Need help deciding on Tune/Chip

Proxy411 · **Joined:** Mon Feb 22, 2016 2:34 pm **Posts:** 9

So tax returns are coming in soon and I'm trying to decide what chip/tune to get. I'm between the GDE Eco tune, GDE hot tune, and TS Performance chip. Anyone have any experience with any of these? My main thing is the added horsepower but don't want to have to replace or upgrade my torque converter with the hot tune. Thanks

thermorex · **Posted:** Mon Feb 22, 2016 3:10 pm

Gde, any of them, stay away of chips, those don't change the things that gde does (like injection, egr, etc), and gde adds reliability to your crd also. For either one, plan a torque converter if you didn't replace the stock yet, as the stock will just shudder with the power from either tune or chip. Gde has a lower torque Eco tune also, if you plan in keeping a stock torque converter.

Btw, if you want power, you'll need to kind of suck it up and get a better torque converter...

papaindigo · **Posted:** Mon Feb 22, 2016 3:28 pm

Comments:
1. forget chips of any type all they do is "fool" the ECU by sending bogus data assuming they do anything at all
2. if your sole goal is relatively simple like turning off the EGR or disabling a CEL from an unplugged MAF sensor there are free tunes linked on the forum
3. if you want better fuel economy, more power, less soot in oil, minimal to no EGR function, less smoke at tail pipe, etc. then go with GDE. Some specs are at http://www.greendieselengineering.com/PerfComp.action . EcoTune is good for most all uses including 2 adults in a fully loaded CRD pulling ca. 2,500+ lbs of 5X8 uHaul trailer with no shudder on stock TC. HotTune is better for power but more likely to result in shudder and a future need for a new torque converter. Biggest bang for the buck with little need for future bucks IMHO is EcoTune.

Proxy411 · **Joined:** Mon Feb 22, 2016 2:34 pm **Posts:** 9

thermorex wrote:

Gde, any of them, stay away of chips, those don't change the things that gde does (like injection, egr, etc), and gde adds reliability to your crd also. For either one, plan a torque converter if you didn't replace the stock yet, as the stock will just shudder with the power from either tune or chip. Gde has a lower torque Eco tune also, if you plan in keeping a stock torque converter.

Btw, if you want power, you'll need to kind of suck it up and get a better torque converter...

1. How much will a torque converter upgrade cost?
2. Where do I get one? I haven't been able to find any, so what do you recommend
3. Can I replace the torque converter by myself or do I need to bring it in?

flash7210 · **Posted:** Mon Feb 22, 2016 4:00 pm

Suncoast makes a high performance torque converter.
IDparts.com carries the mopar upgraded "euro" TC.
Some folks have had good success using a TC for a Ram1500 with 5.7 hemi engine.

papaindigo · **Posted:** Mon Feb 22, 2016 4:03 pm

1. depends on what you get - Euro TC is $509 + shipping and such from idparts; some have used a Dodge truck TC that's compatible with a 545RFE transmission for something on the order of $250 +; Suncoast if they still sell a CRD TC likely runs ca. $800; a good local transmission shop might could build one for $???
2. see above
3. if you have to tools, skills, some sort of lift access, transmission jack then yes you can do it yourself. IMHO easier to pay good local tranny shop to do it.

Points:
1. there is nothing special about the 545RFE transmission. It's a standard DCJ tranny that any competent shop can work on
2. if you go with a GDE EcoTune there is likely no need for a new TC, certainly not soon.
3. if you do get a new TC also get a Transgo kit or the new upgraded tranny front pump.

thermorex · **Posted:** Mon Feb 22, 2016 4:27 pm

Proxy411 wrote:

thermorex wrote:

Gde, any of them, stay away of chips, those don't change the things that gde does (like injection, egr, etc), and gde adds reliability to your crd also. For either one, plan a torque converter if you didn't replace the stock yet, as the stock will just shudder with the power from either tune or chip. Gde has a lower torque Eco tune also, if you plan in keeping a stock torque converter.

