Wagner and Associates

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SMARTY FAQs

Q. What has Smarty to do with the CaTCHER software?

A. Our Smarty is the tool you need to update your ECM with any level of the CaTCHER software(s). There are ten different softwares in Smarty you can choose from.

Q. What's the difference in the CaTCHER softwares?

A. Mainly the throttle response, or maybe better the aggressiveness of the engine response. Since the full blown CaTCHER develops torque instantly it can become a pain to drive it on slippery roads. Thus the need to reduce the response some. Further more, there are CaTCHER versions with and without added timing stored in the Smarty. The softwares without added timing are useful if you want to use a timing box stacked with the CaTCHER.

Q. Does Smarty do the boost fooling function?

A. Yes, all the the softwares in Smarty have modified boost tables in them in order to allow for higher boost without defuelling. ( Except SW # and Stock ) No external boost fooler is required!

Q. Could you take Smarty and install it on several different trucks ONE-AT-A-TIME?

A. Yes! No problem, when you go back to stock Smarty unlocks from the VIN# and ECM. Now you're ready to go into another truck. As many times as you want.

Q. Can Smarty go from one program to another, or do you have to go back to stock, then to a program?

A. You can go from any software # to any SW #. No need to go back to stock!

Q. Is Smarty ECM or VIN sensitive?"

A. YES! Smarty only works with one truck AND one ECM at one time.

Q. Is Smarty's DTC reader also VIN# Locked?

A. No,the DTC reader works always in any truck. Even when Smarty is VIN# locked to your truck, you can still diagnose your buddy's truck. We did not want you to have the hassle to go back to stock only because you need to help someone.

Q. How long does it take to update the ECM with Smarty?

A. We've done some serious research in order to minimize the time needed for an update. We've developed special boot loaders which cut the required time for an update dramatically. A typical update is done in 1'55''! Furthermore, we've worked hard in order to have you press as little keys on Smarty as possible. Once you get used to Smarty it takes as little as 2.5 minutes from the moment you plug in Smarty to finsh. With the fastest competition it takes at least twice that time.

Q. If the update is interrupted, how can I recover the ECM?

A. First of all DON'T PANIC! An interrupted update is a piece of cake for Smarty. Smarty will recover your truck automatically back to the STOCK software. Unlike the competition, you don't have to remove fuses or battery cables. Smarty will handle the situation on it's own. You just need to turn the key on, plug in Smarty and follow the on-screen instructions. A special boot loader does that job.

Q. Can a dealer detect Smarty?

A. If you take your truck back to stock software then the answer is NO! Smarty updates are NOT detectable by the dealer!

Q. Does the CaTCHER raise the rev limiter?

A. All I can tell you for now is that all the CaTCHER versions alter the high Rpm settings in the ECM for fuel, timing, boost, torque limiter whatever... in order to allow the engine to rev. Depending upon the mods done to the engine that shows up on a dyno graph or does not.

Q. How much horsepower will the CaTCHER add to my 98.5-02 engine?

A. That is the most FAQ of the FAQ's! My answer usually is: none. Those who have followed me through the years or already own a CaTCHER ECM know that I'm kidding. For instance, the CaTCHER deals not only with the top range Hp of your engine. The CaTCHER is VERY noticeable from idle up. As soon as you touch the throttle, you will KNOW that the CaTCHER is in there.

First of all, the power added by the CaTCHER depends upon the mods done to the engine. That makes this question even more difficult to answer. On a stock engine typically we see an Hp increase at the rear wheels of about 60 Hp.( Is there still such a thing, a STOCK truck??? )

With taller injectors the Hp gain increases. How much? I don't know! That depends upon the injectors, turbo, intake , exhaust... You got the picture. The best mod combined with a CaTCHER is without doubt a good set of injectors.

Fuel pump wire tapping boxes WITHOUT added timing come next if you're after serious Hp. In that kind of scenario the CaTCHER becomes very noticeable in the top Hp range. I have customers that have gained over 75 Hp with that kind of stack above all other stacks they had tried before.

The most difficult stack with the CaTCHER is with boxes that add their own timing. For those cases we've stuffed the softwares without added timing into Smarty. Yet, I have to say, we're not taking the full advantage of the dynamic timing the ECM can provide.

It has been proved many times by now. The CaTCHER stacked with a fuel only box provide the highest Hp gain. More than what a timing&fuel box that can't be stacked with anything will provide.