The 99 Cummins engine is a legendary workhorse, known for its power and durability. But even a beast can be tamed and enhanced with the right tools. If you’re looking to unlock the full potential of your 99 Cummins, a tuner is a must-have. In this guide, we’ll explore two popular options: the Quadzilla Adrenaline and the Smarty Touch, comparing their features, performance, and cost.
Quadzilla Adrenaline: Real-Time Power on Demand
The Quadzilla Adrenaline is a real-time tuner that injects commands into the data stream on the CANBus. This allows the ECM (Engine Control Module) to remain operational while the Quadzilla overrides commands with higher priority, resulting in immediate performance gains. Should the Quadzilla malfunction, simply unplug the CANBus and MAP sensor leads to return the engine to its stock settings. Installation is straightforward, connecting to the CANBus and MAP sensor.
A key advantage of the Quadzilla is its comprehensive package. Priced at $675 from DAP, it includes everything needed for installation and use, including a pyrometer for monitoring exhaust gas temperature. Custom tuning can be done directly on your mobile device, eliminating the need for a PC. While a PC is required for firmware updates, Quadzilla supports Windows, Linux, and Mac through virtualization software like VirtualBox. The only additional component required is a fuel pressure sensor.
Alt: Quadzilla Adrenaline tuner displayed on a mobile device, showcasing its user-friendly interface for custom tuning.
Smarty Touch: Programming for Advanced Control
The Smarty Touch, priced at $875 from DAP, is a programmer that modifies the ECM’s software. This offers more in-depth control over engine parameters but carries a risk of damaging the ECM if the flash process fails. While Smarty boasts recovery capabilities, some errors may necessitate contacting Smarty for a recovery flash.
Unlike the Quadzilla, the Smarty Touch requires additional components for comprehensive functionality. A pyrometer ($155 at DAP), a programming dongle ($259 at DAP), and the Smarty ComMod ($209 at SmartyResource) are needed for custom tuning and real-time adjustments. The total cost for a comparable setup to the Quadzilla reaches $1498, significantly higher than the Quadzilla. Furthermore, Smarty Touch requires a Windows PC for custom tuning, excluding virtualized environments. It also lacks a built-in pyrometer and cooldown timer, requiring separate gauges for fuel pressure and exhaust gas temperature monitoring.
Alt: Smarty Touch tuner displaying various engine parameters on its screen, highlighting its advanced programming capabilities.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right 99 Cummins Tuner
Both the Quadzilla Adrenaline and Smarty Touch offer significant performance enhancements for the 99 Cummins. The Quadzilla provides a simpler, more affordable, and potentially safer solution with its real-time tuning and comprehensive package. The Smarty Touch, while more expensive and complex, allows for deeper customization for experienced users willing to invest time and money. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget, technical expertise, and desired level of control. Consider your individual needs and preferences carefully before making a decision.
