Diesel tuners like the EZ Lynk and H&S Mini Maxx are devices that allow truck owners to get more power and performance out of their diesel engines. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to decide which tuner is the best choice.
This article will compare the key features and user experiences with the EZ Lynk and Mini Maxx to help you determine the right tuner for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | EZ Lynk | Mini Maxx |
| Installation | Plug & Play, Completely Wireless | Hardwired, More Complex |
| Power Gains | 30-120 HP | 30-200+ HP |
| Safety Features | Preset Parameters & Logic Controls | User-Adjustable Settings |
| Tuning Flexibility | On-The-Fly Switching Between Preloaded Tunes | On-The-Fly Switching Between Loaded Tunes |
| Gauge Display | OLED Screen, Crisp & Colorful | Digital Display, Clear & configurable |
| Price | $$ Stage 1 & 2 Very Affordable | $$$ Higher for Stage 4-5 |
Overview Of EZ Lynk Tuners
EZ Lynk is a relatively new player in the diesel tuner game, but has quickly made a name for itself by providing an easy “plug and play” tuning solution. Here’s an overview of EZ Lynk’s tuners:
- Completely wire-free installation – just plug the tuner into the OBD-II port under your dash and you’re ready to tune. No wires to run or switch to mount.
- Offers Stage 1-3 tuning allowing you to adjust horsepower levels from 30hp up to 120hp gains.
- Has custom tunes developed specifically for your year/make/model truck to optimize performance.
- Uses advanced safety features to protect transmission and engine.
- Provides real-time digital monitoring of vitals like boost, fuel rail pressure, etc.
- Engine tuning can be changed on the fly with the built-in switches – no laptop needed.
- Tuner can be completely removed in seconds for dealer service visits.
Overall, EZ Lynk is one of the most user-friendly diesel tuners available today. The plug and play setup makes installation a breeze. Just plug it in, load your tune, and you’re off to the races with more power.
Overview Of H&S Mini Maxx Tuner
The H&S Mini Maxx has been around for over a decade and earned a reputation as a proven, reliable tuner in the diesel truck community. Here are some key features of the Mini Maxx:
- Offers tuning levels from Stock to Stage 5 adding 30hp up to 200hp+ gains.
- Uses DPF delete pipes to remove diesel particulate filters if desired. This improves flow and performance.
- Features manual or automatic transmission tuning options.
- Engine vitals like EGTs, boost, etc can be monitored on the digital gauge.
- Includes switch control to change between tunes on the fly.
- Has a user-adjustable power management system to protect engine.
- Uses interchangeable tuning chips specific to your particular truck.
The H&S Mini Maxx has been around for a while, but still remains a top choice for its wide range of custom tuning options and levels. The ability to delete the DPF and tune transmissions also appeals to truck owners looking to maximize performance.
Ease Of Installation
One of the biggest differences between these two tuners is how they are installed.
The EZ Lynk uses a completely wireless plug and play design. You simply plug the EZ Lynk tuner into the OBD-II port under your dash – no wires to run or switches to mount. It couldn’t be any easier to install. Just plug it in and you can immediately start tuning.
The Mini Maxx requires a more traditional hardwired installation. You’ll need to run wires from the tuner module to your truck’s battery power and ground. The switch panel also needs to be mounted somewhere in the cab. This involves some wiring work and drilling holes for mounts.
It’s not extremely complex, but definitely more labor intensive than the simple plug-and-play of the EZ Lynk.
For ease of installation, the EZ Lynk is the clear winner here. It’s super simple for DIY users to self-install in under 10 minutes. No special tools required.
Also Read: Read About DPF And DEF.
Power Gains
When comparing tuners, one of the key points truck owners consider is how much extra horsepower and torque the tuner will add.
The EZ Lynk offers Stage 1-3 tuning with horsepower gains ranging from 30 hp up to 120 hp depending on the stage and tune selected. Torque gains are typically in the 80-180 lb-ft range.
The Mini Maxx has tuning options from Stock to Stage 5. Power gains with the Mini Maxx range from 30 hp gains in Stage 1 up to over 200 hp for Stage 5 tuning. Torque gains reach above 200 lb-ft for the higher stage tunes.
