5 Best Tuner For 5.9 Cummins Reviews In 2022
Whether you are looking for increased mileage or more power for towing, you can get it from your Cummins engine.
But only a tuner can unleash its full potential. That is why I have researched and reviewed the best tuner for 5.9 Cummins diesel engine.
In this article, you will know about the top-rated programmers that can take your Dodge Ram to another level. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Our Recommendations On Best Tuner For 5.9 Cummins:
Best Tuner For 5.9 Cummins Reviews:
I have included only such products that are easy to use and have all of the necessary features to increase the performance.
1. Compact Yet Capable: Smarty Tuners SJ-06
Specifications:
- Compatibility: 2003-2007 5.9L Cummins
- Screen Size: Not Specified
- Display Type: Monochrome; Not Touch Responsive
- Weight: 1.85 pounds
Compared to the size of the competitor Tuners, smarty Tuners SJ-06 is the most compact. The manufacturer had designs it to correct the engine performance of a 5.9 Cummins diesel engine. Among all 5 products, it is capable of providing the highest power gain.
If you don’t mind the inconvenient display size, you’ll like other features of it. The tuner is capable enough to regulate the engine’s power, torque, fuel emission, and a few other parameters.
Among the 3 different performance levels inside the tuner, you can choose any one increment between 40, 70, and 100 HP. According to the brand, it can provide a very fast download compared to the competitor models. Also, you can read trouble codes without using any additional tool.
Seeing this old piece of equipment, you may think that there is no way to update this thing. But you are wrong. Using a USB cable, one can easily connect it to a computer and perform the necessary software updates without facing lots of complexity.
In fact, a standard cable comes with the package to make the connection with its onboard computer. I will only recommend Smarty Tuners SJ-06 to the old-school tuning masters. Because the millennial truck owners won’t have the patience to work with a monochrome display.
Pros
- Compact size without sacrificing important tuning features
- Simplified interface with easy settings
- Avails almost all of the options one may find in a modern tuner
- Very much affordable compared to the competitors
Cons
- An old-fashioned device with a small monochrome display.
2. Monitoring and Improving Performance: Bully Dog – 40420
Specifications:
- Compatibility: 2003-2017 5.9L Cummins
- Screen Size: 2.5”
- Display Type: Color LCD; Not Touch Responsive
- Weight: 0.3 pounds
If you have a little bit of market research, you will know that Bully Dog 40420 is very popular. It is because of its wide range of compatibility supporting lots of different engine tunings. What I like about this tuner is its capability of showing 15 different performance parameters.
Now, you can set different tuning modifications, save up to 10 customizations, and track the truck’s performance. The benefit is that one can choose the best settings without requiring any special gear or tool. Those are the main reasons lots of owners don’t have a problem spending some more on 40420.
However, don’t think that it will put the engine in any compromising position. The improvement limits are within the 5.9L diesel engine’s capability. You also have a responsibility to know where to stop and improve its performance without causing any damage.
The tuner comes with a user-friendly interface so that anyone without technical expertise can use it. There is a large screen with 5 buttons on the side to navigate the options and adjust parameters without facing any complexity. Put the model of your truck and see whether it fits.
Pros
- Perfectly capable of increasing HP, torque, and fuel efficiency
- Possible to monitor different performance stats up to 15
- Read and clear any DTC ensuring smooth operation
- Easy operability along with an internet update option
- Decent memory size containing up to 10 custom tunings
Cons
- Having no touch display in this price range
3. Wide Range of Compatibility: NEW SUPERCHIPS FLASHPAQ F5
Specifications:
- Compatibility: 1998-2012 5.9L Cummins
- Screen Size: 2.8”
- Display Type: Color LCD; Not Touch Responsive
- Weight: 0.66 pounds
FLASHPAQ F5 holds some unique features and looks that fall in the middle of new and old-era tuners. Among its combability list, 5.9L Cummins diesel engine is one. The manufacturer has promised to deliver the right kind of performance enhancement you are looking for.
For quick and safe power without harming the engine in any way, you can rely on F5’s abilities. As it results in an impressive gain, you will fall in love with your truck once again. The tuner has a compact size that fits in the palm of a hand.
Once you have connected the tuner to your vehicle’s diagnostic port, you will be able to select any adjustment from its intuitive menu. The improvement section helps transform the truck into a towing beast or more economical.
No matter where you live in North America, you can use it as FLASHPAQ F5 is legal in all 50 states. When you compare the features, durability, and range of options it has, you would understand that F5 has more bang for the buck than its competitors.
Indeed, it does not have a big display but the existing one is more than enough to select the right settings. Moreover, updating the tuner through the internet is possible via a USB cable.
Pros
- User-friendly design; plug and play
- Legal for all 5.9L Cummins across America
- Includes pre-loaded tunes improving performance
- Different presets for increasing towing power or fuel economy
- Durable construction with a satisfactory warranty period
Cons
- According to some users, ECM can freeze up sometimes.
