Debating on which Performance Programmer to Purchase

[Chris D]

I just joined the forum after purchasing my 2022 Gladiator High Altitude a few months ago. So far, I've added a K&N CAI and MBRP Dual Exhaust as "performance" mods. Probably didn't gain much/any "performance" but I like the sound and looks of the mods. I have an Autostop Eliminator on order that will stop the annoying start/stop feature once and for all. Now I'm debating on installing a "performance chip/module". I've researched the Pulsar Inline Programmer ($700.00), Jet Performance Module Stage 1 and 2 ($324.00 - $334.00) and a Banks Pedal Monster ($295.00). I looked at the Tazer but don't need some of those calibration features now since I'm on stock wheels/tires and the moment. Just curious if anyone has had experience with one that I've listed or have a better alternative. BTW, for those who will say "use the search option", I did but didn't find exactly what I was looking for. Appreciate any insights....

Sponsored

 

[Minty JL]

Make sure you don't have a GPEC5 ECU before you buy

 

[Chris D]

Make sure you don't have a GPEC5 ECU before you buy

I believe that the locked ECU's began shipping with mid-year 21's. If so, then my 2022 definitely has a locked ECU. That's why I'm looking at modules that piggy-back on the computer and not flash type.

 

[kc mojave]

banks pedal monster for the win

 

[ShadowsPapa]

banks pedal monster for the win

and a Banks Pedal Monster ($295.00).

It's not a programmer, it only changes how the gas pedal works.
It doesn't change HP or torque, just how things feel and the thing reacts to the gas pedal.

I looked at the Tazer but don't need some of those calibration features now since I'm on stock wheels/tires and the moment.

Tazer isn't a programmer and has nothing to do with performance. It changes settings and has certain nifty live features, but doesn't change performance.

So far, I've added a K&N CAI

Seriously, I'd have saved that money, unless you did it for sound, and done something for performance. CAI is a waste and that's the worst one.

 

[Cavitt]

I have both the Banks Pedal Monster and the Taser. @ShadowsPapa is correct, neither are true performance programmers.

I really like my Banks Pedal Monster, but as ShadowPapa states, it's doesn't change the HP. It does however make a huge difference in drivability. It allows you to dial in the pedal feel (I felt there was a huge dead spot at about 3/4 throttle). I've never believed in these until I was desperate enough to try one, and the anemic performance of my Gladiator was just what I needed to give one a try. It made a huge difference in my opinion in the way the truck drives. I would never had gone to 37's with my 4:10's without it. To me, it's total worth the money.

I love my Taser, but it's even further from a performance programmer. I bought mine to eliminate the auto start, change the fog lights (Bambi mode), change the tire size (and gears later), traction control override, and I added passive door locks and was able to enable them. I like some of the additional feathers like brake lock, turn assist, and high idle, so it's definitely worth the money.

BTW, I also agree that the air intake and exhaust only make you think there's better performance, and the air intake can reduce the water fording depth if that is important to you.

All that said, the truck is still a dog. It's just a better dog. I'd love to hear more feedback from owner's that have the actual performance tuners. I'd be willing to do the module swap (where I keep my factory module) if it actually improves performance. I look forward to hearing more from this thread.

 

[Minty JL]

I believe that the locked ECU's began shipping with mid-year 21's. If so, then my 2022 definitely has a locked ECU. That's why I'm looking at modules that piggy-back on the computer and not flash type.

Honestly based on the conversations/threads that we have here.........there is no definite answer on this. There are member with 2022s that have either or versions. Speculation state it had to do with the chip shortage during the Rona virus. BUT its not a plug and play situation........each ECU would and a wiring harness with different connector and part number

Again, no confirmed or absolute truth at this point other then what you have in your rig......I know its goofy

 

[Chris D]

Seriously, I'd have saved that money, unless you did it for sound, and done something for performance. CAI is a waste and that's the worst one.
[/QUOTE]

 

[Chris D]

What makes you say K&N is the worst? I've used them in the past on Mustangs and was pleased with them. I knew going in that a CAI by itself wouldn't improve performance, but with a combination of a free-flowing exhaust and potential tune could help.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

What makes you say K&N is the worst? I've used them in the past on Mustangs and was pleased with them. I knew going in that a CAI by itself wouldn't improve performance, but with a combination of a free-flowing exhaust and potential tune could help.

I have independent ISO testing, scientific research, that shows them being compared to other filters. They fail miserably, and further, they lose and "flow advantage" very quickly - very.
CAI will do nothing, you could put Hedman racing headers on that truck and 2" straight pipes all the way back - the CAI won't matter.
The bottle-neck isn't in the air intake design. The stock system will flow more than these will be able to draw in.
Unless you race and keep the RPMs up over 5,000 RPM, you won't need any changes to air flow in.
You can combine that CAI with anything you wish - exhaust, whatever, and it won't matter. The restrictions are elsewhere, and the biggest one is in the amount of air these even require.
The 3.6 will only require so many CFM, especially at the RPM these operate at most of the time.
Displacement, valve lift and duration, throttle body, intake manifold, etc. - unless you change those, you won't need more air going in.
In short, by itself or combined with other things - it won't matter.

In the ISO testing..............
K&N passed more dirt but it may have looked even worse had the filter not reached it's restriction limit faster than all but one of the other filters. In short, it passes more dirt, and reaches high restriction sooner than other filters. The test each was ended when that filter reached a certain restriction level. K&N reached that in less than half the time of some of the others.

I've several other charts.
Basically, their CAI gains nothing, and puts a lower capacity filter in play - they pass more when clean, but that is very short lived - shorter than most other filters. Once they collect dirt, they are actually restrictive compared to others.

CAIs on modern engines like these are largely a placebo effect. People believe in them so will "feel" more power or performance or MPG or whatever - that's not really there in dyno testing.

 

[Chris D]

Thanks for the info. Guess the Jet Performance Module is a waste of money too….

 

[BringTheLightnin]

I ordered a pulsar because I needed to change tire size and gear ratio anyway and still want a tazer for all the features. I will say the jeep drives better but I can't tell if it has more power or it's just a pedal commander that's difficult to install.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

but I can't tell if it has more power

OK, I'll tell you then LOL - it doesn't have more power.

Pedal Commander simple to install. All it does is remap the gas pedal output.
Tazer will do any tire or gear changes and then a boat load more.

But nothing like that can give you more power.

 

[BringTheLightnin]

OK, I'll tell you then LOL - it doesn't have more power.

Pedal Commander simple to install. All it does is remap the gas pedal output.
Tazer will do any tire or gear changes and then a boat load more.

But nothing like that can give you more power.

I meant the pulsar. I was wondering if it was just changing the pedal like a pedal commander or if it actually gave the truck like 10 horsepower.

 

[rgwiese]

New to the forum and I have a similar question. Will AlfaODB and the OBDLink MX+ OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner make the changes for Bambi mode and tire sizes on a 2024 Gladiator?

Sponsored