For sheer power potential, the H&S Mini Maxx has the advantage when you move to the more aggressive Stage 4 and 5 tuning. For most users though, the EZ Lynk has plenty of power gains even at Stage 2 and 3 to improve diesel performance.
Safety Features
Adding more power to your truck can put added stress on drive components. Both EZ Lynk and Mini Maxx use various safety features to provide engine and transmission protection while tuning.
The EZ Lynk uses speed limiting parameters, torque management strategies, and other logic controllers to optimize performance while protecting your truck. All their tunes are extensively tested and verified to ensure safe power delivery.
The Mini Maxx allows full user adjustment of the power management system. You can set rev, speed, boost and other limits to fine tune the safety settings on your truck. It provides flexibility for advanced users to maximize performance gains safely.
Both tuners allow monitoring of key engine vitals like EGTs, coolant temp, boost, etc. This helps owners ensure safe operating conditions when tuning.
The EZ Lynk’s safety logic is very dialed in out of the box, while the Mini Maxx allows more user adjustments. Most users will find EZ Lynk’s factory safety settings offer plenty of protection. The Mini Maxx is better suited for advanced users wanting more customization of parameters.
Also Watch The Video of H&S Mini Maxx Tuner!
Tuning Adjustability
In addition to adding power, a key benefit of tuners is the ability to switch between different tune files on the fly. Both the EZ Lynk and Mini Maxx allow quick tune changes using the built-in switches.
The EZ Lynk has switches that allow changes between the set stage tunes loaded on the device. So you can go from a Stage 1 street tune to Stage 2 towing tune as needed. Changing tunes takes 1-2 seconds.
The Mini Maxx also has switch controls to cycle between the loaded tunes. Stock, Tow, Street, Race, etc. Changing tunes is quick and easy with the Mini Maxx switch control.
Both tuners also allow custom tuning files to be loaded specific to your truck using the device software and your laptop. This level of adjustability is a big advantage over a traditional hardwired “chip”.
For tuning flexibility, it’s very evenly matched between the EZ Lynk and Mini Maxx. Both make tuning changes easy with the built-in switches.
Gauge Displays
The integrated gauge displays are handy for monitoring engine parameters in real time. You can keep an eye on vital engine data to make sure your truck is running safely and optimally.
The EZ Lynk has a vibrant OLED display that shows parameters like RPM, boost, coolant temp, battery voltage, etc. The screen is easy to read at a glance while driving.
The Mini Maxx features a similar digital gauge cluster showing EGTs, RPM, boost, and other data. The display is crisp and clear for easy monitoring.
Both tuners also allow the gauge to be customized to show only the engine vitals you find most useful. You can set up the perfect parameters to display for your needs.
The EZ Lynk gauge has a slight edge with its bright, colorful OLED display. But both tuners provide excellent monitoring of engine performance when tuning.
Also Read: Differences Between 25mm And 35mm Offset Wheels.
Price
When it comes to price, the EZ Lynk is the most affordable option of these two tuners. The EZ Lynk starts around $400 for Stage 1 tuning and ranges up to $900 for their top Stage 3 tuner kit.
The Mini Maxx is priced higher starting at $850 up to $1600+ for a loaded Stage 5 kit. Keep in mind the Stage 5 option includes exhaust upgrades like turbo-back DPF delete pipes to unlock maximum power.
For budget-focused truck owners, the EZ Lynk provides strong tuning capabilities at a more attractive price point. But the Mini Maxx does offer higher horsepower potential when you move up to the Stage 4-5 options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The H&S Mini Maxx enjoyed many years as a top diesel tuner choice, but the company recently discontinued production of the Mini Maxx. There are a few key reasons this happened:
Emergence of competing plug-and-play tuners – The wireless and easy-to-use design of options like the EZ Lynk made the hardwired Mini Maxx less appealing.
Compliance burdens – Ever tightening EPA emissions regulations made it difficult for companies like H&S to keep producing DPF-delete tuners.
