Dusterhoff 937 flex fuel vs. local shops

I-like-hp

TRX Fanatic
Joined
May 15, 2021
Messages
162
Gallery
30
Reaction score
177
Location
AZ
Current Ride
2017 Ram 2500 Cummins
I just got done reading the Dusterhoff chronicles and how safe and good flex fuel is, which sparked me to post.
I plan on upgrading my 2022 TRX. Only minor mods I currently have are SLP resonators, AFE CAI, and a JLT catch can. I’ve been doing a lot of research and for remote tuning no one gets better reviews than Dusterhoff. I was leaning towards his 937 flex fuel setup. I love the idea of not switching any hardware or having to download in a different tune. My truck is located in the east valley of AZ and would run on E54 pretty much year around. Other than when I take a road trip to Southern California or Las Vegas, etc. I started reaching out to local shops about flex tuning. Here’s what I found: The two most well respected Mopar shops from my research in the Phx area are SRT autoworks and Cordes Performance Racing. The 3rd shop I spoke with was Niche MOTORSPORTS who installed IGLA for me. Here’s what they had to say.
SRT Autoworks: I’ve read they use Barth for tuning and he has a great reputation. They do NOT offer flex tuning. I spoke to Tommy and he said he doesn’t trust flex fuel tuning. This was a FB messenger conversation so I don’t have anymore information. If I use SRT autoworks I would be doing their “exotic killer “ package (upper, lower, t-stat, injectors, BAP, tuning, etc.). and have to swap pulleys and load the correct tune to switch between ethanol and 91. Anyone know if they use ID1050 or 1300’s for this package?
Cordes: I had an in depth conversation with Joe. They use NicD for tuning and he has a great reputation (actually tuned my 01 Camaro awhile back) A couple small things he said: He definitely recommends upgrading spark plugs (NGK2309) at the time of performance upgrades. He also said the stock cats will eventually fail at the levels I was looking at-which again is basically the same package as SRT autoworks. I would guess close to 1000 hp at the crank. FYI-SRT autoworks also does a “mid pipe” upgrade on their package so I’m assuming that deletes the cats? As far as flex fuel-Joe @ Cordes says they do not do flex fueling either and he does not recommend it. He basically said it works good until you get a bad batch of ethanol that has too much water in it, etc. and it cause a problem with the operating system regarding tuning. I asked if they would be willing to install Dusterhoff’s package and he said No. I actually get his reasoning-shop blaming the tuner and tuner blaming the installer if there is a problem.

I like the idea of using someone local and their tuner so there is no finger pointing and I have somewhere local to bring it if a problem arises. Lastly Niche Motorsports also does not do flex fueling. They said they use a tuner who owns “shophellcat.com”-I don’t remember the name they gave. I did not ask their opinion in general on flex fuel.

Anyhow, love to hear everybody’s input. I know AZdinopower has used DT937 and now DT997 setup (with some small differences) and hasn’t had any issues. And is there any shop in Phx that would actually install Dusterhoff if I went that route? I am not throwing any shade at any of these shops or tuners-I just want to be informed when I make a decision. Thanks!
 

Attachments

  • IMG_8168.png
    IMG_8168.png
    446.1 KB · Views: 348
I would just follow whatever @AZDinoPwr suggests. His knowledge, blunt but substantiated information with no doubt (!) more working/engineering knowledge that most metro-Phoenix tuning shops keeps me reading....
 
Thanks for sharing the feedback from the local shops! 🍻
 
I would just follow whatever @AZDinoPwr suggests. His knowledge, blunt but substantiated information with no doubt (!) more working/engineering knowledge that most metro-Phoenix tuning shops keeps me reading....
Thanks for the vote of confidence. I’m always learning but happy I can share what I know so far and that some folks can make use of the info.
 
I just got done reading the Dusterhoff chronicles and how safe and good flex fuel is, which sparked me to post.
I plan on upgrading my 2022 TRX. Only minor mods I currently have are SLP resonators, AFE CAI, and a JLT catch can. I’ve been doing a lot of research and for remote tuning no one gets better reviews than Dusterhoff. I was leaning towards his 937 flex fuel setup. I love the idea of not switching any hardware or having to download in a different tune. My truck is located in the east valley of AZ and would run on E54 pretty much year around. Other than when I take a road trip to Southern California or Las Vegas, etc. I started reaching out to local shops about flex tuning. Here’s what I found: The two most well respected Mopar shops from my research in the Phx area are SRT autoworks and Cordes Performance Racing. The 3rd shop I spoke with was Niche MOTORSPORTS who installed IGLA for me. Here’s what they had to say.
SRT Autoworks: I’ve read they use Barth for tuning and he has a great reputation. They do NOT offer flex tuning. I spoke to Tommy and he said he doesn’t trust flex fuel tuning. This was a FB messenger conversation so I don’t have anymore information. If I use SRT autoworks I would be doing their “exotic killer “ package (upper, lower, t-stat, injectors, BAP, tuning, etc.). and have to swap pulleys and load the correct tune to switch between ethanol and 91. Anyone know if they use ID1050 or 1300’s for this package?
Cordes: I had an in depth conversation with Joe. They use NicD for tuning and he has a great reputation (actually tuned my 01 Camaro awhile back) A couple small things he said: He definitely recommends upgrading spark plugs (NGK2309) at the time of performance upgrades. He also said the stock cats will eventually fail at the levels I was looking at-which again is basically the same package as SRT autoworks. I would guess close to 1000 hp at the crank. FYI-SRT autoworks also does a “mid pipe” upgrade on their package so I’m assuming that deletes the cats? As far as flex fuel-Joe @ Cordes says they do not do flex fueling either and he does not recommend it. He basically said it works good until you get a bad batch of ethanol that has too much water in it, etc. and it cause a problem with the operating system regarding tuning. I asked if they would be willing to install Dusterhoff’s package and he said No. I actually get his reasoning-shop blaming the tuner and tuner blaming the installer if there is a problem.

