This is not a "how do I get more black smoke" or "black smoke is so cool" thread, but actually a general question (ok, so I lied, I do want more black smoke). I played around with my SCT Livewire today, turned it up to the performance tune. I get just as much black smoke as I do without the tune. Should there be noticeable black smoke increase? I mean I feel the extra power for sure, just not any smoke. Would my Garrett turbo make it so it smokes less?

I'm also looking at getting some more tunes for the Livewire. Right now I just have the canned tunes. Does Eric at Innovative still do custom tunes for someone who already has the Livewire? What tunes do you guys recommend? I rarely use the tuner because I'm afraid of blowing up the motor or tranny, but I like to have fun here and there. I usually just drive around with the towing tune on.

 

Are you using the SCT as gauges also? You need gauges, especially with the lift and tires. What turbo do you have? Is it upgraded or the stock Garrett turbo that came from the factory?

Your problem is canned tunes. I'm pretty sure most folks can write custom tunes to your SCT. I know Tony Wildman does from talking to him. I'm sure the others do too. More power and black smoke will come from better tunes. You'll also likely need a wicked wheel or ported compressor housing to fix the surge issue you'll probably see with a real tune.

 

I've been using the SCT as gauges, but I don't like the mounting. I'll be getting a full four gauge pillar mount soon (boost, EGT, trans temp, and ???). I have the GTP38R turbo from Garrett (love it) and it already has a wicked wheel as well.

 

You really need to get some good tuning on your truck then and see what it can do. You'll be amazed at the difference between the canned tunes and the custom ones.

Now the question becomes, what can you get for your SCT used? If you're getting gauges, and want custom tunes, do you need the SCT anymore? Would it be cheaper or better to just purchase a chip with shift on the fly capability and some good tunes?

 

I've been wondering the same thing. Maybe you guys can toss in some opinions here. Are chips better/safer than tuners? What are the advantages/disadvantages of them? The only thing I really like with the SCT is the fact that I can adjust the tire size.

 

Smoke is wasted fuel and high EGTS, get your truck were it runs the tune's with less smoke, don't be a dodge boy that blows smoke before it gets going. Get live tuned. Remember Nancy Pelosi work's at the white house and she is a treehugger!!!!!

 

Thi is not going to happen on a 7.3 with the SCT. It will work only for the 6.0l and 6.4l. This is due to the information recalibrate tire size is not in the PCM on the 7.3l.

Diane

 

My hyper tech will change the speedo.

 

Huh, I thought it could. My speedo is dead on so I'm not concerned with it. Would I have to go to the dealer to get it reflashed to change the tire size?

 

Yes, but the change is not done in the PCM. Its done in the ABS module.

TTBOMK, none of the SCT's will reprogram the ABS module.

 

Good info. Thanks.

 

I was always wondering about the black smoke thing, I'm new to my 7.3 still. My factory engine blows no black smoke ever... Is that normal?

 

Sure. Mine only blows smoke when the oil needs changin'. If I floor it in my 100perf tune I may get a little smoke, but Bill at PHP doesn't tune for excess smoke unless you specifically want it.

 

LOL more smoke from a tuner? Talk to Jody he'll hood you up with the right tunes for that.

 

As mentioned, the SCT can't change the tire size on the 7.3. If you find someone close to you with an AE, they can change the tire size for you.

Chips vs. tuners don't have anything to do with it. It's all about the guy writing the tune. The canned tunes you get off the shelf from the big companies are dummied down versions to give you a little more pep than stock. The tunes from a custom tuner are a night and day difference in power and feel, but come with the requirement of owner accountability. You can order whatever tunes you want. Even ones powerful enough to damage your motor if you don't pay attention. That's why gauges are important. Keep the numbers in the safe zone and your truck will be fine.

The advantage with a chip is the "switch on the fly" option. With a tuner you have to pull over, punch buttons, cycle the key, do a little dance, etc. With a chip you can be cruising down the road in the economy setting and when you need to pass someone, just hit the switch to jump to a performance tune and mash on the skinny pedal.

There's probably thousands of threads here from people who just posted after their first test drive with their DP-Tuner. Most have upgraded from some other tuner. All have been amazed about the difference in power and most comment about it feeling like a completely different truck. Most start off with something like holy **** .........