Difference Between BullyDog BDX and others like Cobb

[WillieFlo]

All,

My previous truck was a lifted Nissan Titan that ran like a Banshee on a Bully Dog Triple Dog tuner for many years with no issue. In the 10 years I owned it, it was only in the shop 3 times for very minor fixes. 2 of the items were worn out sensor cables. That was it.

So now with the Raptor, I’m looking at doing a Morimoto intercooler and a tuner soon. When looking at tuners, there’s a wide range in cost. I’ve heard a lot of good press on Cobb and Goosetuned, and am curious; aside from the price, what features set it apart from a tuner like the Bully Dog BDX? Please provide real facts and info, and not just opinions or preferences. I know Cobb and Goosetuned are great, but would like some solid info on the functional differences.

Thanks.

 

[Christopher Manns]

Are you asking about the Tune/tuner (5 Star, goosetuned, JDM)? or the Tuner hardware (i.e. SCT or HP)?

 

[WillieFlo]

Are you asking about the Tune/tuner (5 Star, goosetuned, JDM)? or the Tuner hardware (i.e. SCT or HP)?

Yes, really about the differences in the tunes themselves. I know Goosetuned tunes are a great product everyone raves about, but is the transmission programming the main difference? I wasn't sure if the BullyDog tunes worked on the shift points, or the smoothness of the shifts like Goosetuned does.

 

[Christopher Manns]

I've only had a JDM tune that i['m pleased with. I understand there are "hotter" tunes.
The @JDM uses the SCT hardware and includes transmission tuning at no additional cost (as of the time I purchased it).
As far as "features", tire size /speedo correction, stop/start disable, Octane agnostic, and no need for retuning with the addition of an FMIC and Intake. There was a questionnaire before the tune was created to include any already installed performance mods. I don't know if that is standard for all tunes.
After the purchase, my customer support experience has been really good. Something in my vehicle was intermittently wonky and the folks at JDM worked hard to adjust the tune for me even past the 1-year window.

 

[nikhsub1]

Yes, really about the differences in the tunes themselves. I know Goosetuned tunes are a great product everyone raves about, but is the transmission programming the main difference? I wasn't sure if the BullyDog tunes worked on the shift points, or the smoothness of the shifts like Goosetuned does.

Most tunes are canned, meaning uncustomized for your specific truck. Some have better reputations than others. I've not heard anyone running a bullydog tune on a Raptor so I'd stay far far away personally. The only tune that I know of that actually does some sort of tweaking to your truck is goosetuned (full disclosure i run goose). He starts you out with a pretty generic canned tune of his making then has you flog the snot out of your truck while logging. You then send him data, he reads then tweaks to what he sees and sends you a new revised tune that you then, flog the snot out of and repeat several times until he is happy with what he sees.

 

[WillieFlo]

Thanks for the feedback all, really appreciate it. Looks like the Bulldog budget tune is a no-go on this truck. Old saying holds true, you get what you pay for.....need to look into the JDM a little more.

I've only had a JDM tune that i['m pleased with. I understand there are "hotter" tunes.
The @JDM uses the SCT hardware and includes transmission tuning at no additional cost (as of the time I purchased it).
As far as "features", tire size /speedo correction, stop/start disable, Octane agnostic, and no need for retuning with the addition of an FMIC and Intake. There was a questionnaire before the tune was created to include any already installed performance mods. I don't know if that is standard for all tunes.
After the purchase, my customer support experience has been really good. Something in my vehicle was intermittently wonky and the folks at JDM worked hard to adjust the tune for me even past the 1-year window.

Most tunes are canned, meaning uncustomized for your specific truck. Some have better reputations than others. I've not heard anyone running a bullydog tune on a Raptor so I'd stay far far away personally. The only tune that I know of that actually does some sort of tweaking to your truck is goosetuned (full disclosure i run goose). He starts you out with a pretty generic canned tune of his making then has you flog the snot out of your truck while logging. You then send him data, he reads then tweaks to what he sees and sends you a new revised tune that you then, flog the snot out of and repeat several times until he is happy with what he sees.

 

[Sernas]

Bullydog and SCT are now one company. They use canned tunes that work ok but your better off getting a tune from a reputable shop. Goose tuned only works on Cobb AP. There are a lot of shops that will write you a custom tune for the SCT/BD device.

 

[Braaaaptor]

I can only speak to Cobb & Goosetune but I'll say from a hardware standpoint, the Cobb Acessport offers a lot. Aside from the obvious tuning and logging abilities I also appreciate the ability to read DTC's and clear codes if necessary and having the option to use it for 0-60 runs is also a nice added feature. Switching maps is also a quick and easy process and the whole set up works and feels good.

For Goosetune specifically, you get a lot of added benefits and having a true custom tune gave me a lot of peace of mind. You'll also get a ton of customer support and Win is easily reachable and does a great job of answering questions. Overall, you get your money's worth with the Cobb/Goose package IMO.

 

[TheC-Don]

I can only speak to Cobb & Goosetune but I'll say from a hardware standpoint, the Cobb Acessport offers a lot. Aside from the obvious tuning and logging abilities I also appreciate the ability to read DTC's and clear codes if necessary and having the option to use it for 0-60 runs is also a nice added feature. Switching maps is also a quick and easy process and the whole set up works and feels good.

For Goosetune specifically, you get a lot of added benefits and having a true custom tune gave me a lot of peace of mind. You'll also get a ton of customer support and Win is easily reachable and does a great job of answering questions. Overall, you get your money's worth with the Cobb/Goose package IMO.

This is true. Win helped me out on a Sunday morning!!!

 

[WillieFlo]

I've talked to Win, and he is really great at customer service and providing info. Top notch, and I haven't even bought the product from him yet. Given the differences I've been hearing about on features that differentiate his tunes and the Cobb from the rest, my minds made up to go with them. I'm getting ready to go that route within the next few months, but I've been waiting to see if anything develops with the cam phasers on my truck. With 43,000 miles on it, I'd like to make sure I won't have problems before I go and add the tuner & intercooler to it, and have the dealership not want to cover a cam phaser issue under the 60K mile drivetrain warranty.