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Mjsymank's avatar
Mjsymank
Explorer
Apr 09, 2017

Programmer

I own a stock 2005 Dodge Ram 3500, automatic, 5.9 diesel. I am looking for a good programmer and a few of my friends like Mad Smarty Jr. Tuner.
My question is, What do think of this programmer? There is so many out there, not sure which one to chose.
  • In order, for best tuners/programmers imo:
    EFI live
    Smarty/Jr
    Edge
    Bullydog

    I have an old Bullydog on my 07. Came with the truck, been tuned since new. It ain't the cleanest one. Overfuels too much imo at low boost/high hp settings and it's easy for me to hit 14-1500 deg egts towing if I let er rip, but it has worked for 10 years now and adds plenty of power.
  • I had the Smarty JR on my 03. I really like the way it woke the truck up. With the tuner, my 03 would pull my boat and RV up the IKE faster than my '12 does.

    As Scott suggested, I would add at least a pyro gauge. I had a 6 speed, so I wasn't worried about the transmission, but I would suggest you get a trans temp gauge. I never towed above level 2.
  • Can't speak to Dodge but I used an Edge Programmer, plugs into OBD port, on my F250, set to tow mode. It was like driving a different truck with no difference in mileage.
  • I did a lot of research before getting a SmJr. I had a powerMax PCMR or what ever it's called and it constantly threw codes. Finally ripped that expensive thing out and tossed it in the trash.
    Since the Smarty has no hardware to connect, it doesn't junk up connections and have wires hanging all over the eng. It also maintains max. pressure levels set forth by Bosch so there is no unusual stress on the FI system. I've been pulling with it on the 100HP setting for several years and don't plan on changing. If there's a down side to this programmer, I haven't found it. Fuel efficiency didn't change even with the added power. No or very little extra smoke.
    You will need to do some upgrades on your auto before using anything above the 30HP setting. I wold also at least install a pyro gauge.