Performance and Accessories 2nd gen only Talk about Dodge/Cummins aftermarket products for second generation trucks here. Can include high-performance mods, or general accessories.

Best upgrade???

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Old 11-29-2006 | 08:58 PM
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Best upgrade???

Ok well you can see in my signature, my truck is pretty much stock. It does have a 4 inch exhaust coming out of the side. Im looking to buy the gauges. I already have a boost gague but within the next week I am going to be putting in a egt and a fuel pressure gague. So with a stock truck which would be the best upgrade for performace when I decide to do it. I want something that wont kill my injectors and such. I do plan on getting the bigger injectors and clutch and such but that wont be in any time soon. Ive heard the Edge Ez box wont hurt. What im wanting is a little better fuel milage, I want the black smoke. It doesnt have to be a huge cloud but I want it to be noticeable. I know the Edge Juice with Attitude already has the gagues with it. So would I be better off getting something like that? Keep in mind I dont want to hurt my stock components. Im so new to the diesel scene so keep it simple. Its almost overwhelming with all you can do to these machines. So what would you guys do in my situation. Sorry for the stupid noob questions but any help would be greatly appreciated.
Old 11-29-2006 | 09:08 PM
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You can always start off with the EZ like i did. Or get the Comp and don't tap the wire until you have your other mods done. Like your clutch.
With the EZ or Comp you can leave the MAP unplugged for the smoke.
Old 11-29-2006 | 09:12 PM
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Thanks. So what exactly does the MAP sensor do and is there any harm in keeping it unplugged?
Old 11-29-2006 | 09:19 PM
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First, get the gauges installed. I see you have a new LP and VP, you need to keep an eye on the fuel pressure. If/when the LP goes, you want to catch it fast to avoid having to replace the VP($) again.

The best (IMHO), first power upgrade is injectors (he has a stick). But most will tell you to go with one of the electronic boxes. SKIP THEM ALL AND GET A SMARTY! Sorry to yell, but I have gone the EZ, Comp and Drag Comp route. The Smarty kills them all!

Black Smoke = Unburned fuel, sure it's fun to smoke some knucklehead riding your ***, but until you upgrade those injectors, clutch and a box, you probably won't see much smoke in your mirror.

1. Get the gauges in.

2. Do some research.

3. Ask yourself "How much HP and Torque do I want?" Will you be towing or sled pulling? Dyno King?

4. Have fun!!!
Old 11-29-2006 | 09:32 PM
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get the smarty. itll be easy on your stock clutch, turbo, etc. Then, when you get the $$$, upgrade the clutch, turbo, and get a tst and some sticks.
Old 11-30-2006 | 06:59 AM
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unplugging the MAP only will work with a boost fooler like EZ or Comp.
Do not do it without one you will set a CEL (check engine light).
Smarty's are great i tried Getblown5.9's stacked with my comp on 3x5 and WOW, look out. The only problem is price, and on the fly adjustability. Comp's are goin cheap on Ebay.
Old 11-30-2006 | 09:43 AM
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I don't think the cost of the Smarty is an issue, I agree they are not cheap.

But look at all the features besides improved performance; speedo adjustment, anti-theft, cold weather high idle, code reading, portability and on-line updates.

Comparing those features to a Comp? Are the pluses of a Smarty worth $150 more then what you'd pay for a used Comp? Throw in the reliability issues that Edge has had....it is an easy choice.
Old 11-30-2006 | 10:40 AM
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Thanks for all the replies. After I get my gagues installed I think I will save up and get the EZ box. My next question is, can the EZ be stacked with the smarty. Ive heard a lot of good things about the smarty. If I would decide to stack them would I need to upgrade anything like the injectors, fuel lines or clutch and what if I didnt stack them and just took the EZ off and got the smarty. What would I have to do for that too?
Old 11-30-2006 | 12:22 PM
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yes, in short, the ez can be stacked with the smarty. However, i have stacked my smarty with dad's ez on his truck and there really wasnt a $600 difference. If you want to get a box to stack with the smarty, get a tst. You can pick up a tst 1, tst 2, tst 3, or the tst comp. What ever power level you want to go to obvisouly.

The great thing about the smarty is the timing. and you cant run the timing from the smarty with an ez because it is already a timing box. The tst's however, are not
Old 11-30-2006 | 12:23 PM
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Just like the name implies EZ's are very easy to install. the hardest part if finding the MAP connection and the diagnostic plug.
Upgrading your fuel system is a whole new can of worms. I like the Vulcan big line kit w/ LP relocation. very nice.
Old 11-30-2006 | 08:25 PM
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Yea I know upgrading the fuel system is totally different. I was thinking of the Vulcan kit b/c I have the LP relocation also. But I was wondering if you had to upgrade the fuel system and get bigger injectors and such to have a smarty?
Old 11-30-2006 | 10:27 PM
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Originally Posted by ohiostate24
Yea I know upgrading the fuel system is totally different. I was thinking of the Vulcan kit b/c I have the LP relocation also. But I was wondering if you had to upgrade the fuel system and get bigger injectors and such to have a smarty?
You'd want the smarty before injectors and you should do the fuel system when you put the fp guage on imho. Smarty reprograms your ecm to change how your truck responds to throttle input and requires no other mods.
Old 11-30-2006 | 11:20 PM
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Just get a smarty. It will make your slug of a diesel feel more like a gas truck. Then you can keep that smarty and stack a TST on top without having to sell a box to get a box that you should of had in the first place. TST and Smarty, hands down the best combo.
Old 12-02-2006 | 12:32 AM
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Yeah I see what your saying, but Im not looking to go all out on aftermarket parts like you guys may have. I plan on putting a FASS, the Vulcan kit in, an EZ then upgrade to a smarty whenever I can. When I get the gauges installed. Would the Fass and the Vulcan kit be enough to keep the smarty from destroying my other stock components. Thats what im worried about.
Old 12-02-2006 | 12:56 AM
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You will be fine as far as fuel pressure goes. The smarty probably wont overpower your stock clutch. Yes, it adds up to 60 hp or so, but it's calling card is responsiveness and big low end power. It will spool the turbo much quicker, and probably leave some rubber on the road if you are aggressive.


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