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Story and Photos by Perry Mack
This is a combination engine tuner, monitor, gauge and diagnostic tool whose sole goal if life is to improve your vehicles horsepower and fuel efficiency. We ordered up a unit to test on our 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi engine.
Installation took a bit longer than some of the other tuners we’ve tested as we opted to wire the unit into the fuse box as described in the manual, to benefit from all the features available. The instructions are detailed and simple enough that even the mechanically challenged can do it.
We also opted for the RAM suction cup mount. Screen vibration was better than some long-necked flexible mounts, but it’s still best if you can mount it on the window and have it come in contact with the dash. The twist to lock suction mount occasionally vibrates loose as well, if you don’t have it resting on the dash. There are a couple of other mounts available including one for the rearview mirror and a pillar mount which are worth looking at, unfortunately we didn’t have them for testing.
Setting up the engine tune took longer than some other units we’ve tested, it’s not more difficult to do, the tuner just takes longer to write to the engine. We spent roughly 40 minutes tinkering with the programming.
Once this was done, it was time to start driving. The tuner includes a ‘Driving Coach’, which can help you improve your fuel efficiency by helping you change your driving habits. If you follow the advice of your new driving coach, you can save some dollars – how much, depends on how heavy you were on the gas pedal before your coaching. Does the tuners’ programming enhance your gas mileage on it’s own? Not appreciably.
Where we did feel the difference was in the horsepower department. Loaded down with a couple thousand pounds or towing our 21’ Sea Ray, there was never any hesitation when we demanded more power. The truck pulled steadily up hills and accelerated more quickly and smoothly from a stop.
And it wasn’t just our imagination, testing 0 to 100 km/h and the standard quarter mile run under load between tuned and untuned proved it, with our times improving on an average of 6%. However unloaded, although our times were faster, we didn’t have a statistically significant improvement.
Ultimately the question is would we give this Bulldog GT Tuner back? The answer is ‘No way’. After two months of testing we would never want to go back to stock, anymore than you can live life looking in the rearview mirror. Aside from the extra power, I expect your new driving coach should pay for himself at the pumps inside a year.
For more information, contact Bully Dog Technologies by phone at (877) 285-5936 or visit the web site: www.bullydog.com.