every manufacturer’s product, but only mentioned by a few. When the exhaust gas temperature reaches extreme heat ranges, temperature-limiting control is the ability for the system to limit fuel until exhaust gas temperatures subside. Transmission health is another area that is directly affected by electronic performance products. Transmission Slip Monitor is a function that enables new performance programming to learn gear ratios and reduce Clutch slippage if it is detected on specific transmission types. Turbo speed protection is a safeguard to ensure diesel motors fitted with a turbocharger that operates within safe rpm speeds regardless of altitude (thin air).
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a function that deciphers the factory description of certain system problems in the engine and drive train. These codes include sensors, fuses, and any of the variable issues that might trigger the “Check Engine” light on your dashboard. Technical support (or customer service) is available for every product, but not necessarily highlighted in their product information. As we mentioned above, intake and exhaust upgrades are advised for some products. Product manufacturers who recommend intake and exhaust upgrades also tend to have their own intake and Exhaust Systems specifically for your vehicle and diesel motors. The great thing about this is the assurance that the electronic and the mechanical performance products where designed as a system to produce maximum results.
Some programmers, chips, and modules will allow you to “adjust speed limiter” or increase the factory limited top-speed function. For some of you readers, just the ability to run 130 mph if you have enough road is a good reason to buy electronic power packs, but not advisable if you are law abiding. Or you might want the ability to hook up your laptop computer to the interface under the dashboard and download, or upload, data or new performance upgrades from the manufacturer. Automatically re-calibrating the speedometer when you change tire sizes may be a factor in your decision making, as is the ability to change performance setting is while you are on the road and “on-the-fly.” Bear in mind, these kinds of product features are available in some applications, but not all. The important thing is for you to determine what features are important to you, and what do you want to realistically achieve?
The big news is that all electronic power and performance products do exactly that: “they increase power and performance by increasing torque and rear-wheel horsepower.” That’s the benefits. The features are the variables that, for various reasons, may or may not be so obvious, but important to your decision making. What is “between the lines” is the fact that most product manufacturers do include many of the critical information (features) that a diesel engine needs to stay healthy while delivering some of that performance kick factory engineers left on the table back at the shop, but not all of them. It is those differences that belie competitive advantages, or lack of them.
Hypertech Power Programmer III is a self-contained tuning computer you hold in your hand, plug into the Diagnostic Port on your Cummins diesel powered Dodge (1998 ½ to 2002) or Duramax diesel powered GMC (2001-2005). The programmer instantly reads all relevant drivetrain information from the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The programmer will ask you a series of Yes or No questions and automatically tunes your motor and drivetrain to your desired performance levels. You can return to factory (OEM) program settings in a few minutes. For more information, call Hypertech at: 801-382-8888.
Hypertech Power Module delivers three stages of tuning for your 2003-2004 Ford truck or SUV 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel motor. Installation simply requires you to plug the Power Module harness into the ECM in the motor bay, and install the Power Dial at a convenient position on your dashboard. You can change tune settings “on-the-fly” and dial in horsepower increases of Stage 1 (50+ hp), Stage 2 (80+ hp), and Stage 3 (100+ hp).
HyperPAC__Hypertech's product development team is ahead of the curve with the introduction of new Power Programmer and HyperPAC part numbers for popular Ford and GM Turbo diesel applications. Hypertech's new Power Tuning programs for 2003-2007 Ford trucks equipped with 6.0-liter Power Stroke engines increase output by up to 115 horsepower and a whopping 200 ft./lbs. of torque over factory tuning. Hypertech's exclusive Power Tuning program for 2006 Duramax-equipped GM trucks produces gains of up to 95 horsepower and 178 ft./lbs. of torque over stock.
Bully Dog Dominator (GM)- If you enjoy fast reacting high horsepower, these modules are designed just for you. The extreme user will love the features this module has to offer. The Dyno Dominator will add three setting to the Duramax engines. The settings for the LB7 engines are stock, 70 and 150 and for the LLY engines stock, 70 and 130. Both are adjustable on the fly through an in cab mounted toggle switch. It is strongly recommended that users of this module also have gauges that display engine exhaust temperature. We strongly recommend the Outlook Monitor if you want to run more than 50 hp. Bully Dog Rapid Power (Ford) is a performance module that will successfully fulfill your specific need to increase towing performance, drivability and fuel mileage in your diesel. This module has horsepower settings of stock, 40 and up to 103 hp gains. It includes the Tranny Smart™ to protect your transmission against unnecessary damage. The Rapid Power performance module is a must for individuals wanting to receive the best safety package for towing. For more information, call: 208-397-3200.
