Forum Discussion

louiskathy's avatar
louiskathy
Explorer
Apr 15, 2016

Power Programmer for gas engine performance

Evolution CS Programmer

Have any of you had experience with an engine programmer? We are looking at the one listed above.. made by Edge Products. The comments pro vs con are leaving us undecided. The cons seem to be prior to 2015. Maybe there have been improvements ?? Maybe there is something better??

This would be for our 1999 Ford F-350

"Product Description
The Evolution CS is an in-cab controller, monitor, and digital gauge display for your Gas Trucks . This power programmer maximizes performance in a variety of ways. Simply plug in to the OBDII (diagnostic) port under the dash and select a program level to re-program your truck's computer. With a full color, high resolution 2.4 inch button controlled screen monitoring your vital engine information is easy and clear."
  • Hubby was interested in more power... something to get the rig up and over the hills better. So far, no one has mentioned improved power.

    Gas pedal response time improvement ... doesn't mean power to us.
    Better shifting... doesn't mean power to us.

    Maybe we're looking at the wrong thing... Maybe this isn't going to do what hubby was wanting it to do. I'm not seeing any comments that say it improves power or noticable better gas milage.

    I've heard the term "with banks". ( for example a V-10 with Banks) It's supposed to give the engine more power, I think. Should we be tossing this performance program and looking into something else?
  • louiskathy wrote:
    Hubby was interested in more power... something to get the rig up and over the hills better. So far, no one has mentioned improved power.

    Gas pedal response time improvement ... doesn't mean power to us.
    Better shifting... doesn't mean power to us.

    Maybe we're looking at the wrong thing... Maybe this isn't going to do what hubby was wanting it to do. I'm not seeing any comments that say it improves power or noticable better gas milage.

    I've heard the term "with banks". ( for example a V-10 with Banks) It's supposed to give the engine more power, I think. Should we be tossing this performance program and looking into something else?


    That is correct. Bolt on performance parts, short of forced induction are rather lackluster. Not great bang for your buck. Smaller tires and then gearing are where I'd start if I couldn't upgrade to something with more power.
  • Grit dog wrote:
    louiskathy wrote:
    Hubby was interested in more power... something to get the rig up and over the hills better. So far, no one has mentioned improved power.

    Gas pedal response time improvement ... doesn't mean power to us.
    Better shifting... doesn't mean power to us.

    Maybe we're looking at the wrong thing... Maybe this isn't going to do what hubby was wanting it to do. I'm not seeing any comments that say it improves power or noticable better gas milage.

    I've heard the term "with banks". ( for example a V-10 with Banks) It's supposed to give the engine more power, I think. Should we be tossing this performance program and looking into something else?


    That is correct. Bolt on performance parts, short of forced induction are rather lackluster IMO for hp/tq gains. Not great bang for your buck. Smaller tires and then gearing are where I'd start if I couldn't upgrade to something with more power.
  • IMHO Eric is right on!! You often hear of someone putting on a performance air cleaner and noticing nothing. "Big waste of money, went back to stock".

    Of course you can't let more air in without letting it out the other end. Or just a programmer by itself will not perform as well without the other mods. So Air Raid, Cat Back and tuner, all three or nothing.

    Is it worth it? Only you can be the judge. If you go by 'seat of the pants" dyno and feel a good improvement then it is probably worth it to you. Will you ever recoup the cost with saved fuel? Nope.

    That said, this is the next mod I plan to do to my truck. Just because I can. :B
  • ~DJ~ wrote:
    IMHO Eric is right on!! You often hear of someone putting on a performance air cleaner and noticing nothing. "Big waste of money, went back to stock".

    Of course you can't let more air in without letting it out the other end. Or just a programmer by itself will not perform as well without the other mods. So Air Raid, Cat Back and tuner, all three or nothing.

    Is it worth it? Only you can be the judge. If you go by 'seat of the pants" dyno and feel a good improvement then it is probably worth it to you. Will you ever recoup the cost with saved fuel? Nope.

    That said, this is the next mod I plan to do to my truck. Just because I can. :B


    Well.. It is obvious that we won't be getting there or anywhere any faster for the $$ investment for this gadget in the engine. I think for how often and what we use this rig for... it's best not to do it.

    Thank you all for your input. We value it!