Questions about Gryphon vs FU2

[cleatus12r]

I can't believe I missed this thread.....

Anyhow, I will try to answer these in your existing post.

See answers in RED.

Originally Posted by tennfire

I sent these questions to Bill by email but perhaps he is pretty busy since it seems business is booming. Perhaps other users can answer questions.

I have been reading your site and about your service for about a month now. I think I am ready to move to the next step and order a product - but which one.

I have a 2002 F350 Superduty 4x4 automatic crew cab and long bed - about 180,000 miles.

It has the Napa air filter modification and an enlarged exhaust (4"?) by the prior owner.

I use it as a 2nd vehicle to tow
- a 22 foot boat
- a 16ft trailer with a 5000 lb tractor and attachment
- a 16ft trailer with a 9000 lb Bobcat and attachments
- a 24 foot high school marching band trailer

We are looking at possibly adding bumper pull camper in the 30 foot range.

It gets maybe 7500 miles per year.

My goals - improve fuel economy and performance when not towing and then better performance and economy when towing. Both of these can easily be done with either the Gryphon or Phoenix.

I realize I need gauges to be safe and have looked primarily as Isspro and Dripricol gauge clusters for Pyro, boost (60lb?) and transmission temp. I really am not wild about the gauges on the A-post and may go with a set below the dash. That is one of my areas to address here. A very good point. Some folks just don't dig all of the extra clutter on the a-pillar.

Now, for your products......

I sort of like the Gryphon for size and economy since it has the gauge capacity built in. Don't need diagnostics with it since I have the AutoEnginuity package for several years on my GM products. Two concerns I have here is whether the Gryphon gauges are accurate (e.g., transmission temp depends on factory sensor?) You are right here. The Gryphon gauge accuracy is completely dependent on what the PCM decides to give you for data be it accurate or not.and whether the downloading process is something for those of us who are not technically advanced. It's pretty easy....just follow directions.Also, what it is the policy of changing the tunes that are available on the Gryphon? I don't know this for sure but I'm confident that the tunes are upgradeable through Pegasus when using the Gryphon. Don't quote me on that.

I like the idea of your Phoenix switch on the fly since it would allow changes in programming quicker - although I am not sure how frequently one actually needs to change the settings. I also realize that this system allows more program options to exist than the Gryphon. The switch on the fly is a very nice feature as reprogramming the PCM with the Gryphon takes time and cannot be changed while driving. So if you're towing up a steep incline and the EGT is getting up there, you're stuck in that program until you have a safe place to stop, cool down, and donate 5 minutes to reprogram....just to return it to the prior program down the road a ways.A downside to the Phoenix from my perspective is cost for a 2nd vehicle since it seems that the system cost would be between $400 and $800 (standard vs FU2) plus another $400 or so for third party gauges. In all honesty, you probably will not change programs enough to justify getting the FU2 package. For a 2nd vehicle, a Phoenix with 6 useable programs (no "smoke show" or other no-purpose tunes) will be more than adequate for your needs. I have had a few different chips and once I put a few miles on each tune, I very rarely ever change from my "favorite"....which is usually a tow tune....because it does everything I want it to do. From running empty and getting decent economy all the way to hauling (and I do haul....up to 30K lbs. at times). Also, it seems on the FU2 chip that reprogramming requires removal of the chip form the truck whereas DP or TW or one of them allows the reprogramming to be done with a USB from a laptop and the chip in the truck. Smoke and mirrors. If installed with a cutout in the black plastic PCM cover, the chip can be removed and reinstalled in about 5 seconds. The worst part is the switch cable. If you get an extra, then you don't have to take the original one out of the truck. But I don't see a need for an FU2 package in your case anyway.

Perhaps too many options.