When it comes to choosing a truck tuner, there are a variety of options to explore, from handheld devices and in-cab systems to plug-in modules and full PCM swaps. Each type offers unique benefits, so you can find a tuning solution that aligns with your exact needs and your budget.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options by determining the make, model, and, most importantly, whether your truck’s engine is diesel or gasoline, you’re ready to shop and compare. Most tuners cover acceleration, towing performance, and fuel efficiency, but some are more focused on specific parameters, offering cost-effective solutions.
In this guide, we showcase individual applications for each tuner type, featuring popular, recently introduced vehicles and our latest applications. Follow the link after each tuner type to enter your truck’s specs and explore tuning options tailored for your rig.
The most popular segment of the truck tuner market, handheld tuners were the first style of tuners to gain widespread adoption. These devices plug into the OBD port, giving them access to the vehicle’s ECU.
The Predator 2 for Dodge Ram 1500 and 2500 gas trucks is an advanced performance tuner that offers simple plug-and-play installation, enhancing your truck’s performance and towing capabilities. It allows you to adjust speed and rev limiters, calibrate for aftermarket axle ratios and larger tires, and even remove the speed limiter. With a high-definition 2.8" color screen, the user-friendly 5-button interface and USB internet update capability make this tuner a breeze to use. Featuring multiple tuning modes—Economy, Towing, Daily Driving, and Extreme—it ensures optimized fuel efficiency and performance.
The GM Flashpaq performance programmer includes tunes designed for the daily driver, heavy tower, and performance enthusiast. With various power levels—performance, tow, and economy—the Flashpaq tuner for GM vehicles sends instant power to your gas-powered Chevy Silverado, Suburban, GMC Sierra, Yukon, or Camaro in mere minutes. It also supports various Duramax diesel models, including the 2016 LML. The Flashpaq offers octane-based tunes, throttle sensitivity adjustments, rev and speed limiter alterations, tire size speedometer correction, and more.
The inTune i3 is DiabloSport’s mid-tier handheld tuner. "The i3 offers several enhancements, like Wi-Fi for updating and the ability to add multiple licenses to tune more than one vehicle with the same device," says Michael Litsch, Senior Product Manager at Holley Tuning Group. "It features a full-color touch screen interface, pre-loaded octane-based performance tunes, and end-user adjustable parameters." The i3 also offers advanced user controls like Wide Open Throttle timing adjustments and throttle pedal sensitivity. Datalogging and live streaming are also supported, and the inTune 3 has two 0-5V analog inputs for datalogging.
Unlock massive performance gains of 150 whp and 350 rwtq with the EvoHT2 for the latest Duramax diesel models. This tuner offers improved throttle response, quicker turbo spool-up, better fuel economy, and total control over your driving experience. The EvoHT2 also integrates with the Allison 10-speed transmission’s TCM, delivering improved shift points and increased clutch-holding capacity through better line pressure and converter lock-up. With a color screen, four pre-loaded tunes, idle adjustment, throttle boost feature, and more, the EvoHT2 is a tried-and-true tuning option.
Shop Tuners From Diablosport, Superchips, and Edge Now
The best-selling tuner segment, in-cab tuners are an extension of handheld units, offering a dedicated windshield-mounted display that dramatically enhances the driver/performance interface. This type of tuner makes tuning easy, especially while on the road in real-time, and serves as an intuitive gauge array.
The Trinity 2 is DiabloSport’s most feature-rich flash tuner. With the same tunes and tuning adjustments as the inTune 3, it’s packed into a larger, Wi-Fi-equipped device with a vivid windshield-mounted display. Featuring a high-resolution 5-inch capacitive touch screen with full swipe functionality, industry-leading gauge designs, and a powerful yet simple user interface, the Trinity 2 Platinum offers pre-loaded high-performance tunes and custom tuning capability. The Trinity 2 also supports DiabloSport’s CMR custom tuning, available through a nationwide network of dealers. Using the ChipMaster Revolution (CMR) software suite, network-approved dealers can produce tunes for your specific engine on a dyno or by using the built-in datalogging features.
The Evolution CTS3 saves stock files from your vehicle's computer and uploads Edge calibrations that feature multiple power levels custom-tuned by Edge’s team of engineers. Choose from pre-loaded calibrations that boost horsepower and torque, enhance throttle response, provide extra power for towing, improve fuel economy, and more. With its slim design, 5-inch full-color capacitive touch screen, and Wi-Fi update capability, the Evolution CTS3 offers enhanced screen layouts, faster processing speeds, and a high-resolution display.
The TrailDash 3 features a powerful processor that ensures faster tune loads and quicker response times. Wi-Fi enabled for easy internet updates, this unit’s innovative CRAWL screen provides access to the most crucial off-road features, like Sway Bar Disconnect, Axle Lockers, TPMS Disable, Rock Lock, and Line Lock. The unit also offers tire size and gear ratio adjustments, plus Superchips’ renowned performance tuning for increased power, torque, and improved fuel economy in any driving condition.
These tuners work through a wireless dongle that plugs into the OBD2 port. They act as a gathering and distribution hub, performing tasks transparently and without requiring cables. However, these devices typically offer fewer capabilities than dedicated tuners, providing narrower, more focused tuning targets. Popular features include controlling Active or Dynamic Fuel Management, disabling start/stop functionality, and boosting throttle response.
This unit disables the Active or Dynamic Fuel Management feature in all V6 and V8 General Motors vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. By eliminating the cylinder deactivation function, the vehicle runs on all cylinders at all times, improving throttle response and drivability with no hesitation.
This device disables the engine stop/start feature in Ford and GM vehicles. It removes hesitation when restarting the engine after stopping in traffic, prevents unnecessary wear and tear on the starter, and provides a smoother, more seamless driving experience.
This device disables both AFM and Start/Stop features in GM vehicles with active fuel management. It eliminates hesitation on acceleration and the exhaust buzz caused by AFM, keeping the engine in V8 mode at all times without needing to reprogram or reflash the ECU.
In-line tuners intercept specific sensor inputs, altering the signal to achieve the desired performance effect. Some models plug directly into the ECU, while others connect via the OBD2 port. These units offer pre-loaded power programs and leave no digital footprint when removed, making them undetectable by dealership scanners.
The Pulsar XT includes two harnesses: one connects to the boost pressure sensor, MAP sensor, and battery, and the other connects to the throttle pedal, OBD port, and Pulsar XT module. The module can switch power programs using a wireless switch panel or a smartphone app. The Bronco tuner offers five programs, seven throttle sensitivity levels, and the ability to delete the start/stop function, modify tire size, and control other convenience systems.
The Amp’d 2.0 Throttle Booster eliminates throttle response delays by remapping the factory accelerator signal. With its industry-exclusive Bluetooth switch, the app offers unparalleled control, featuring five pre-loaded throttle curves and countless custom options.
