Everyone wants better performance out of their truck, and one way to get that extra bit of power or efficiency is by installing a programmer, tuner or chip. Now, contrary to what a novice might believe, these are not three different products, but different names for the same device. Whatever they are called, in this article we're discussing computer-run devices that can manage fuel economy, power, emissions and general drivability to tailor your diesel truck experience into one you want. Manufacturers ship their trucks with a general "middle of the road" configuration for all of these factors, which is fine for many people. But for the enthusiast who wants to get the maximum ability out of his truck in one area, one of these can help you achieve that goal. Check out these eight leading manufacturers of programmers, tuners and chips...you may find an extra boost in horsepower is just what you need this summer.
Banks Power Engineering
Established in 1958, Gale Banks Engineering of Azusa, Calif., is recognized as a world-leading manufacturer of high-performance products and powertrains for gasoline and diesel-powered light trucks and motor homes. Gale Banks started his company as a racing engine building service and evolved it into an engineering company through building a host of racing and prototype vehicles showcasing many types of high-performance technologies. Banks began turbocharging vehicles for marine applications in 1969. By the end of the 1970's, Banks had set many land and sea speed records with turbocharged gasoline-powered vehicles. In addition, many long-lasting relationships with OEM auto manufacturers and government agencies had been forged. Banks' interest in diesel began in 1979 after Chevrolet asked him to turbocharge several prototype 6.2-liter diesel engines for the marine industry. During the 1980's and 1990's, Banks continued to work with automotive manufacturers on engineering projects while also continuing to set world speed records for fastest passenger car and fastest truck. The 2000's saw the world's fastest diesel truck and blazing track records for quickest and fastest diesel truck and dragster.
Today Banks works with the automotive, marine and military communities on high-speed diesel and performance and economy solutions for the future.
Bully Dog Technologies
Bully Dog Technologies develops products with customers in mind, as almost every customer has unique needs and desires. Every Bully Dog product from GT tuners to big rig manifolds to rapid flow cold air intakes is developed to be flexible, allowing users to customize their vehicles to whatever end they desire. Want outrageous performance down the race track? You got it. Looking for more power up a steep grade? Bully Dog can help.
Product innovation is key, and Bully Dog takes innovation very seriously. In the past 12 years, Bully Dog has been first to market with vehicle-specific products and applications over 100 times while also being awarded many awards for revolutionary products. And in 2005, with the release of the Triple Dog Downloader and Outlook Monitor, Bully Dog revolutionized the market with the ability to adjust power, safety and economy levels on the fly while driving down the road. Then in 2008 with the Triple Dog Gauge Tuner, they were able to combine a vehicle engine tuner, monitor, gauge and diagnostic device all in a single unit. The GT monitors and displays over fifteen different vehicle parameters (PIDs) and it includes an all-new Driving Coach feature which teaches end users to maximize their vehicles' fuel economy potential.
Whatever a user's needs may be, Bully Dog provides them with the high quality solutions they need and the "back in your seat" experience they crave. Bully Dog Technologies: Making Every Ride a Bully.
DiabloSport
Founded in 2000, DiabloSport designs and manufactures some of the industry's most unique lines of performance products for the automotive industry. Later, they merged with Autologic, another star in the field of tuning since the early `80s.
DiabloSport states they were the first ones in the United States to come out with the EECV chip, as well as the first ones to come out with a switch chip. Until recently, many of their competitors used to buy all their chips from DiabloSport.
DiabloSport has become a well-known leader in electronic handheld programmers of Engine Control Units for Ford and GM.
DiabloSport is proud to say that everything produced is made in-house, all the way to the smallest detail.
DiabloSport does not wait for others to develop the leading edge technologies needed to succeed; they create them to gain the competitive advantages that help differentiate them from the competition. In fact, the company employs degreed individuals in various disciplines. These DiabloSport tuners and engineers are at the very forefront of developing breakthrough technologies for the 21st century.
Quality inspection is a job shared by both person and machine. Key connection spots are checked via laser guided cameras to ensure proper conductivity. The integrity of every unit found in these products is checked by quality-control inspectors; they don't sample one or two per batch and call it a day. Bench testing isn't enough either; new tunes are tested in the field by authorized DiabloSport beta testers and changes for increased power or adjustability are instantly released in downloadable updates via their website.
