Anybody have anything new to say about the nGauge? Do you have one, do the tunes run well (engine and tranny), any custom tunes yet, etc.?
I haven't heard much about it and No Limit posted something about it last night saying its the best tuner on the market now and well worth the extra over an SCT.
Just fishing for some real world experience or updates.
Just ordered mine yesterday with the cts2 for monitoring as I don't like the ngauge interface. From what I have read, guys are loving it and the tunes so far. Couple small bugs still being hashed out but update version 2.0 is set to be released soon with shift on the fly. The knobs for sotf are currently in beta testing, and if all goes well they will be hitting the market soon. I will post updates on how it does with my '13 when I get it installed. Doing egr/dpf delete, intake, tune and a couple other little goodies all in one shot so hopefully it goes well.
So is additional hardware (knobs) going to need to be purchased to use SOTF?
I hate the "going to be released soon" line, such an empty BS statement from a manufacturer. If you have stuff coming, don't say anything until you either are releasing it or have a date. Also, the lack of information on their site/vendor's sites is a turn off for me as well, hell they don't even mention the nGauge on it!! I am a technical guy, I NEED to know details and specs and parameters, it's how I base decisions and compare products!
I hope the product, tunes, and support are better than their site...
Yes the sotf option will require additional hardware. Right now its looking like the price will be $200, but on the bright side it will not run via OBD2 port, so the guys that want to tune with the ngauge but run a cts for gauges can still have sotf. Here are some pictures of the knob. Spartan replaces the 12v outlet on the passenger side, but I have another one on the driver side underneath my 4x4 knob that I am going to replace the sotf with.
Also here are some pictures of how some guys are mounting the ngauge, but I have seen it where they replace the vent by the driver side window. I didn't like that either because it seemed kinda low and I don't want to cut out a vent, furthermore encouraging me to purchase the cts. And a picture of the cts2 mounted with a custom bracket, which in my opinion is much cleaner/easily visible and the functionality I am going for.
Sorry I forgot one more. This is the 12v outlet below the 4x4 knob that I plan on replacing with the sotf option. Closer to the driver and not so "KA-CHOW look what I can do!" which is not what I want at all.
Ouch...$200 on something that's already 1400. I like the idea of SOTF but it's not really a necessity for me, if I were tho I would agree with you on the location, especially since that 12v plug is closer to the driver and the one I never use.
Is there a specific advantage to using the CTS over the built in monitor on the nGauge or is it just preference? Can they read the same parameters from the ECM, PCM, TCM, etc.?
Finally, how and where did you get all this info!?
I agree it is a bit spendy, but it is a nice feature that I plan on installing in the future.
I have seen some guys complain about the pid's in the ngauge, wanting to read more/different parameters. For me, it was the visual aspect of it. I don't like how small the screen is, only reads 6 options (as I do a lot of towing and want to see EVERYTHING), and the awkwardness of having this circle thing suction cupped to my windshield. But don't forget, if you go with the cts, you will also need the egt probe, adding yet another $100 to the project. I did get my spartan + cts2 though for cheaper than it would have been to go with a mini maxx unlocked with geaheard tunes.
And I found all this on another forum, but I like the idea of sharing the information here as well because there isn't much here on the ngauge yet and a general internet search reveals absolutely nothing.
Great points, not all of it is required to get going. Some can be bought later as add-ons. I think if I went with the ngauge I'd probably pass on the CTS for now and see how the tuner does in that dept.
Speaking of unlocking a MM for different tunes, do you know if it will be the same for the spartan? Will you be made to purchase an unlock code and again purchase tunes if you wanted to change down the road?
As for the info, we really appreciate you sharing! As you said its been nearly non-existent everywhere you look.
One other thought, if I don't buy the CTS and EGT probe for the egr delete, does the ngauge function like the MM in that a DPF probe can be installed in that location and monitored?
