Products like superchips, sct and diablo do reflash the entire calibration bank, and (at least I can speak from experience with the SCMT product I tuned) has all of the proper changes made to fuel, injection timing, boost, torque reduction ,shift tables, scalars, etc...

The entire stock program is extracted and saved, and is replaced by the superchips program.
There really is not a more 'correct" way to do it.

An inline device is more of a "hack" because you are tricking the PCM and not changing any of the programming, which has its own set of issues.

However, some major companies who are doing this (inline devices) are aware of the limitations and have done their due diligence to minimize drivability issues.

Most major brand tuning products are safe, because these companies reputations are on the line when they release these products.

Sorry if I came across a little harsh, but everyone can get a little fired up when is comes to subjects they have experience in or are passionate about...

 

I have an 05 F350 King Ranch DRW PSD. I have used the aforementioned Dr performance module, the edge, and currently the SCMT. The Dr performance module made the truck absolutely haul ***! I had to be careful not to break the tires loose. However, I did get a few High fuel pressure codes from time to time. They were reset with a few restarts of the engine, but they really bothered me. In addition, the shifting with this module was by far the worst of the three. In fact, the strange shifting is why I GAVE it away to a friend.


I then had the edge with attitude. THe truck had some zip for sure, but not comparable to the Dr performance module until level 4 or 5. My truck ran the hottest with this module. Shifts were mediocre at best. About 3 months ago I switched to the SCMT and that is what I currently use. SHifting is perfect and installation is a breeze, but power wise, I have been sorely disappointed comparing it to the Dr performance module. While the truck is improved over stock ( I always run in economy mode) it lacks zip unless you mash the pedal to the floor. That being said, my truck runs the coolest with the SCMT which I like since I tow frequently.

Fuel mileage was the best with the Dr performance module. I was getting a shade over 18mpg on the highway at 70-75(calculated). WIth the SCMT I have fallen to a shade BELOW 16mpg on the highway; in fact, for a while I was sure someone was siphoning fuel out of my tank. I never really cared for the Edge because it seemed to run so much hotter, so I GAVE that away after about a month.

So in summary, I would have never strayed from the Dr performance were it not for the Occasional Fuel pressure code(3 times in 3 months; it only occured when towing) and the poor shifting. My mileage was improved over stock by 1.2 mpg, the power was great, and temps while towing were no problem. The only reason I stay with the SCMT is because the shifting is perfect, the truck is slightly more fun to drive than stock, and the temps are never a problem. It is certainly not because of fuel mileage or because the truck is so quick.

Posner

 

I really appreceiate the replies and feed back on the tuners and in line modules. It looks like I will go with a tuner for now.

 

Your comments are interesting Posner thanks for the post. I would like to ask you?

1. What HP Dr. P. Module you were running?

2. What calibration procedure did you use for the transmission?

3. Why would you give away a 500.00 performance module that had a 1 year warranty on it. As stated, Dr. Performance stays 2000 psi below max fuel pressure. Seems to me like you might have given Billy a call and sent your module to him to look at it. Three high fuel pressure codes in three months?

What was the code?

 

Before you make your mind up and take ole Vics opinion, you might read my response to him.

 

It is one thing to offer an objective technical comment whether we agree or disagree but to misquote the Dr. Performance web site tells me what your all about Vic. You stated that on Dr. Performances site they say, PCM flashes “circumvent” fuel delivery. Go read it again Vic. That is not what they say at all does it? What they say is after market electronics or “chips” “circumvent” FACTORY fuel delivery. Would it be safe to say you are a liar, or you just can’t read.

Yes, your tuner Vic along with the others you endorsed “circumvent” FACTORY fuel delivery just like the Dr. Performance ad says they do. I can type it again if you did not understand what you just read? How come you fingers could not type the word FACTORY. All the “inline” “circumvent” talk sounds good and important to a novice. You know what I mean, THEY THINK YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT when your really BS them. Dr. P. does not “circumvent” FACTORY fuel delivery just like their ad says they don‘t. No over-fueling Vic like your tuners you spent 1000‘s of hours developing do. Hell, even a guy that’s got 1000’s of hours on a dyno writing program files for SC can learn something new every day.

Predator Power Modules is the company behind Dr. Performance Modules and your right I did research them very well and I defend the principle behind the product I spent my hard earned money on. Predator not to be confused with Diablo MarkDPP endorses has a truck that set a record in Ennis, Texas, at the O’Reilly Fall Nationals, best recorded elapse ¼ mile time of 8.72 seconds at 154.44 miles per hour. Vic, my point in this comment is I think even you would agree that’s a pretty damn good run for a company that has NO engineering skills as you have suggested.

Yes, you got pie on your face Vic. Allot of pie I might add cause you got a “Big Head”

 

The guy admits he has had a drink or two and you write something like this. You talk to this guy like he is an idiot and that you are GOD and then he comes back and apologizes to you. UNBELIEVABLE yes I said UNBELEVABLE I guess I have seen it all.

Oh, I thought I would helped you out Vic with your spelling. Much like your reading problems you have the words you need spelling help with are in bold. Data logging is two words and you might try a space between dyno and street. I think you have explained why your are no longer writing program files for SC.

 

C'mon guys...