Focus on new products – H&S decided to shift R&D and manufacturing focus towards their next generation Insight tuners rather than the dated Mini Maxx.
Availability of used/refurbished units – Discontinuing the Mini Maxx allowed H&S to still support existing users while encouraging new buyers to purchase the Insight tuner instead.
So the rising compliance costs combined with advancing tuner tech like plug-and-play designs led H&S to move on from the Mini Maxx. But used and refurbished Mini Maxx tuners are still widely available aftermarket.
In the few years since hitting the market, the EZ Lynk has earned a reputation for being one of the best plug-and-play tuners available today. Here are some of the key strengths that make the EZ Lynk a good tuner choice:
Super fast and easy wireless installation. Just plug it in and start tuning.
Provides excellent HP/torque gains – up to 120 HP and 180 TQ.
Advanced safety features keep your engine protected.
Tuning adjustability with customizable tunes and on-the-fly switching.
Bright, high-contrast gauge display for easy monitoring.
Durable aluminum housing designed for tough truck use.
Budget-friendly pricing compared to competitors.
Great user reviews and tech support from EZ Lynk.
For an affordable yet powerful plug-and-play tuner that’s incredibly easy to install, the EZ Lynk hits all the right marks and has earned its reputation as one of the best options on the market today. The wireless design combined with proven performance and safety makes it a great choice for diesel owners looking to add power.
The original H&S Mini Maxx utilized older technology including 7-color tuning chips specific to each truck configuration. The Mini Maxx V2 was updated with a new modern design:
Uses SD card tuning for faster custom tuning loading. Just plug the SD card in to update tunes instead of installing chips.
Full color digital gauge display with larger screen.
Additional safety logic built in for engine protection.
Improved water resistance with sealed connections.
Toggle switch upgraded to a rubberized control.
Larger memory capacity to store more custom tunes.
Overall the Mini Maxx V2 modernized an already proven tuner. But today even the V2 is outdated compared to wireless plug-and-play options. The Mini Maxx line helped set the standard for diesel tuners, but technology has continued advancing rapidly.
The Mini Maxx offers tuning from conservative Stock levels up to aggressive Stage 5 configurations:
Stock – This is a basic setting that runs like a factory stock truck without any tuning changes. Stock mode keeps emissions systems intact.
Stage 1 – Adds up to 100 HP over stock. Leaves emissions like DPF and EGR operational. Good street tune.
Stage 2 – Increases power up to 150 HP over stock. This stage usually involves some emissions component deletions for better flow.
Stage 3 – Bigger power gains up to 175 HP with more modifications required such as intake and exhaust work.
Stage 4 – Significant increases up to 225 HP+ over stock. Needs supporting mods like turbo upgrades. Race-oriented tune.
Stage 5 – The max power tune squeezing over 200 additional HP from your truck. Requires extensive build upgrades to add this kind of power safely.
The stage offerings allow you to tune conservatively or aggressively depending on your power goals and budget. Most truck owners choose Stage 1-3 for the best blend of performance and drivability.
Also Read: Is K&N Better Than Mopar Cold Air Intakes?
Verdict
- H&S discontinued the Mini Maxx due to emerging plug-and-play competition, regulation burdens, and a shift towards promoting their newer Insight tuner model.
- The EZ Lynk is regarded as an excellent tuner choice thanks to its wireless design, proven performance gains, and safety features. It punches above its budget price point.
- The Mini Maxx V2 updated the original Mini Maxx tuner with modern features like SD card tuning, improved displays, and more logic controls.
- The Mini Maxx has 5 tuning stages ranging from stock to maxed out Stage 5 builds over 200 HP above factory power. Most users opt for Stage 1-3 tunes.
Hopefully this comprehensive comparison helps provide the key considerations for choosing between the EZ Lynk and Mini Maxx tuners. Although the Mini Maxx had a long successful run, the game-changing wireless design of the EZ Lynk makes it our top pick for best plug-and-play diesel tuner these days.
But with good availability of used Mini Maxx units, either tuner can be a great choice depending on your budget and needs. Happy tuning!