From my understanding, right now with the spartan we are stuck with the canned tunes. I guess there have some some considerations in unlocking the tuner to allow custom tunes, but I don't think that has been done yet. I know on another forum spartan has mentioned custom tunes and being able to mark those power settings with the sotf kit, but I have yet to see where people have loaded custom tunes. Maybe that will be the next focus of the project after the nDash is released, which is suppose to come out this summer. I know a lot of people are waiting for that as it will be more of a medium between tuner and gauge display instead of combining the ngauge with a cts. I had a cts in my 6.0 and loved it, so I didn't mind picking up the ngauge with the intent of using it solely as the tuner and the cts2 as the interface, but you're right, it's definitely not required to get things going.
I will have to look more into the spartan being able to use the egt sensor from the dpf like the mini maxx. That's something I didn't look into as I never planned on going that route. Maybe some of the more knowledgable guys can chime in on that one.
This is the first I've heard of the ndash. What are the differences between that and the phalanx then? Seems like that does the job of monitoring the the ngauge can't so I can't imagine the ndash being much different...
So I could be way out of line here as I am running a 6.4l but I have an Ndash and it has as many as 9 read outs including EGTs that are Pre-Turbo to my understanding and you dont have to add a probe at all.
To my understanding the NGauge was the old unit that went out a year or so ago. I know Spartan is working on SOTF and Custom tunes as we speak.
The best gains will obviously be seen with the 2015+ because of their turbos, but thats also running the thing to the max. Apparently the 550 has the best drivability with shifting/power/economy, assuming you aren't in the throttle all the time. Definitely looking forward to hooking this thing up in a few weeks and trying all the tunes out.
I will also add that i'm heading up to PHP tomorrow about lunch to meet Jay and the guys for some dyno time. Jay is testing out the new 366SX/E that he put on his 6.0. I'll be getting some numbers on these tunes as well. Mine will probably be slightly lower because of the 37's
We appreciate the input Jeremy. Like you say, even tho they are "canned" they are more custom simply because they are delete/race tunes and tailored for specific engines/trucks.
Anything to add to the EGT question I had earlier about factory probes vs. buying a proprietary one from Spartan?
All spartan stated was that you would need the egr block off plate for egt's and they are working on a pid to read the factory sensor. Not too specific on what you actually need to make it work.
I don't really know for sure. I will say that the nGauge already has inputs for 12v accessories. The guys at Spartan are still working on a lot of things. I know this is frustrating for many people but it's worth it. The nDash release is out of their hands right now. There are more people involve besides just the guys inside the Spartan building so it takes time.
All spartan stated was that you would need the egr block off plate for egt's and they are working on a pid to read the factory sensor. Not too specific on what you actually need to make it work.
I really like the clean look of the vent mount. I have been hearing good things about the updated tuning for early 6.7s but my hesitation with Spartan is you are committed to their programming and if you do decide to change direction the hardware doesn't have much if any value due to the high cost of unlock/reprogramming. SOTF is important to me because I tow heavy frequently but like to run around hot when not towing. When I had my SCT tuned 6.0 it got old waiting to reflash and I ended up running around in a tow tune more than I liked or on rare occasion towed hot which is never a good idea.
Some good information over on PSA but I still can't find much information on older 6.7 and the updates. There doesn't seem to be much debate on the 2015+ platform.
I don't exactly know for sure but I don't think it'll be too much longer until the SOTF is released. nDash release is technically out of Spartan's hands right now
Here's what Matt (owner) had to say over on PSA about SOTF:
"We are getting cables ready to go out to some of our dealers (including No Limit) by next week. Will be shipping to some our testers shortly too to get some final feedback. Should be ready for full production very shortly!"
Sounds like another 'soon' post so I wouldn't hold your breath just yet. As far as nDash goes....crickets...
Thanks for the info. Ill be very interested to see how well it works. This is definitely worth the extra money for me to purchase. I tow a 13000# excavator on a 6000# gooseneck quite often and unexpectingly for work, so I would rather not have to wait on my computer to be reflashed with a different tune.
It's a 2016. Besides tuning the only other thing might be water/meth. I'm not really sure if the cost is worth the lower egts or added power. I'm really just wanting the best fuel economy possible.
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