Bully Dog Power Pup Downloader (Also for Dodge 03’ to 05’) Three in One! The Power Pup for the 7.3L increases horsepower and torque by re-flashing the vehicle ECU. Installation takes place in cab by plugging into the OBDII port. The Power Pup gives the user the choice between three different power programs: Stock, Tow (50hp), Performance (75 hp) or Extreme (120 hp). The Power Pup retains the stock program so that the truck can be put back to the Original settings if the need arises. For more information, call: 208-397-3200.
The Power Pup for the 6.0L is ideal for those looking to increase power for towing, performance or for the extreme driver looking to decrease their time in the quarter mile. This is the ONLY on-the-fly adjustable downloader available for the Ford 6.0L 2003-2004 Powerstroke when used with the Outlook Monitor! This Power Pup provides the highest horsepower and torque of any downloader with 50-155 rear wheel horsepower, 100-341 lbs/ft torque increase, and 10 horsepower settings to choose from. With cylinder pressure significantly lower than the competition, our Power Pup downlaoder runs with less noise and will not compromise the head gaskets. The Power Pup also facilitates transmission tuning: choose between aggressive, smooth and stock transmission shift types. This programmer also allows the user to remove their speed limiter for higher top speeds and also will completely return the vehicle to stock. For more information, call: 208-397-3200.
Superchips Flashpaq: Superchips announces the release of their Flashpaq part #2805, for the 2007 Chevy/GMC Duramax diesel as well as the Dodge Cummin's and Ford Powerstroke. This tuner can calibrate the speedometer for tire size changes, and also features Superchips TriTune, offering three different levels of performance:
• Performance (towing up to 6000 Lbs.)
• Economy (towing up to 8000 Lbs.)
• Tow-Safe (factory tow limit)
• Transmission, Rev and Speed Limiters All Optimized
More options including a free data acquisition package that allows users to perform speed tests such as 0-60 MPH and mile runs are now available at http://www.flashpaq.com/
Superchips Flashpaq units are hand held Programmers designed to enhance today's computer controlled engines. By reading and reprogramming the codes in the engine control unit, Superchips releases the power left in the motor by the manufacturer. Tuned every 200 rpm from idle to wide-open throttle, Flashpaqs are an economical way to increase a vehicles’ performance. Flashpaqs also read the Diagnostic Trouble Codes so the user can trouble shoot the vehicle. Plus, Superchips customers report increases in fuel mileage of up to 3 mpg for gas vehicles and up to 5 mpg for diesel vehicles. For more information, call: 407-585-7000
Diablo Sport Ford Predator is a hand held flash programmer for 2003 to 2005 6.0L Powerstroke Diesels for Ford (7.3L Diablo also available). Programming is applied in small increments throughout the entire RPM range for smooth, predictable, power increases. This tuner will allow you to get updates and revision through the Internet and permit you to down load new information. Four tune settings are available for rear wheel horsepower (RWHP) increases of stock, 40 hp (100 lb.-ft. torque), 65 hp (155 lb.-ft. torque), and 100 hp (198 lb.-ft.) to the rear wheels.
Diablo Sport Predator for GM is a flash programmer for Duramax LLY diesel motors (2004.5-2005). The Predator advances fuel injection timing and optimizes injection pulse width while programming in incremental increases. Five tune options include stock, 40 hp, 65 hp, 85 hp, and 100 hp settings. For more information, call: 561-908-0040.
Diablo Power Puck (Dodge). The power puck is available for Cummins Diesel motors in Dodge trucks from 1998 up to 2004. You have two power levels to choose from: Level 1 is a 60 hp (100 lb.-ft. torque) increase, and Level 2 dials up 90 hp (180 lb.-ft. torque). Power gains are available throughout the entire RPM range for smooth towing and performance. For more information, call: 561-908-0040.
Granatelli Big G (Ford) Big G power module for the 2003-04 Ford Power Stroke and Duramax LLY diesel improves performance and optimizes engine efficiency by monitoring the RPM, timing, Turbo boost pressures, trans function and fueling parameters to determine correct fuel and timing curves. Two power settings include a 75 hp (160 lb.-ft. torque) increase for towing, and 130 hp (250 lb.-ft. torque) for performance sessions. In-cab monitor manages more than 20 engine operation functions. For more information, call: 805-486-6644 x 11.
Edge Juice (Chevy, Dodge, Ford) Edge Products offers the Juice plug-in module for touch button control of five power levels. For the Duramax motor in your Chevy diesel truck, look for power increases from 30 to 120 hp; Dodge power increases of 40 to 100 hp; and Ford power gains of 25 to 75 hp. For more information, call: 888-360-3343.