Btw, if you want power, you'll need to kind of suck it up and get a better torque converter...

1. How much will a torque converter upgrade cost?
2. Where do I get one? I haven't been able to find any, so what do you recommend
3. Can I replace the torque converter by myself or do I need to bring it in?

Exactly as flash and papaindigo said. Depending on how long you keep your crd and the amount of towing you need, Suncoast is the most heavily duty but about 2x+ the price of a good mopar one. My advice, get a tune of your choice, drive the jeep and see how it feels. I had shudder right after the tune, when torque converter locks in 4th and 5th. You may or may not need to replace it. Good news is that transmission is pretty tough. You can replace it yourself also, but you'll either need a lift and high, Jack for transmission and some help, you can do without lift but it is a pain in the butt, I went to my friend's shop and did it there.

Proxy411 · **Joined:** Mon Feb 22, 2016 2:34 pm **Posts:** 9

Ok kinda off topic but do you guys have any tips on an air I take? Dos donts?

Proxy411 · **Joined:** Mon Feb 22, 2016 2:34 pm **Posts:** 9

papaindigo wrote:

1. depends on what you get - Euro TC is $509 + shipping and such from idparts; some have used a Dodge truck TC that's compatible with a 545RFE transmission for something on the order of $250 +; Suncoast if they still sell a CRD TC likely runs ca. $800; a good local transmission shop might could build one for $???
2. see above
3. if you have to tools, skills, some sort of lift access, transmission jack then yes you can do it yourself. IMHO easier to pay good local tranny shop to do it.

Points:
1. there is nothing special about the 545RFE transmission. It's a standard DCJ tranny that any competent shop can work on
2. if you go with a GDE EcoTune there is likely no need for a new TC, certainly not soon.
3. if you do get a new TC also get a Transgo kit or the new upgraded tranny front pump.

I went to the transmission shop and he said he needs more info, what will need to be done to the converter for it to be able to handle the hot tune?

Proxy411 · **Joined:** Mon Feb 22, 2016 2:34 pm **Posts:** 9

papaindigo wrote:

1. depends on what you get - Euro TC is $509 + shipping and such from idparts; some have used a Dodge truck TC that's compatible with a 545RFE transmission for something on the order of $250 +; Suncoast if they still sell a CRD TC likely runs ca. $800; a good local transmission shop might could build one for $???
2. see above
3. if you have to tools, skills, some sort of lift access, transmission jack then yes you can do it yourself. IMHO easier to pay good local tranny shop to do it.

Points:
1. there is nothing special about the 545RFE transmission. It's a standard DCJ tranny that any competent shop can work on
2. if you go with a GDE EcoTune there is likely no need for a new TC, certainly not soon.
3. if you do get a new TC also get a Transgo kit or the new upgraded tranny front pump.

flash7210 · **Posted:** Mon Feb 22, 2016 4:57 pm

Quote:

Ok kinda off topic but do you guys have any tips on an air intake? Dos donts?

Inspect turbo inlet hose for holes and tears.
While its off, stick your fingers inside the turbo and try to wiggle the shaft. Too much movement =bad turbo.
Use a Provent200 to keep oil from the crank case vent from messing up your boost hoses.
Use a good quality paper air filter such as Wix or Napa gold.

Dont waste time trying to make some sort of cold air intake thing. I've tried it and the factory air box works better.

flash7210 · **Posted:** Mon Feb 22, 2016 5:01 pm

Quote:

what will need to be done to the converter for it to be able to handle the hot tune?

Needs a stronger torque converter lockup clutch.
Also, a lower stall speed (such as the Hemi TC) would be beneficial.

