Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/105105
BUYER'S GUIDE TURN UP THE JUICE White glo e hot-rodding ith White-glove hot rodding with engine computer ite comp ter chips, modules and programmers brings a new level of driver-controlled performance to working class pickups – gas and diesel By Bruce W. Smith ew things are as rewarding to drivers as rolling into the throttle immediately feeling a surge of power. It really doesn't matter if there's anyone around to notice, the gratification is still there. One of the most common methods of turning up the juice to achieving a boost of horsepower nirvana is through electronic manipulation of the engine's computer system. We like to call such engine "tune-ups" white-glove hot-rodding. White-glove hot-rodding doesn't require getting your hands dirty or any real level of mechanical skill other than the ability to plug in a couple connections under the hood or inserting a cable to the truck's onboard diagnostic (OBD) port located under the dash. A few button pushes or commands entered on a hand-held device changes the engine's power output from stock to a new level of performance depending on the type of engine and device being used. F WARRANTY CONCERNS Contrary to what your local pickup dealer might imply, white-glove hot-rodding doesn't automatically void the truck's warranty, either. The Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 protects vehicle owners from such concerns. In a nutshell, this consumer protection law says that it is the responsibility of the vehicle manufacturer or representative (dealership) to show that an aftermarket part or component caused the failure before they can refuse warranty coverage. BUYER'S GUIDE BANKS IQ Gale Banks Engineering's 's Banks iQ works on both gas and diesel OBDII pickups. The iQ is a 5-inch ch touch-screen device that works seamlessly with Bank's Six-Gun Tuner (bankspower.com/ / products/show/322/82). The iQ includes a host of user-selectable gauges and r-selectable offers total control over all Banks tuning, flash programming and exhaust braking products. Review performance data, keep mance track of the vehicle's fuel usage through the l iQ's precision Economy mode, use its built-in GPS capabilities and even enjoy movies or music on the road or anywhere life takes you. bankspower.com; 800-601-8072 BD VVB PROGRAMME PROGRAMMER BD Diesel Performance's VVB programV mer manages the Garrett turbo on Gar t the 2004.5-up Chevy Duramax engines to allow for better deceleration control of your truck and load. B By closing off the e exhaust variable g geometry turbine va vanes while slowing down your vehicle, up to 35psi of back pressure is created resulting in up to 125 Retarding Horse Power and helping maintain speeds on descents and curves. Simple, easy, clean installation is done via plug-in connection to an existing diagnostic port on the engine. dieselperformance.com; 800-887-5030 propickupmag.com PROPICKUP 31