Nothing will modify shift pressure like the Sonnax.

SCT can tune torque managment, yielding firmer shifting. They cannot change anything within the transmission tuning, as its a seperate module from the engine control and torque managment.

Superchips can change shift points, and change torque management. When you tune the truck, it will write one file for the tranny and one for the engine.

I didnt notice much difference with my Sonnax installed. The truck ended up getting stuck in 2nd gear once after I installed it (not in limp, no code was thrown) and it returned to normal once I restarted, but that was enough for me. I took it out and just use Superchips now. If you do the research on the 545rfe, its already a very firm shifting transmission. The line pressure is high by design to reduce heat and increase life of the transmission, and the reason why our trucks shift so soft is the torque management. Power from the engine is actually cut off during shifts, which is why the trucks feel like they fall on their face during stock shifting (espcially during WOT, where 100% of the power is cut during shifting). Reducing torque managment applies more power during shifting. At the 10% TM setting on my SC tuner, I can scratch the pavement between 1-2 on dry pavement with the BFGs, and the truck will completly break loose on damp or wet pavement.

 

dammmm i need a superchip anyone selling one?

 

My only issue with programmers, is that for our gas engines you get maybe 10-15HP for $300. aside from a "better performing engine" and what not to me it just doesn't seem worth it. I would need to drive in a tuned car to want to buy something like that.

 

With my tm set at zero across the board, I still dont have firm shifts unless I'm at WOT. Hmm...wonder if something is wrong with my tranny...lol

 

Honestly, I dont keep my truck tuned for the power. Although, I got mine shipped brand new for $280, and it adds 18rwhp on the performance tune. Doing the math, thats less than $16/1hp. Not too bad, IMHO. My CAI and exhaust didnt add 18hp combined, and I spent over $850 on those two items. Dollar for dollar, a tuner is one of the best bangs for your buck.

On a side note, the shifting is what sells this tuner. The stock shifting is terrible for the 05+ Dakotas. It feels like from the second you take off, all the transmission wants to do is to get in to OD. And then, getting it to downshift takes shoving your foot the radiator practically. I'd pay $300 for a tuner just to change the shifting.

 

bahaha.... he said tranny!

True story!

 

I installed mine and this morning I ran it for the first time. After I was sure it was settled in I jumped on it going on the on ramp. So, in 2P it waited til 70mph and 5500RPMs to shift to third, quit a difference. I do notice a firmer shift just cruising but nothing I would call dramatic. I also have tow/haul on my vehicle so I had it turned it off. I don't believe it only comes into play at WOT. But I could be wrong, I'm rather conservative about saying makes a big difference or even a difference. CAI, made a little difference, if in sound only. 68.5mm throttle body make a difference. Wish I had the money to put this stuff on a dyno as I enstalled. I can get three runs for $65 here in Ohio. I was planning on doing a run with and without line booster and then one with SC.

 

Hmmm maybe I'll have to plan on the ROTR event for a day and do a dyno day the next...

 

http://dynotunemotorsports.com/

let me know and i'll meet you there... I'll do a run pre SC and Efan.

 

Did that on purpose!