 

I had the stage II module for the 04-06 PSD. I actually purchased it from a distributor in town that I ran into when I was having my Line-X bedliner done. After a lengthy discussion, he sold me on it. I also purchased the AFE intake system with proguard 7 filter from him. He explained that I needed nothing but to plug in the module. I was new to the programmer/module thing, so I took his word for it. I was delighted with the performance and he warned me that my truck might seem to run a little strange as the transmission "learned" how to deal with the new found power. I just started to feel that I might be causing damage to my new truck when the shifting was sloppy. As far as giving it away, I really didnt care enough to try to return it. I figured it had been a couple months and that was the way it was. So I gave it to a buddy who always seems to be down on $$. Good luck


POsner

 

Since the SCMT is so wonderful how come it only makes a claimed HP of 99 and when Dyno tested it made only 87hp? Yea, guys thats wonderful engineering watch out Hypertech might just catch up with you guys and I think Hypertech is the biggest joke in the Diesel Performance business besides Pacific Performance where you might as well drain your oil out because its gonna blow either way. Hypertech = OVERPRICED, OVERRATED, LOW HORSEPOWER PRODUCING JUNK! I will admit the SCMT is a moderate tuner for the common man. But, please for goodness sake don;t come on here talking crap about it when 75% of the other Diesel Performance Companys just annialate it on the Dyno. As far as I am concerned there will be no other products put on my truck as far as electronics go but, SCT, Bully Dog, and Quadzilla. They are all quality products and you can get to the bottom of something when you call unlike SCMT all they do is give you the run around after you have had your tuner re-flashed 2-3 times on a known issue by them. They just tell me over the phone we are just not sure what to do. They didn't offer to replace my tuner just to reprogram it free of charge when they even knew something was wrong. Just my opinion and nothing personal Vic just calm down on the holy griel SCMT garbage.

 

Read my posts in the past couple months...you will see that I placed some new hope in Hypertech with their new product.

As for an advertised 99 HP making only 87.....anyone who tunes vehicles will tell you that trucks vary, and more importantly DYNO OPERATORS vary.
Stock calibrations vary...

Diesel HP numbers vary WILDLY by load, and no two dynos show the same load.

Have you ever been on the dyno with a diesel truck?

Have you seen the wild difference between inertia HP testing an load HP testing?

Some think I have this huge 'ego", but what I really have is a lot of experience in diesel tuning, and I've seen it all.....
I've seen one person hop on the dyno, make a 10 pulls and get the same HP, then watch another person get in the same vehicle, on the same day on the same dyno and make 10 back to back pulls which show an entirely different number.

When you look at the datalog, no two people mash the throttle exactly the same, at the same rpm, load, etc....so HP numbers will vary.

Also, most dynojets are incapable of creating any load, and load is required for the truck to make power. Spinning an inertia dynojet is nowhere near the type of load a vehicle sees on the street, and this is why an eddy-current inertia dyno is necessary to properly test diesel HP numbers.

On the personal attacks: I'm really not concerned about it.
I'm out of the tuning business, you can buy any product you choose and is has absolutely zero affect on me.

Very few attacked diesel tuning with the tenacity and passion I had, and while I made my own mistakes (any human does), my passion was to create the msot correct, controlled and complete test environment possible.

The shifting was painstakingly adjusted, dyno runs were made, trailers were pulled, people were given the trucks to drive for awhile with no preconceived notions so they could comment on shifting/power/drivability.

Power levels were changed hundreds of times to develop a curve that was safe, streetable, not too touchy at part throttle, and safe for the engine.

Nothing is perfect, but this was all done out of sheer passion, not a half-assed attempt at making just a peak HP number with littel regard for anything else.

Contrary to what some may believe, I'm not here to flex any "muscles", I just enjoy passing on information that could only be derived from many hours (years) of tuning and dyno testing.

 

So in other words no other Diesel product is safe to use?

 

I am not personally attacking you it just absurb to call companys such as Quadzilla, Edge, Dr. Performance, and Bully Dog(Plug in Modules) nothign but hacks. Just outrageous to be honest.......

 

I didn't say that.

Once again, PLEASE do your homework in my posts before you jump on me.

I very recently have said that Superchips, SCT, Diablosport, Edge, and Banks all have products that I would consider "safe" and are all quality saleable products for different target audiences.

I also went on to say that it appears Hypertech has now caught up in the 6.0 tuning market...releasing new product with more power.

I have no problem with a little debate now and then, but please do not put words into my mouth.


I have clarified many, many times that is is possible to make safe power with an in-line module if its done correctly (aka: edge/banks).

I PREFER a tuner, because it allows total recalibration and transmission tuning, but this does not mean inline is crap.
Some people prefer an inline box...they are not as concerned about transmission shifting/torque reduction, but more about shifting power levels on the fly.

Some prefer a tuner instead.

This is why restaurants have chicken, steak and salmon on the menu...

Different people want different things.

Tune a vehicle and put 10 people in it, you will get some wildly different opinions.

 

I prefer a quad box with some trans tuning. I will have a Quad with me at the Dyno Day in Cinicinatti March 4 I am gonna try stacking it with my Power Pup. I wish I knew someone with a space Xcal2 with a trans tune so I could try it out. But, money is kinda tight right now.