Edge Products
Founded in 1999, Edge Products has become a premier name for aftermarket performance electronics. Initially, the company was built on the production of performance electronics for diesel-powered trucks. Over the years, however, Edge has expanded its offerings to include innovative game-changing products for diesel and gas car, truck, and Jeep markets. Edge has been named three times to the Inc. 500's fastest-growing privately held companies, and was noted as Utah's fourth fastest growing company between 1999 and 2004. Edge currently employs nearly 100 individuals and resides in a 40,000-square-foot facility in Ogden, Utah.
Edge produces modules, programmers, and monitors for all major vehicle manufacturers 1996 and newer under the following brands: Juice, Attitude, Evolution, Insight, EZ, Comp, Mileage Max, and Trail Jammer. Since its inception, Edge has been known for the power its modules and programmers produce. However, what sets the company apart from its competitors is the unmatched user control and unique style featured in every product.. Edge's ability to display multiple engine parameters-and to provide associated safety features for those parameters on its stylish in-cab monitors-has revolutionized the industry. Edge endeavors to produce the highest quality products on the market and to deliver them with superior customer and technical support.
EFILive
It's a typical American success story. A couple of performance enthusiasts see a problem, can't find what they consider a suitable solution, and decide to develop their own. That solution subsequently becomes a salable product, and demand increases to such a degree that the developers quit their day jobs and create a viable company of their own. That's precisely the history of EFILive, except for one minor detail; it's a New Zealand/Australian success story.
The company's original product was limited to scanning and data logging capability, but it wasn't long before it grew into a full data logging/reprogramming system for LS1-powered gasoline engines. As the LS-family of engines grew, so did FlashScan's capabilities, and Paul Blackmore and Ross Myers, the company's software and hardware specialists, also added the capability to scan and reflash the data in the engine, powertrain and transmission controllers used with a variety of GM four- and six-cylinder engines-and Duramax diesels. Starting with the LB7, EFILive expanded FlashScan's capability to handle LLY and LBZ/LMM controllers. (These controllers are also compatible with EFILive's unique DSP5 custom on-the-fly switchable custom tuning capability.) And this year, the company added tuning and data logging capabilities for 2006-07 5.9-liter Dodge/Cummins engines. (Support for 6.7-liter Dodge engines will be available soon.)
FlashScan's success is a direct result of the system's exceptional user-friendly navigation, clean layout and helpful integration of data logging and reprogramming functions. EFILive's primary office is in New Zealand, but American customers are well served by a network of technical support specialist dealers across the United States.
H&S Performance
H&S Performance was founded with a desire to create better products for the diesel performance and racing industry. Located in St. George, Utah, H&S Performance got its start by designing the first-ever DPF Delete exhaust system for the 2007.5 Dodge Ram 6.7L.
H&S Performance is committed to delivering the highest quality parts and service. Through countless hours of research and development, each of its products has been designed with the end-user in mind. From cutting edge tuners, to high-quality exhaust products, you can always count on H&S to deliver the products you need.
Since its humble beginnings, H&S has emerged as the industry leader in performance tuners and exhaust products for late model Dodge Cummins, GM Duramax, and Ford Powerstrokes.
When you are ready to step up your diesel engine to the next level, H&S Performance can help bring on the power.
MADS Electronics
MADS is a new company specialized in the development of automotive electronic products dedicated to the performance enthusiast. Their goal is to deliver the most complete, best performing, yet simplest to use products. All of the engineering, performance software design and research and development is done in house. Nothing is outsourced.
MADS' experience in tuning vehicles with computer controlled fuel-injection systems comes from years in the racing environment with high-end tuning solutions.
Combined, MADS brings over 40 years of experience in the electronics/software world to the table. This allows them to set the highest quality standards possible. One example is how each single product is tested in all its functions individually before it leaves the facility.
MADS' three main areas of focus are product quality, customer satisfaction and customer service.
MADS Electronics' products reflect that spirit, and they hope you appreciate it when you hold one of their products in your hands.
TS Performance
With an extensive background in computers and computer programming, Dennis Perry created TS Performance with the intent to deliver high-quality products that make safe and effective horsepower and torque. The company began in 1997 with its first chip designed for the Ford 7.3-liter Powerstroke turbo-diesel engine. Within a short time, TS Performance has risen to the forefront in the diesel performance industry with a variety of modules for all diesel brands, including Ford, Dodge, Chevy, International, Caterpillar and John Deer.
Available for the 98.5 to 2002 24V Cummins, the MVP tuner is unique in the fact that it intercepts the map signal and works with the CAN messaging system to deliver an outstanding horsepower increase of up to an additional 100 horses. Not only does the MVP add horsepower and torque to your 24V, but TS is seeing reports of 2-3 miles per gallon gain in fuel economy.