I have decided that I really want a Spartan. But before I pull the trigger I have a few questions about it.
1) Will it shut off the EGR without removing it?
2) How much difference does the TCM make?
3) Is there any transmission tuning without the TCM?
4) Can I run KEM tunes on it?
5) Will the 310 and 350 tunes tear up my transmission?
6) Is it better than a Black Maxx?
the tcm isn't necessary as long as you dont rag on it all the time. i never got it and ran the 300/310 tunes as DD with a 8.5" lift. you can't run the KEM tunes with their new update, but the new tunes are awesome. the shifts are very smooth and absolutely awesome power. like i said, i ran the 310 tune all the time and never had any issues with the tranny. you can't run it stop light to stop light, but you can still have some fun without tearing anything up. i wouldn't recommend running the 350 tune on a stock tranny though. it will eat through the torque converter.
1. Yes. We offer both EGR on tunes and EGR off tunes in the basic level 1 package. The 275 and higher tunes shut off the EGR completely. The 210, 210 Tow, and 250 tunes shut the EGR off except at idle, unless you run the EGR off tunes. The 175 and lower tunes cycle the EGR like stock unless you run the EGR off tunes.
2. I think the TCM makes a difference. I run our TCM on my personal truck with my SunCoast transmission. It shifts spot on every time. It's not going to make a huge difference on Job 2 and Job 3 trucks, but Job 1 trucks will see a difference with the bigger tunes.
3. Yes. Your truck is equipped with a TCM from the factory. Our tuning programs your factory TCM. :thumb:
4. No. KEM tunes are not compatible with the DashDAQ software.
5. Any tune could potentially tear your transmission up. It all depends on how heavy your right foot is and how well you keep your transmission serviced. I know plenty of people who have driven with our 275 and 310 tunes for tens of thousands of miles with zero issues at all. Keep in mind, that is driven miles....not raced, sled pulled, etc. Those are typically guys who drive their trucks every day in town and/or on the highway. I do not recommend daily driving with our 350 tune, and I don't recommend running it very much at all with a stock transmission. The best daily driver tune we have for guys who want big power is the 300 tune. It has really tame shifts, it's pretty clean, and makes big power. :nod:
6. I am biased in this since I work for Spartan, but if you compare the Black Maxx to the DashDAQ, I don't think there is much of a comparison. You get a touch screen, high resolution screen when you go Spartan. There is much more to it than just that. If you have any questions about it, feel free to PM me and I will go over the full package. :thumb:
I agree that the DashDAQ is a much better monitor than the black max and mini max. You can monitor alot more parameters on the DD than the max's as well as having a touch screen. The touch screen makes it quick and easy to change things around. The only benefit of the max's is the shift on the fly. I dont see that as a big issue though since I rarely change my tunes day to day.
You should probably save your money and just get the tuner. Doesnt seem like the TCM for 700$ is really worth it. Also I have had both the spartan with their tunes, spartan with kem 310 and now my blackmaxx. Overall the blackmaxx is definately the better of the two. Not just because of the unit itself but the company aswell. The spartan though is no doubt the better one if you want to monitor 10+ things at once and such but with my blackmaxx im fine with just seeing the usual stuff like boost, trans/egine temp, EGTS, EBP and such.
The best part about the blackmaxx is their updates! They come out with something new and guess what? Its FREE! yes 100% free. They recently came out with a bigger HP tune and a bunch of different transmission tuning options that are 100% free and easy to change by the user. If you end up with the spartan you are stuck spending more and more money with every update that comes out with a bigger tune. Did I mention you can also have it reclaibrated for your tire size which the spartan doesnt do? You can if you want spend 100$ to change it on the spartan but the H&S does it free right on the tuner itself.
Actually, the Spartan tunes are also free. They have new updates with better quality shifting also. You can monitor more parameters and get tons of power and still enjoy smooth shifts. Plus the Spartan customer service is top notch. I never had any issues with my unit and when I called with questions they were always very knowledgeable and helpful.
Any tune thats out or is coming out thats higher than 275 costs extra money. In addition changing your tunes for a different tire size is also more $. You do get free updates on the tunes you already have though.
In a basic level 1 package, you get 21 tunes with the Spartan. 9 DPF delete tunes up to our 275 tune (which pushes the truck to about 550 RWHP), 8 DPF delete tunes for an EGR delete (up to the 250 tune), and 4 DPF on tunes. All updates to any of these tunes are free. Adding the 300, 310, and 350 tunes is an additional $300. Any updates to those tunes is also free.
We will soon be releasing an update for all level users that will include tunes for built transmissions. This update will also be free. :thumb:
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum
5.4M posts
265.8K members
Since 2005
A forum community dedicated to Ford F-series owners and enthusiasts with a Power Stroke diesel engine. Come join the discussion about performance, bulletproofing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!