Best tuner for six speed - Diesel Forum

marino · 03-18-2006, 10:49 PM

This is played out I'm sure, but what is the best programmer for a six speed 04 reg. cab. Not to much talk about trucks simialar to mine. I was was leaning towards Banks but I have not seen to much talk about them around here. Haven't seen to much about tuned up six speeds and I just want advice before I potentialy make a mistake.

Thanks,
C.A.

superf350 · 03-18-2006, 11:31 PM

It just depends. I'm running an SCT stacked with a quad. Some folks will tell ya stacking is a bad idea but if they drove my truck they'd say different!

martyyeager · 03-19-2006, 12:50 AM

I am running the Quad Xzillaraider 160 chip on my six speed with good results. I usually use the 120 hp setting. It has a lot of low end pwer, the power comes on strong and smooth and seems to peak around 2,500 RPM. SCT works well for me as well, I use a Max power tune from ATS. It makes more power, but it feels like the power comes on at a little higher RPMs, all the way up to 4,000 RPM.

I have read about some reportabley better results using the new TS Performance 5X programmer on a six speed, visit the DieseGarage.com and look for a post "TS 5X on six speed."

ViperKiller · 03-19-2006, 07:25 AM

as said up top, ive heard the quad does very well with the 6 speed and making that down low power. I had a bully dog power pup earlier and would not recommend. Now ive got the sct from innovative and am really happy with it. If you do go with a sct I would advise against getting Pilot injection of the "jake brake " features on your tunes. Atleast with my truck the truck would surge hard when the PI kicked off and i did not like it. As for the Jake brake, there is not enough of a delay, so there fore you lose all your rpms on shifts.

good luck

marino · 03-19-2006, 10:25 AM

Will it be necesary for me to do any breathing mods to handle the programming, such as intake and/or exhaust. If so what is recommended for these applications.

Thank Ya
C.A.

ralphinnj · 03-19-2006, 10:34 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Will it be necesary for me to do any breathing mods to handle the programming, such as intake and/or exhaust. If so what is recommended for these applications.

Thank Ya
C.A.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes. Get at least a 4" turbo back pipe. Intake will help, but th main restricion is the exhaust. I would also suggest gauges to watch EGT's, etc.

The one big advantage 6-speeders have over us autos is that you can manage the power flow through the clutch, whereas a lot of the products mentioned above (other than SCT) have led to tranny damage. I am not aware of anyone running any other programs with a 6-speed who had clutch problems. But maybe I didn't hear from everyone!

Seriously, it should be better on your clutch since you control how the power flows through.

RL

ps, anyone fry their clutch with aftermarket chips/tuners?

marino · 03-19-2006, 11:43 AM

-As far as the gauges are concerned, that is one thing I have going for me. Since the gauges in an 04 are pretty lame and I don't have a boost gauge, I ordered pillar gauges from Diesel Manor last week, but they haven't arrived yet.
-I am a conservetive driver so drive train issues should be non-existent, as long as I am not trying to spank the import tuners stop light to stoplight. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
-There are tremendous amount of exhaust systems out there, is this just a matter of taste more than an exhaust being specific to a tuner.

Once again pardon my ignorance, I understand this is a subject that has been discussed to no end, I just want to get every bit of info before I make a move. The good thing about this is i was leaning heavely towards the Banks system I now think this is a result of brand recognition. I was hoping someone would chime in and support the Banks decision, but it sounds like it isn't the system for me.

Thanks for the patience

ralphinnj · 03-19-2006, 12:39 PM

Banks makes a good product, but I can't comment on the cylinder pressure's they achieve. I think they are a little less than the most powereful set up out there; this may be because they have stepped back on the CP's, which would be a good thing. Especially if you are not out to spank someone at every light. If you just want good power, I think Banks is probably ok, but ask around a little. I know Quadzilla makes a good low CP product also. As i said, since you control the shofting, that is not the problem. That opens you to more products than an auto. You still need to be concerned with EGT's and CP.

RL

03BlackWidow · 03-19-2006, 02:40 PM

I liked my edge/attitude. Nice low end, smooth power and no puking. Although i dont run it now because i got something easier on my tranny which is no concern to a manual.

marino · 03-19-2006, 06:36 PM

Does the edge programmer come pretuned, I have heard the sct requires a local dealer to program it to my specs, and does the edge allow me to restore factory settings.

LariatTrucker · 03-27-2006, 04:11 PM

You really need to give the Bully Dog "Tri Before You Buy" free horsepower a run before you go through the "IF'S" of the other brands discussed. The Bully Dog is a much simpler product to use, lot's more flexible and internet upgradeable to over come all the Ford program flashes. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

spdiesel · 03-28-2006, 02:37 AM

there are no if's here try this with your 6 speed...

http://www.spdiesel.com/remote/remotesheets2.jpg

LariatTrucker · 03-28-2006, 10:16 AM

Can you try before you buy????? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

PSDHokie · 03-28-2006, 04:51 PM

SP Diesel has a 30day test drive, buy the product and if you don't like it return it within 30days you get a full refund.

I ran there products on my old Ford and I currently run there new Stage IIe on my Dodge and it [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]

I've always been concerned about the downloaders people sell, dealers have been getting smarter and can tell when a new flash has been installed without approval and void your warrenty for no good reason.

The big advantage to a plug in box like SP's is you can adjust the power level on the fly. No pulling over and taking 5 minutes to change your tune when a unsuspecting ricer pulls up next to you.

LariatTrucker · 03-29-2006, 01:50 PM

You still have to buy it first. Bully Dog has the same "No Questions Asked" 30 day refund policy on electronics.

As far as changing settings, with the Bully Dog Outlook Monitor it takes less that 5 seconds to change a Triple Dog power setting, just a touch on the joystick and the program is changed!

Because plug-in modules are exposed to the elements, subject to all kinds of reliability issues and inflexible as far as ECM flashes, I'd pass.

[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]