Proxy411 · **Joined:** Mon Feb 22, 2016 2:34 pm **Posts:** 9

So how much will this all cost for Eco tune if I can get converter installed for $500?

papaindigo · **Posted:** Mon Feb 22, 2016 5:55 pm

I'll try one last time as we seem to be "talking" past each other. The stock OEM torque converter is not the strongest thing in the world but it's not going to grenade just because you got a tune; the exception to that is if your "tune" is the GDE Stage II turbo and associated tune. In the latter case the shudder is massive but only happens if you stomp the go pedal; I drove for ca. 2 months before upgrading TC with no problems. With the GDE EcoTune the stock OEM torque converter is just fine; drive it, service it properly with ATF+4 should last lots of miles (my son has this combination with no issues in ca. 50k miles). With the GDE HotTune depending on how you drive the OEM torque converter may be just fine for lots of miles but does NOT need to be replaced unless you have shudder issue. Of course in the latter case if you have the cash laying around and want to replace the TC just because you got the HotTune feel free.

thermorex · **Posted:** Mon Feb 22, 2016 11:03 pm

papaindigo wrote:

I'll try one last time as we seem to be "talking" past each other. The stock OEM torque converter is not the strongest thing in the world but it's not going to grenade just because you got a tune; the exception to that is if your "tune" is the GDE Stage II turbo and associated tune. In the latter case the shudder is massive but only happens if you stomp the go pedal; I drove for ca. 2 months before upgrading TC with no problems. With the GDE EcoTune the stock OEM torque converter is just fine; drive it, service it properly with ATF+4 should last lots of miles (my son has this combination with no issues in ca. 50k miles). With the GDE HotTune depending on how you drive the OEM torque converter may be just fine for lots of miles but does NOT need to be replaced unless you have shudder issue. Of course in the latter case if you have the cash laying around and want to replace the TC just because you got the HotTune feel free.

Papaindigo, my stock torque converter shuddered with a chip I had prior to gde tune that added less torque and power than gde tune. Maybe I had a very bad unit... Next step was to get a Suncoast and ditch the tuning chip and get gde tune.

My advice for the op: get the gde tune, drive the jeep and get a feel on how it behaves. Also, plan a new torque converter of your choice, just in case, so it will be a planned expense if required.

flash7210 · **Posted:** Tue Feb 23, 2016 6:21 am

I'm running one of the DIY tunes and yes, I get shudder.
But I can control it with my right foot.
Once I feel the shudder I just reduce throttle a bit. Then ease back into it.
Those who tow heavy loads will find shudder more difficult to control.

t0rquey · **Posted:** Tue Feb 23, 2016 8:24 am

I get shudder as well with my DIY tune. My plan is to stay on the lookout for a low mileage '07-'10 Hemi 545RFE and just swap the whole trans.

I believe GDE has stated that with their hot tune and the euro converter, shudder has not been an issue. I just want the lower stall of the Hemi converter.

valoflyby · **Posted:** Tue Feb 23, 2016 11:07 am

Just as a datapoint - I was running the DIY tune (Yeti's 808 EGR/FCV delete + Stage 2 Hot tune (vers 1.01) - 480Nm) and the Dodge RAM TCM and was able to induce shudder whenever desired up moderate inclines. Lifting throttle made it go away.

I'm now running the GRE HOT and TCM tune - I haven't been able to make it shudder yet. I haven't hitched up my trailer yet - will do so once the weather turns warm again.

My transmission was one of the first F37'd, original front pump not changed. Again, just a datapoint.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Tue Feb 23, 2016 12:02 pm

Running the Yeti Stage IV Hot tune along with an adjustable Diablo Power Puck and a Suncoast Converter and cannot make it shudder under any situation including towing. The Suncoast will handle anything you can subject it to with the 2.8 CRD, its tough and the way to go if you can swing the price.... :wink:

thermorex · **Posted:** Tue Feb 23, 2016 2:56 pm

WWDiesel wrote:

Running the Yeti Stage IV Hot tune along with an adjustable Diablo Power Puck and a Suncoast Converter and cannot make it shudder under any situation including towing. The Suncoast will handle anything you can subject it to with the 2.8 CRD, its tough and the way to go if you can swing the price.... :wink:

I think there are more chances to blow the transmission than to make the Suncoast shudder...

Need help deciding on Tune/Chip

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