Diablo Chip
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From: California Desert
Diablo Chip
Next and probably final step in engine performance for me is to get a two stage Diablo chip. There are a couple of questions I want to ask before I make this slightly pricey investment.
1) How difficult is the install?
2) On the multi-stage chips, how do you switch between programs? Is it a simple toggle or do you have to shut off the engine and pull the computer to move a switch around?
Answers to those questions and any other info would be great. Thank you!
1) How difficult is the install?
2) On the multi-stage chips, how do you switch between programs? Is it a simple toggle or do you have to shut off the engine and pull the computer to move a switch around?
Answers to those questions and any other info would be great. Thank you!
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From: York, NE
1.) Depends on the year. My 93 was a pain to get to the computer, but was still less than an hour for the total project. I think the newer models are easier to get to.
2.) The switch is connected to the chip via a cable that you have to route from the cab (or where ever you decide to locate it) and is a toggle switch that has 3 postions. Middle is the performance tune. To switch between performance and stock you have to shut the engine off, flip the switch and then restart the engine. If you have a 3rd tune, I believe you can switch between the performance and custom tune on the fly.
It is really a simple install, you need to make sure that you clean the connection really good and buff it up good to get the protective coating off of the computers contacts where the chip installs. Also, the kit includes a sticker to help secure the chip in place. Use duct tape instead, the sticker doesn't work very well. Other than that, for me it was money well spent.
Adam
2.) The switch is connected to the chip via a cable that you have to route from the cab (or where ever you decide to locate it) and is a toggle switch that has 3 postions. Middle is the performance tune. To switch between performance and stock you have to shut the engine off, flip the switch and then restart the engine. If you have a 3rd tune, I believe you can switch between the performance and custom tune on the fly.
It is really a simple install, you need to make sure that you clean the connection really good and buff it up good to get the protective coating off of the computers contacts where the chip installs. Also, the kit includes a sticker to help secure the chip in place. Use duct tape instead, the sticker doesn't work very well. Other than that, for me it was money well spent.
Adam
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Joined: Apr 2004
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I just installed an ***** chip in my truck and will try to give you some answers to your questions.
1.) Very easy in a 98+ truck. All you need to do is unplug the wiring harness, remove the computer, brush off a bunch of green stuff off the pins of the computer, then insert chip, then run cable accross dash. It should take 10 minutes, all you will need is a knife to get the green stuff off the pins, and a socket wrench to unbolt the 2 bolts to the computer, then it slips right out.
2.) The selector switch on my ***** chip is pretty ghetto, the chip came from Superchip so it isn't really *****'s fault, but all you do is move the selector switch from 0 to 4 on mine. You can switch on the fly, but why would you really want to. After running the 93+ program you will never go back.
I thought the best part about the chip was the shift improvements, if you have an auto tranny the chip should make that thing shift like an F1 car.
** For some reason ***** is filtered out by the swear filter. Wiskey Tango Foxtrot.
1.) Very easy in a 98+ truck. All you need to do is unplug the wiring harness, remove the computer, brush off a bunch of green stuff off the pins of the computer, then insert chip, then run cable accross dash. It should take 10 minutes, all you will need is a knife to get the green stuff off the pins, and a socket wrench to unbolt the 2 bolts to the computer, then it slips right out.
2.) The selector switch on my ***** chip is pretty ghetto, the chip came from Superchip so it isn't really *****'s fault, but all you do is move the selector switch from 0 to 4 on mine. You can switch on the fly, but why would you really want to. After running the 93+ program you will never go back.
I thought the best part about the chip was the shift improvements, if you have an auto tranny the chip should make that thing shift like an F1 car.
** For some reason ***** is filtered out by the swear filter. Wiskey Tango Foxtrot.
Last edited by Waffen; Apr 28, 2004 at 10:18 AM.
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From: York, NE
Yes they do, they only list the current motors, but anything Ford made in the 90's is chipable. The chip is physiacally the same for them all too, so if you ever get something else, you would be able to have it reprogrammed.
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From: California Desert
Well, I just ordered the Diablo Sport 2 stage chip. $238 with shipping. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll be able to make this work without killing my truck. (I always get nervous when working with electrical systems closlely linked to the computer. In this case, THE computer.)
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From: California Desert
It took them this long to tell me that they can't make a chip for my truck! I got an email saying that Diablo does not have this code in their database. I'm guessing they mean the computer box code. What do I do now?
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From: Claremore
Dude, that sucks. Did Ken send you the email? If not, I would try to contact Ken and see if there is anything he can do for you.
Stan
Dang, I was hoping to here good results from you.
Stan
Dang, I was hoping to here good results from you.
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From: California Desert
Well, unless I change my mind...again...I am just going to stop all mods, and when the time comes limp this sucker into the dealership and trade it in for a new 4.0L 4X4. At least then I will have a truck truly worth modding if necessary. Thousands of dollars of work dumped into my 2.5L would yeild about the same power as a stock 4.0L, and would probably end up making my truck no longer smog legal. So...8 more payments on this 4cyl, std. cab, no a/c truck...save a bit of money...and a new fully loaded Ranger will be in my driveway. Sound like a good plan?
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From: Claremore
Man... hate to hear you leave the 'ol four banger.
There are times that I get a little depressed about the lack of power, and when I get to the point that I've had enough, I'll probably go buy me a PSD F250 and still average 21 mpg (more than one will EVER get out of the 4.0, but with 6 times the power, and 5 times the truck).
Although don't take me wrong, I too have been thinking about a 4x4 4.0 Ranger. It's still a toss up, I just can't make my mind up.
There are times that I get a little depressed about the lack of power, and when I get to the point that I've had enough, I'll probably go buy me a PSD F250 and still average 21 mpg (more than one will EVER get out of the 4.0, but with 6 times the power, and 5 times the truck).
Although don't take me wrong, I too have been thinking about a 4x4 4.0 Ranger. It's still a toss up, I just can't make my mind up.
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From: Enjoying the real world.
Basically, it means that you'd need to either stop by here or send us your computer so we can read it. A code can be produced from the read. Just ain't much call for chips on the older Rangers, hence some of the PCM codes have never been read by Diablo because they simply have come across that particular computer (yet).
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From: California Desert
What do you mean "older" Rangers? I thought 98 was pretty dang new? And you can't tell me I'm the first person ever with a 2.5L to want a performance chip. I love my Ranger and I don't want to abandon it by getting a new one...but the easiest way to get more power is to get a new truck with a bigger engine. Besides...I'm smack dab in the middle of the Mojave Desert, and my little 4 banger doesn't even have a/c. I think I'm about due for some creature comforts.