Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/105105
BUYER'S GUIDE BUYER'S GUIDE TRIPL TRIPLE DOG GT Bully Dog's Triple Dog GT is actually four products combined into one sleek, new design. It functions as a downloader that adds power; a tuner that allows for multiple drive train settings to be tuned and adjusted; a gauge pack that monitors four gauge functions at one time; and a Driving Coach that is customizable to every user's preferences. The revolutionary Driving pre Coach software monitors wasted Coa vehicle energy and then informs the veh driver how to change their driving habdriv its to increase fuel economy. The GT is loaded with additional features; the Diesel unit works on Dodge, Ford and GM vehicles, while the Gas unit works on Dodge, Ford, GM and Nissan cars, trucks and SUVs. The GT also comes packaged complete with all necessary mounting hardware. bullydog.com; 877-285-5936 DIABLO TRINITY ITY DiabloSport's new w Trinity Performance nce Monitor is designed for use on 1999-2011 Ford, Chrysler/Dodge, and GM vehicles both Gas and Diesel with more platforms to come. e. All applications will be supported under a der single part number, T-1000. Some of the many features include programming, diagnostics, read/clear trouble codes, virtual drag strip, virtual gauges and customizable gauge layouts. All of these features are accessible through Trinity's high resolution full color touch screen display. The Trinity is quickly becoming one of the most advanced tuning modules on the market today. diablosport.com; 877-396-6614 EDGE EVOLUTION CTS GAS The Evolution CTS in-cab monitor and digital gauge display is a full-color, highresolution 4.3-inch touch screen device. The CTS Gas model allows programmable levels for economy, towing and performance modes adding up to 40hp in some instances. Screen can display up to eight gauges and adjusts brightness automatically. The CTS also displays and clears diagnostic trouble codes, adjusts for tire size changes, and will display and graph 0-60mph and 1/4-mile performance. The CTS has all the features of a CS but also comes equipped with a video-in port allowing users to connect to Edge's state-of-the-art back-up camera (sold separately including night vision and locking license plate mount) or any compatible off-the-shelf backup camera or video source. Edge's Evolution CTS is both CARB and EPA compliant. A diesel model is also available. edgeproducts.com; 888-360-3343 32 PROPICKUP Buyer's Guide 2012 If it can be concluded that the aftermarket part on your vehicle caused the failure, however, the dealer/manufacturer can refuse warranty coverage, but the burden of this proof lies on them, not you. The majority of aftermarket parts these days, including electronic engine tuners and the like, have their own warranty as well. So if you have the urge to upgrade your pickup, you have every right to do so. HOW IT WORKS Manufacturers of electronic engine tuners, chips and modules all design their components with the same basic concept in mind: change the factory programming to a make the truck's engine respond quicker to the throttle demand, ramp up the torque earlier and hold the power curve longer than the stock computer allows. This is done through longer injector opening periods, changing engine timing, and extending engine rpm. Some also incorporate changes in transmission shift points to add to the engine's increased power output. Keep in mind that the power gains advertised by the various electronic engine upgrade systems is not an across-the-board gain. The manufacturers of white-glove hot-rodding products pick the one point in the rpm curve that shows the greatest difference from the stock hp/ torque curve. For example, your particular engine might gain 100hp at 2,500rpm in the dyno curve, but at other points along the graph that gain will be considerably less. And, gas engines don't respond nearly as well to power gains as diesels so power gains are significantly less. More on this later. It's also good the study dyno charts when comparing systems. Construction workers running diesel pickups need towing power, not dragstrip performance, so they should choose a system that provides maximum power gains low in the rpm-band, which is better for getting a big load moving quickly. Those who do a lot of highway driving, or are running gas engines, might want a system that delivers those big power gains higher in the