I want to buy a diablo chip and have a few questions to ask. First of all let me preface this by saying when I worked on cars they had points and plugs and carbs, so I know nothing about computer driven, efi vehicles. I have, however, worked on computers and changed chips on mother boards so chips are not unfamiliar to me. I take my truck to the dealer now, but I don't want to for this install. I have a Ford 2003 F-150 4.6 Liter. There are a bunch of different chips listed for it, some require paper work be filled out? why is that? how do I know which one to buy? I want a chip that I can install myself (how hard is it?) and do the Diablo chips come with the tuner or do I need to buy that seperately? I have not purchased one of these for the mear fact that is so confusing to me, maybe someone can shed some light? sure would appreciate it.

 

diablo chip installs in less than 20 minutes- i recommended the flip chip for the extra few bucks so you can return to stock settings if premium prices rise- also- ken usually burns em for 91 octane as that is the highest you can get in some areas- i had him reburn mine for 93 and it was an noticeable improvement over the 91 setting- ken is a top notch guy to deal buisiness with-phil

 

Basically the chip is a small board with a slot, like a miniture version of a PCI slot on a motherboard. The Ford computer has an edge connector that the chip board plugs onto. You simply take the clear insulation coating off the edge connector (the chip comes with what you need to do this or a you can wipe it off with finger nail polish remover).

If your truck is stock, or slightly modified (intake or exhaust) paperwork isn't needed. The mass airflow and oyxgen sensors allow the computer to adjust for the majority of air volume related modifications you make.

If you were to add a larger mass airflow sensor, change the cam, heads, add nitrous, change to larger/smaller tires, or change the axle ratio, then we would need paperwork from you listing the changes so we can program for them.

The computer can be programmed one of two ways:

1. chip - plugs into the computer and overrides the stock EEPROM chip (you leave the stock chip in). Diablo chip stays in the computer.
2. tuner - plugs onto the OBDII test connector, located under the driver's side dash. It prompts you with a couple of questions and then it reprograms the stock EEPROM, just like upgrading a flash BIOS chip on a motherboard.

If you go with a tuner, it costs a lot more, but you get a diagnostic code reader with it plus you have some control over custom shift points and speedometer changes for different tire sizes.

If you go with a chip, it costs less and has slightly more power. There are three options:

1. One Stage chip: has a performance program on it. This program runs all the time. Requires premium fuel. Can be reprogrammed by us if your needs change. Cannot be upgraded to a 2 or 3 stage.

2. Two Stage chip: comes with a switch. You can turn off the performance program should you need to use 87 octane fuel. Can be upgraded to a 3 stage chip.

3. Three stage chip: comes with a switch. This is used mainly by people who have a special need for a third stage. For example, the truck has nitrous oxide and you need to switch over to a special nitrous setting when you turn the nitrous on.

 

it's making much more sense now. my truck is stock and I don't plan on any other mods other than maybe flowmaster cat-backs. I am interested in being able to raise my top-speed limiter, change shift points and to get better performance by using premium fuel but need to be able to change back to stock for 87 octane use and towing. In your opinion, with these wants in mind, what chip or programmer should I buy?

 

DIABLOSPORT!

 

I'm almost there, I appreciate all the help. Would that be the 2 Stage Diablo Delta chip for gas engines for $229.95? am I correct that I need to supply some code off the truck's computer box? I was reading about these Diablo chips and said something about using Windows 98 software to program them? is that done before it is shipped to me or by me at home?

 

The chip comes to you ready to go. It also comes with detailed instructions on everything you need to do. From what I hear so far, it is a very easy plug 'n' go process. Ken (webmaster) programs the chip for you before you ever get it.

You will need the ECU code for him to program it for your truck.

I think it's on the Passenger Side Door (?) on the edge of the door. It will be 3 letters followed by 1 number. If it's not on the Pass side, try the driver's side door.