Edge Attitude is an in-cab controller for on-the-fly power settings of your Chevy 6.6 Duramax, Dodge Cummins 5.9L, or Ford Power Stroke 6.0L. The Attitude replaces gauges by displaying Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) and Turbo boost. For more information, call: 888-360 EDGE.
Edge A2 Attitude. Edge Products' state-of-the-art A2 Attitude is now available. Carryover functions include mode-control for Edge Juice underhood power modules. This allows the driver to switch among 5 available power levels on the fly, adding up to 125 more HP. Engine monitoring is now displayed by 3-D virtual gauges for such functions as exhaust gas temperature, boost, actual speed (corrected for non-stock tire diameters), percentage of auto trans slippage, engine rpm, engine temp, throttle percentage, barometric pressure, and Juice power mode as well as 14 additional parameters. The Edge A2 also captures 0-60 and 1/4-mile times and displays horsepower and torque in an easy-to-interpret graph format. Built-in safeguards cut back fuel to avoid engine overheating and premature transmission wear due to torque-converter slippage. Additional safety features include cold engine protection and defueling to maintain appropriate Turbo boost levels. The A2's color LCD monitor facilitates other safety and convenience features. GPS navigation is built-in, using TomTom’s award-winning software, and the system ships with maps of the entire U.S. preloaded. The A2’s navigation capability includes verbal directions, rerouting, ETA and Points of interest. Coming soon will be a wireless back-up camera. In addition to showing hard-to-see children and pets, the weatherproof camera makes trailer coupling much easier. Applications will be available for Edge's existing Juice With Attitude coverage: all Chevy/GMC 6.6L Duramaxes, 1998.5-2005 Dodge 5.9L Cummins and all 1999-2005 Ford Powerstrokes. For more information, call: 888-360 EDGE.
TS Performance Instigator is a control module for the Ford Power Stroke 6.0L diesel motor. The Instigator offers two power choices of 0-80hp and 0-to135 hp increases. The 80 horsepower module is recommended for towing and everyday driving. For more information, call: TS Performance at 270-746-9999.
TS Performance Activator for your Duramax diesel offers up to 90 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels. The Activator reprograms map and fuel sensors to correctly add injection timing and fuel enrichment without raising the fuel-rail pressure past the factory limit of 28,000 psi. For more information, call: 270-746-9999.
The Turbo Shop (TTS) Chip for Ford Power Stroke. The TTS Power Systems Switchable chip offers three level of performance for your Ford: Towing (50hp), Race (80 hp), and Extreme (120 hp). You can get this chip as a single function, dual function, or collect all three. The Towing program is designed for use with heavy towing situations (that four-horse, horse trailer) and daily driving. Using the Tow program only, the design is intended for stock and un-modified vehicles that need a power boost without changing the intake or exhaust system, ect… For more information, call: 310-669-8101.
TS Performance 2003- 04 and 2004.5 Ramifier
This module is a Plug and Play situation for you Dodge truck with a 5.9L Cummins Diesel. The Ramifier produces 100+ hp and only takes minutes to install. For more information, call: 270-746-9999.
Gale Banks Six-Gun Diesel Tuner is available for Chevy, Dodge, and Ford diesel motors. Gale Banks Power tuning systems highly recommend that you upgrade your intake and exhaust to improve airflow, and makes those upgrades for your exact application. Power gains differ between each diesel type, but the increases are significant from one to six available settings. For more information, call: 1-800-601-8072.
Gale Banks Six-Gun Tuner® and PowerPDA® Vehicle Command Center are now available for the 2006 Dodge Cummins, Duramax diesel and Ford Powerstroke pickups. The Banks Six Gun with PowerPDA adds up to +112 hp and +259 lb-ft at the rear wheels, with recommended airflow improvements, to the already powerful 325 hp 5.9L Cummins. Stacked for Power® to tune fuel timing and pressure simultaneously, the Banks Six-Gun Diesel Tuner with PowerPDA can get the most trucks from 0-60 mph 21% quicker, and power the pickup through the quarter-mile nearly 10 truck lengths ahead of the stock vehicle. Six-Gun includes exclusive AutoRate® features that safeguard the powertrain and ActiveSafety® self-diagnostics that keep a watchful eye on all the electronics involved.
The PowerPDA, a Palm® Tungsten™ E2 PDA, lets the user play MP3 tunes; create and/or edit Word®, Excel® & PowerPoint® files; track expenses; access 20,000+ software applications; and more. PowerPDA includes a recharging docking router station, utilizing the exclusive Banks Bus™ communication protocol for future expandability. And, its infrared wireless connectivity enables complete portability. For more information call (877) 227-1676
JET Performance Products. JET Performance Products has released their new Performance Programmer for 2001-2005 GM Duramax Diesel Trucks with the 6.6L LB7 & LLY motors. The programmer features 3 different tuning presets: Performance towing stage 1, performance towing stage 2 and no towing stage 3. The programmer can add up to 130 horsepower and 205 ft/lbs of torque. Also allows modification to the top speed limiter and corrects the speedometer after making gear ratio or tire size changes.
