Edge Pulsar vs Banks Derringer On the L5P Duramax

Some prefer the new Edge Pulsar units, and others prefer the Banks Derringer's. In this segment, we'll dive into the pros and cons of each, as well as other nonbiased opinions from other shop owners. We'll show data from the Pulsar and the Derringer from their respective companies, and then later on we'll have 3rd party shops show side-by-side comparisons on the dyno.

Now HP isn't the end-all winner, there's much more to like about each, and below we'll go over them in detail and let you decide which is right for you. Also will discuss the warranty debate as well.

Edge Pulsar Tuner - Price ($799.99 MAP) - https://www.injectedmotorsports.com/product/edge-pulsar-2017-2019-gm-66l-duramax-l5p

It's a new product that actually piggybacks the ECM under the hood. Some features include:

No wires and plugs into the ECM
Pulse width driving all the injectors
Throttle Enhancer built into the unit
Instant power, no flashing, with shift-on-the-fly capability through the steering wheel controls
It does have a transmission slip back down- meaning power will decrease if a slip is detected
Will provide the ability to recalibrate the speedometer for wheel/tire changes (range 29-50)
Can be updated through the internet
5 power levels with a tow tune (LVL 2) within those
A big plus is the ease of installation as it can be done typically in 10-15 minutes
Transmission relearn feature for new power levels
Display injector balance rates
Manual regen available through Insight
Updates for Pulsar is managed directly through the Insight instead of requiring a laptop

**Added features coming to couple with the Edge CTS3 monitors so that's a big plus as the CTS3s can force regens and show additional data/parameters

Tips/tricks:

-Be very careful with the push tabs on the ECM harness as they can break easily. The space around the ECM is tight so be careful when pulling the ECM out.

-Recommend taking it off before going to the dealer so they can perform any necessary updates to the truck.

Things we would change:

-Have a wireless wifi ability to update the system as cords are always a hassle. (UPDATE)- Wireless updating is being worked on and could be out this year in 2020.

Edge Warranty:

-The Warranty is Limited to one (1) year from the date of sale and limited solely to the parts contained within the product’s kit. WARRANTY IS VALID ONLY FOR NEW PRODUCTS PURCHASED THROUGH AUTHORIZED DEALERS (proof of purchase required for all warranty claims).

EDGE MANUAL - https://edgeproducts.com/support-pdfs/Pulsar-L5P-Manual.pdf

Here are some numbers from Edge on the Pulsar unit as it has a ma HP of 90 and a max torque increase of 156 lb-ft

Banks Derringer w/idash - Price ($739.00 MAP)- https://www.injectedmotorsports.com/product/derringer-tuner-gen2-activesafety-and-idash-18-super-gauge-2017-19-chevy-gmc-2500-66l-l5p

The Banks Derringer has proven to be once again a reliable and safe power tuner from Banks. It differs from the Pulsar unit above. Some Features:

Offers 6 power levels with a max HP of 61 and a max torque increase of 112 lb-ft
Data logging up to 20 parameters w/idash and even more with the added data monster
Shift on the fly works with cruise control engaged
ActiveSafety protects your engine/powertrain
Can run multiple idash modules to show more real-time parameters
Regen status displayed over power level when Regen is active and can Force Regens!
Corrects MAP and FRP parameters to accurate readings
Update Derringer software and calibration through iDash 1.8 using a microSD card
Warranty friendly: No reflash required and no traces left in ECU
The Derringer connects in line with your truck's engine sensors. But, unlike others, it also connects to the vehicle's OBDII diagnostic bus connector

Things we would change:

-Less wiring and faster install

-SD cards can get lost or broken, so a better more efficient way to update if needed. (UPDATE)- Wireless updates are being worked on and suspected to be out sometime in 2020

Banks Warranty:

- Gale Banks Engineering (BANKS) warrants to the original purchaser that any parts purchased from an authorized dealer shall be free from defects in material and workmanship from the date of purchase for the corresponding time (1 year for the idash and Derringer). - see full warranty disclaimers here - https://official.bankspower.com/customer-support/banks-product-limited-warranties/?_ga=2.240840709.72355100.1575094362-1562933029.1558929709

INSTALL VIDEO:

BANKS MANUAL- https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.bankspower.com/sdc/manual/97661_L5P_Derringer_v4_2_web.pdf

Here are some numbers and dyno results from testing done by Banks:

Dealership Warranty Question:

With either of these units technically they can void a Manufacturer's Warranty as it's always up to their discretion. Now neither leave the footprint like the EZ Lynk or EFI live platforms, but they can view previous Max Torque gains. Banks states the ECM doesn’t know the Derringer is adding fuel, so its fuel rate and reported torque value remain stock. With a reflash tuner, the ECM knows about the extra fuel which raises the max torque and raises red flags at the dealership. The Derringer is safe and leaves no footprint.

But like mentioned above take these devices off if you're concerned about the dealer saying something and most of the time it's a non-issue. Every dealership operates differently, and some are more lenient than others. The dealership would have to prove the device caused any failures to void any warranty work. They can't really void it because of power numbers but more on the CAL ID side of things if they can prove what caused whatever the issue was. So to sum it up it's a hard question to answer straight where they could void, but it's unlikely. (if anybody or shop has experience with it and wants to add something here message us and we'll be glad to put it in here). Thanks

Comparing Both the Pulsar and Derringer:

Installation and Look

Have to give the edge here to the Pulsar unit as it's a faster install that connects right to the ECM and has no wires. Plus the added features of the CTS2 monitor will be nice to have. (CTS2 monitors can force regens).

Throttle Response

Again the advantage is Pulsar here as it has the throttle enhancer already inside (But Banks will be releasing their new version called the Pedal Monster in the next few months so this can change).

Updating

We'd call this a push right now as both need cables to update, and if you lose the SD card from Banks, that's not good, but Banks will be coming out with wireless updates this year.

Parameters/ Datalog

Banks get the edge here as it does provide more parameters to datalog right now and has the neat gauge look. Banks do one of the best jobs in the industry for testing numbers.

Power

Initial test numbers show the Pulsar with the Advantage, but again we'll wait to see more head-to-head results soon. Banks have done more testing. * We've put down 88rwhp on a Banks Derringer with the pedal monster and HSP air intake.

Product Testing/ Tech Support

Right now we give the advantage to Banks as they do have more numbers and testing to back up their claims and we feel give better tech support right now. Still the same after 8 months Banks still give better support and customer service.

Towing

The slight edge here to Banks as it towed on level 3 with better shift points and lower temps.

Controls

Banks with the edge here again as you can adjust the power levels on the fly and while in cruise control whereas with the Pulsar you have to take the cruise off in order to change the levels.

Speed Limiter

Neither can get rid of the limiter as you need custom tuning in order to do that.

Emissions:

Both Banks and Edge (D-802-9) Have EO #s.

*** We are working on getting side-by-side dyno testing with the 2. Results will be posted here as soon as we obtain them. Thanks!