Performance programmers for Cat C7

[mdpuff]

Hi again, been checking out programmers / chips for our 2004 GS Atrium with the 330 C7 Cat on a Freightliner cassis and have gotten conflicting results. I was hoping someone on this forum might have some experience to share. Of course when you read the write up's on the different programmers they all promise wonderful gains but some of the forums I've checked out say they are a waste of money and can cause severe engine damage. I sure don't want to have any drivetrain problems from installing a programmer but on the other side of the coin it would be nice to get better fuel economy and a bit more power never hurts. Not too worried about the power side but it is nice to be able to climb hills towing the toad without loosing too much speed. Trying to beat the Corvette in the other lane isn't what I'm trying to accomplish, maybe if I wasn't driving a 41 foot land yacht I might give it a go!! :D

Thanks in advance,
mdpuff.

[GStream40]

I checked out the programers years ago and I too found out conflicting results.

So instead I opted to go to Ohio CAT Dealer and have them instead change the ECM setting from 330hp to 350hp. It costs $350 for that upgrade.
It did make a difference in power, not a great difference, but a diference. Now fuel milage did not change, I still get 8mpg pulling the Ford Explorer.

Now that increase/upgrade is CAT approved.

Ron

[mdpuff]

Thanks Ron, was the extra power worth $350.00 ? Seems like allot of money for 20 hp. In your opinion was it worth it?

Thanks again,
mdpuff

[GStream40]

Would I do it again? Spent $350 for a 5.7 percent increase in Horsepower? Probably Not!

Ron