I like the idea of using someone local and their tuner so there is no finger pointing and I have somewhere local to bring it if a problem arises. Lastly Niche Motorsports also does not do flex fueling. They said they use a tuner who owns “shophellcat.com”-I don’t remember the name they gave. I did not ask their opinion in general on flex fuel.

Anyhow, love to hear everybody’s input. I know AZdinopower has used DT937 and now DT997 setup (with some small differences) and hasn’t had any issues. And is there any shop in Phx that would actually install Dusterhoff if I went that route? I am not throwing any shade at any of these shops or tuners-I just want to be informed when I make a decision. Thanks!
Lots to unpack here and not sure you want any input from me but… it’s interesting that SRT points to Barth but then says they don’t do flex. Barth, Satera and Dusterhoff all do flex from my research unless there is a recent change. Barth still advertises flex packages anyway and it seems weird that a shop would use them as a tuner but not trust their capabilities.

Curious, why running e54? What part of town are you in?

The path forward for you really all depends on your goals, driving habits and level of effort you want to put in. Sounds like you have read my thoughts on most of this already but give a shout if you want any more information.
 
If you're looking for another option in the Phoenix area, I can source the parts for you and also provide installation. I'd be happy to share my experience with you.
 
I would go with Dusterhoff 100%, especially if you are considering any sort of flex setup. A lot of shops have said they had to consult him to help with issues they have run into. Remote tuning really isn't an issue. Best is to arrange a time and date for the tuning. Response has always been great.
 
I’m about to pull the trigger on SDG X tree hellaphant killer combo with 108mm TB. Love the 937 but ready for more power!
Stop stop the money tree doesn't grow this fast. What is this?
 
I’m about to pull the trigger on SDG X tree hellaphant killer combo with 108mm TB. Love the 937 but ready for more power!
Need to combine with a dedicated e85 pulley north of 17 psi to realize gains with the porting.
 
I’m about to pull the trigger on SDG X tree hellaphant killer combo with 108mm TB. Love the 937 but ready for more power!
For an impulsive OCD dude who is getting his first engine mod and thinking about the 937, would you say go for a few steps above already or start there and then feel the thirst for more?
Asking for a friend
 
For an impulsive OCD dude who is getting his first engine mod and thinking about the 937, would you say go for a few steps above already or start there and then feel the thirst for more?
Asking for a friend
If you are confident of having E85 around you as a daily and not worried about having to upgrade the billet bearing plate (not needed but advisable) on the blower the buy larger injectors. I opted for 1300CC ID injectors and 10% lower ATI, BAP knowing i was going to step up the power.
 
Last edited:
If you are confident of having E85 around you as a daily and not worried about having to upgrade the billet bearing plate (not needed but advisable) on the blower the buy larger injectors. I opted for 1300CC ID injectors and 10% lower ATI, BAP knowing i was going to step up the power.
I have E85 about 5 mins from my house, two gas stations.
I drive the truck on weekends only, issues there?
 
I have E85 about 5 mins from my house, two gas stations.
I drive the truck on weekends only, issues there?

Might want to check the ethanol content at both stations. Not all e85 is created equal.. you can buy a cheap tester bottle on Amazon or make your own.
 
For an impulsive OCD dude who is getting his first engine mod and thinking about the 937, would you say go for a few steps above already or start there and then feel the thirst for more?
Asking for a friend
The 93 tune is nice, however I ended up on E85 about 90% of the time. I just like the flexibility of going back to 93 if I ever get into a sticky situation. This isn't my daily either, however I prefer to put my kids in my truck versus my wife's expedition. So if we take any trip we take my truck.

Sounds like you just drive yours around your home for the most part. You might be fine on a dedicated E85 tune.
 
Might want to check the ethanol content at both stations. Not all e85 is created equal.. you can buy a cheap tester bottle on Amazon or make your own.
Thank you for the tip, learning small steps here. Will look up for info on that testing. Leaning at this point on a flex option
 
Back
Top