4. Great Value, Great Product: Smarty Tuners TOUCH 98.5+
Specifications:
- Compatibility: 1998-2012 5.9L Cummins
- Screen Size: 4.3”
- Display Type: Color LCD; Touch Responsive
- Weight: 1.81 pounds
Other products from Smarty Tuners listed in this article can’t satisfy the millennials by their looks. But here is an exception. the TOUCH 98.5+ comes with a high-quality 4.3” touch-responsive display. Using it is also a pleasant experience because of the fastest PID.
As a result, very few competitor models can deliver such fast refresh speed. Furthermore, the smart circuitry of the tuner avails all of the popular tuning abilities that Cummins owners look for.
However, all those great features don’t come cheap. Click on the link to see the best online price from Amazon. Lots of you may not be willing to invest heavily in this. But I know one thing; you won’t regret it.
With the help of TOUCH 98.5+, it is possible to adjust the fuel supply and engine power so that one can get the expected performance out of their truck. Use the color display to see real-time performance data and figure out whether the tuning is working the way you want it.
You can either mount it or do the job holding it without facing any problem. Yet, mounting is the best option as you can use it for monitoring some vital parameters.
Pros
- Avails communication module with a very fast refresh rate
- Large touch display for easy navigation
- Capable of reading accurately up to 2200F with EGT sensor
- 4 configurable dashboards
Cons
- Expensive
5. Effective and Easy to Use: Smarty S-03 Tuner
Specifications:
- Compatibility: 1998-2002 5.9L Cummins
- Screen Size: Not Specified
- Display Type: Monochrome; Not Touch Responsive
- Weight: 2 pounds
Here, I have got another Smarty Tuner as the last product on the list. The difference of this one compared to the previous one is that S-03 has lots of buttons making it not so compact. However, the display size and type are the same. It has the same old boring monochrome screen for easy operation.
Because of its efficient and smooth functionality, Dodge Ram owners love it. The tuner is ready to unleash the true potential of a 5.9L Cummins engine. Lots of people don’t appreciate the older look and mechanism. But it comes with an advantage.
Where lots of newer tuners fail to last long, Smarty S-03 is an exception. Due to a much simpler design, good circuit design, and sturdy build quality, you can expect more durability than most of the competitor products. According to some users, enabling “Setting 3” can give you both MPG and better performance without harming the transmission.
Those who own an old truck and are familiar with early tuning devices can give it a shot. People still like it for its reliable performance and easy operating mechanism. Now, don’t think that you will be missing some tuning options buying this one. So, check it out from my link promising the best online deal.
Pros
- Lightweight handheld tuner
- Necessary numeric and control buttons for quick adjustments
- Fast download along with a complete set of popular settings
- Affordable pricing compared to other high-end models
Cons
- Monochrome display and the lack of a touch screen
Things You Need to Consider Before Buying the Best Tuner For 5.9 Cummins
With a normal hot chip or inexpensive programmer, there are not many options. However, that is not the case with a tuner recommended in this article.
After buying and setting up one, you can have endless possibilities of customization and performance upgrades.
The first thing you have to do is check the fitment of a particular truck model. Though all of the tuners are compatible with a 5.9 Cummings, you should double-check to make the right choice.
Unlike 6.6 Duramax Tuners, the expert-suggested programmers for 5.9L Cummins have very simple interfaces. Most of them come with plug-and-play pushbuttons so that anyone can understand the operation easily.
Nevertheless, don’t worry about the feature-set of these tuners as all necessary parameters are available in them. From racing to maximizing fuel efficiency, you can do almost anything.
So, don’t get disappointed seeing such old-school devices. You simply connect them to your truck, and they do their job within a very short time. Also, the durability is longer than other competitor models.
As you can understand that price is an important factor, you should choose one according to the size of your wallet. Sometimes, you may need to make some exceptions because the expensive ones often turn out to be the best.
Furthermore, consider how long the tuner is taking to flash. Lots of devices on the market can’t perform like the ones reviewed here. Lots of people like to keep different adjustments stored. If you have a requirement like that, you must find out your preferred model’s memory capacity.
Another thing to keep in mind is checking the option for updating it through the internet. It should be easily connected to a computer via a USB cable.
Finally, know the limit of your engine, and the tuner. This way, you can get the expected performance without hurting the engine or other parts of the truck. You will always find a more capable device to tune the engine. But pushing the limit too much is not going to work.
FAQs:
What Is The Best Tuner For A 5.9 Cummins?
In this particular case, it is really hard to name one tuner as the best for a 5.9L Cummins diesel engine. It is better to read the reviews without skipping and choosing the right one which varies depending on your needs and vehicle model.
Can You Tune A 5.9 Cummins?
Yes, like other modern truck engines, you can tune a 5.9 Cummins. And, it is recommended because stock settings often won’t get the job done.
How Much HP Can A 5.9 Cummins Handle?
According to some dependable sources, from 1989 to 2002 models are capable of producing up to 800 HP without any problem. But the newer models have a better design supporting up to 1500 HP with aftermarket parts.
Final Words
Finding the best tuner for 5.9 Cummins may seem a daunting task. But it is not that tough once you have set the priorities and expectations.
After that, all you have to do is read the reviews, and see which model gets closest to your requirements. Budget is also an important factor.
So, consider a couple of products as finalists, and choose the one that won’t break your bank.
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