The programmer also features a built in scan tool that will read and clear diagnostic trouble codes. Detailed instructions and the user friendly programming procedure offer trouble free installation. Take the next step in performance tuning with the JET Performance Programmer. For more information, call: 800-535-1161
Rolling Big Power (RBP). RBP diesel performance specialists and manufacturers of specialized components for the diesel performance market, proudly introduces the company’s new line of Power Programmers. All RBP Power Programmers are Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) readers and each unit will come with a list of DTC codes. RBP’s Power Programmer is the most technologically advanced programmer on the market today, it will help to increase fuel mileage 2 to 3 miles per gallon, helps with quick and firm shifts, smoother cold starts in the morning and is easy to install with no tools. Dedicated models are available for each of the big three domestic makes. The new RBP Chevrolet/GMC Power Downloader, one part number, is applicable to both the LLY and LB7 engines and will produce 50, 85,110 and 155 hp. The new RBP Ford Power Downloader offers ten power levels, increasing by 10 hp from 40 to 130hp. The Dodge unit will produce 50, 85 and 110 hp. The new RBP Power Programmers should increase fuel mileage by 2-3 MPG and come in a hard carrying case for safe storage. For more information phone (951) 272-9090
Sniper Special Forces. Sniper, Inc. has revolutionized diesel tuning by making it possible for the Ford enthusiast with the 6.0 liter Powerstroke to tow heavy loads with their exclusive 100 horsepower program. The results from this one-of-a-kind software will leave you mystified and wondering “what took so long”. Sniper has unlocked the mystery of towing with power. But wait there’s more. This same software package developed by Sniper, Inc. also provides “end-user” adjustability like no other product. You can create, modify or even fine tune your own performance program straight from your laptop or desktop pc. The price of the Special Forces allows you to program two vehicles and you have the option to program additional vehicles with the purchase of Sniper Bullets. The Bullet system makes it ideal for shop owners. By being able to purchase Bullets, you will no longer need to keep purchasing Programmers like the “other guys”. Just program your customer’s vehicle with your shop’s Sniper programmer (Interface). The Special Forces kit consists of: tuning software, Interface flash box, OBD-II cable, USB cable & instruction manual. Customer requirements: IBM based PC (laptop or desktop) with Windows XP.
SCT LIVEWIRE. SCT, LLC is proud to release the most advanced custom tuning device for performance car, truck and diesel applications. LIVEWIRE is not just another flash tuner; it offers more power, more data, more features and best of all your vehicle uses less fuel. LIVEWIRE is a pre-programmed and custom tunable PCM flash tuner that arrives pre-loaded with up to three different dyno-proven custom performance tunes and one fuel economy tune. LIVEWIRE can also be custom Tuned by any one of SCT’s 500+ custom tuning dealers across the world. The most important new feature is the 128MB SD memory card. LIVEWIRE is capable of storing multiple tunes for as many as 20 different vehicle applications, plus it stores the complete factory uploaded program. Another important feature is advanced, long-term data-logging of multiple PCM parameters that can either be viewed in real-time and stored into memory or downloaded to a personal computer and then be viewed through SCT’s LiveLink software application.For more information on LIVEWIRE call SCT at (866) 297-6298 or visit their website at www.sctflash.com.
BD X-TUNERS AND X-POWER PLUS. BD’s X-Tuners for Cummins and Power Stroke are more than just programmers, they give diesel enthusiasts the power to do more. X-Tuners for Dodge and Ford applications have selectable power gains up to 100+ horsepower, plus features like a re-settable top speed limit, transmission shift “learning” capability, provisions for non-stock tire sizes, and much more. Just plug the X-Tuner into the OBD II port under the dash and you can download transmission economy and performance programs from the ECU, read and erase trouble codes, and download updated programs from the Internet via the unit’s USB port connection. And because of BD’s unique pulse width timing and duration technology, many BD units can be stacked with other products to achieve extreme power levels.
For Dodge enthusiasts, BD recently introduced the new X-Power Plus module for the 2003-2005 Dodge-Cummins—a state-of-the-art unit that offer serious power and control without compromise. Unlike other products that raise fuel pressure to increase fuel delivery (which can cause leaks and damage to fuel system components), the X-Power Plus achieves performance gains through altered injector pulse duration and timing, combined with cutting-edge fuel mapping. The result is up to 180 rear wheel horsepower, lower EGT’s and improved fuel economy. BD Diesel Performance, (800) 887 5030.
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