Ok, so I've had a PSD for almost 2 years now, but after all the help I've gorten from you guys, I've gotten addicted to this forum and now have PMS, I think you guys call it. I have a 01 bone stock truck we use for hauling the landscape trailer around all season, usually around 6k lbs. I'd like to unleash some of this additional HP in the engine, but don't know if I want to drop a lot of cash on a tuner, or if there is a chip I can buy and plug in instead. I don't need it to be crazy, just a little more oomph. Secondly, where does this 'chip' plug into? Finally, in a side note, I'm trying to figure out how to do 'reps' on here. Lord knows there's guys who've helped me out, but can't seem to figure out how to do that. Is it because I'm using my phone? Thanks guys.

 

Oh goody!

I can't wait for all of the pseudofacts to come out.

 

Did I just open a large can of worms?

 

Not really. You will just get a wide range of opinions. Your two main options are either a programmer(plugs into the OBDII port), or a chip(plugs into the PCM). Most programmers only come available with the manufacturers tunes and cannot hold custom tunes. There are a few exceptions to this such as the SCT devices and our Infinity unit. Most chips can hold custom tunes by a variety of tuners(people who tune).

We would be happy to get you setup with a chip or programmer and some tunes if you are interested. Feel free to check out all of our tuning options HERE.

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

If you are looking for just 1 tune and not spend much $$$$.. You can have your PCM flashed with tune of choice..Justin and help with that as well

 

If you want to change the calibration, you basically have three practical choices...purchase a programmer, install a chip or reflash the PCM. Many programmers plug into your ODBII port and modify the calibration according to the settings you choose. If you want to change the settings, you have to reconnect the device and run the procedure again. A chip is mounted on a small circuit board that interfaces with the main circuit board inside your PCM...it plugs in on the back of the unit. Most chips have some method that allows the user to switch between preset calibrations while the engine is running. With a chip, the change between "tunes" is fairly immediate, which is a major benefit compared to hand held programmers because those things can take about 10-15 minutes to upload their programs. (The DP programmer is a new device that has several unique features so it may be completely different than traditional "programmers"....so you may want to check their website for more info.)

Reflashing the PCM can be accomplished by some dealers or any number of aftermarket services.

I have used a few different types of programmers, one for about 4 or 5 years and then I decided to try a PHP chip. The chip version performs so much better than any of the programmers that I have tried. A PHP PHX chip is about the same price as many programmers so I usually recommend a chip over a programmer.

In your case, a really attractive option is to send your PCM to a reputable tuner and have it flashed with a modest 40-50 hp calibration. That method will have the least amount of issues while still allowing you to use a scan tool for diagnostics without wondering if the data is accurate. I have found that some programmers and some TS style chips do report inacurate data when viewed with a scan tool. For that reason alone, I feel custom calibrations created for your particular PCM code is the best method.

That being said....I would not modify the calibration on any of my fleet trucks. The stock calibration does everything that I could ask of any of our fleet trucks...plenty of power, economy and reliability.

I hope some of this helps.

 

If you think this forum is addictive, just wait till you start adding HP..

Whatever you do get an EGT guage at the least, and probably a trany temp guage, especaly if your gonna be towing with higher HP. I have known a couple people who have burnt up motors from not monitering them. Then there's the cold air intake and exhaust, and on and on.

 

That was probably the most well thought-out post I've seen here in a while concerning this topic. The only parts that I don't totally agree with are what I quoted above.

Flash programmers for these trucks take less than five minutes to perform a reflash from stock to something else and even less time when switching from one aftermarket calibration to the next (although sitting there waiting for a progress bar or watching an incrementing percentage value count up makes it seem a whole lot longer than that).

As for the scan data and sensor input, there are plenty of "custom tuning" folks who fool stuff too....not just the evil "generic", "canned" guys. Sometimes it's necessary while other times I wonder what the hell they were thinking.....

 

if you are just looking for a little more oomph, i would say go with a computer flash.
DP tuners offers a flash tune for around $110, or you can go with a F-6 chip that you can test tunes for 10 start cycles before buying to see what tunes you want. the plus side of the F-6 chip is you can load tunes off the computer. the F-5 chip must be removed from the truck and sent back to add tunes to it.

 

You could be right....maybe it 'seems' like ages when it may only be a few minutes. When I was running the Bully Dog Power Pup in my truck, I used to return the calibration to stock once a year for emissions testing and then put it back to the 50 hp tow tune. I used to snack on a bag lunch each time I was changing the calibrations (maybe I am a quick eater).

Now-a-days, I run the Bully Dog programmer on my wife's truck. It's in the 75 HP setting because her truck was non-responsive to the tow setting...even then, it's a far cry from either of my other trucks with PHP chips. One of these days I'll get around to making some modifications to her transmission and some fresh sticks and it will probably run a lot better. Oh, BTW...I ran her truck through emissions a couple of weeks ago and just left the Bully Dog program in there....the truck easily passed. I guess I was wasting my time all those other years.

I think I understand why some of the programmers change a few of the values.....it might be the only practical way to ensure the device works across the entire platform. If so, then it seems there is a method to the madness for that segment. Of the 3 models of handheld programmers that I have tried....the Superchips product appeared to perform the best, I just wish I had AE back then to see if it modified the data also...

I would expect the custom tuning folks should be able to accomplish most of their goals without skewing the values. It probably takes a bit more work on their end but then the user doesn't have to question their scanner every time they connect.

So far the data observed on my trucks with PHP chips appear to be accurate, if stuff is being changed then I am not aware of it. By contrast, my old Bully Dog Flip Chip was absolutely horrible...it changed all kinds of stuff. It was so bad that I actually had to remove the chip completely in order to run simple diagnostic test on that truck. I am so glad I got rid of that piece of junk. I've also seen invalid data on TS style chips from eBay...I haven't had much scan tool seat time with any of the other flavors of custom tuners out there so that is about the extent of my observations so far.

 

Ok, I feel just a little overwhelmed. I'm a technology dummy. My I-phone is all I know how to work, and that is simply phone, live weather radar, and this site. I need to get something that is pretty much plug and go. I don't want to have to understand how the program works. After reading all these posts, I'm leaning towards a chip. I like the idea of reflashing the PCM, but can't spare the truck for even one day. We're pretty much flat out here for work. Pretty much just want a little more oomph, and maybe roll a little coal, hehe. My guys will be using the truck more than me in a couple weeks when we start cutting grass, but its also my daily driver to and from work. Once I get to work, I'm in the dump truck, but if this chip thing ends up being what I want, then that will be getting one too. Just don't want to put too much in there since I don't have any gauges to track temps, etc. I'll have to give Justin a call in the next few days. I saw the price for the blank chip, but wonder how much it costs to have it burned on top of that price. Guess we'll see

 

A flash programmer is FAR more friendly to [self admitted] "technology 'tarded" people since there is no removal of the PCM required and there isn't the chance of circuit board preparation issues (that even self-proclaimed experts screw up all the time). All you have to do is follow on-screen prompts (to the LETTER). But hey, do whatever you want......you'll get talked out of one of those anyway.

Secondly, if you're not the sole driver of the vehicle DO NOT get something that will "roll coal" because there isn't an equipment operator or truck driver out there that won't hesitate to beat the crap out of something...it's called "driving it like a rental car" for a reason. You say you can't be without your vehicle for a day. Just wait until somebody breaks it for you and it's down for much longer than that.

I'm simply offering another point of view.

 

I'm not sure what you mean by "it might be the only practical way to ensure the device works across the entire platform." If you're suggesting that the same program is used for every truck, you'd be mistaken. However, if I'm reading that wrong, I apologize for not understanding.

Man I wish I could get into this more without .

Again, if I could only say more. I will say however, that your above statement is exactly the reason I will never offer my own tuning for sale to the general public (along with the non-competition oath I took..). Too many people have scan tool devices and that really ruins it for everyone (especially the guy writing the calibrations).

 

I agree totaly. But It's pretty easy to pull pcm and install chip. DP has good instructions. I'm on of those "technology 'tarded" people you speak of, ad was a little intimidated, but having done it I don't think it would be a problem.

Also with DP chips you can set it to a program then unplug and pocket the switcher and no-one can change the tune.

 

Think they run from $25 - $50 per tune depending which tune you want. Should be on the website somewhere. I would suggest the F6 since he can email tunes to you. That way you only buy one or two with the chip then you can add more latter if you want