Chip vs. Tuner?
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New User
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Buffalo, NY
Chip vs. Tuner?
I have a '00 f250 PSD, and am hoping to get better mileage. I get about 16 MPG currently. Can anyone explain to me the difference between a Chip and a Microtuner? The superchips tuner seems like the thing to get, but the chips are a lot cheaper. What are the performance differences between the two, and will I get similar MPG increases from both?
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2000
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From: Senoia, GA
i dunno where your looking at chips but they are normally more expensive. what chips have you priced and where?
the difference is a tuner is more universal, yes it works and works well but it doesn't take in consideration current mods (exhaust, chip, intake, propane injection)... also the tuner is plugged into a port beneath your dash and the truck has to be turned off and turned on to let the computer cycle through to make the changes.
a chip however is usually custom (hence the more expensive bill) and it is burned according to how your truck is setup. it is plugged in at all times unless you take the truck in for service or you are having another chip put in.
since you are looking for more MPG's you'd prolly get the better deal by going with a tuner.
-cutts-
the difference is a tuner is more universal, yes it works and works well but it doesn't take in consideration current mods (exhaust, chip, intake, propane injection)... also the tuner is plugged into a port beneath your dash and the truck has to be turned off and turned on to let the computer cycle through to make the changes.
a chip however is usually custom (hence the more expensive bill) and it is burned according to how your truck is setup. it is plugged in at all times unless you take the truck in for service or you are having another chip put in.
since you are looking for more MPG's you'd prolly get the better deal by going with a tuner.
-cutts-
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Chip/Tuner
Also a lot of chips will allow you to switch to different levels of horsepower and with the tuner you will need to change the program each time. The chips usually cost more, but it's a lot easier to change the horsepower settings.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Shawnee, Ks
Before you go with either one, get gauges, those are a MUST if you plan on any upgrades to your truck. At the very least get a Pyrometer to keep an eye in EGT's.
Another reason in Chips costing more is that most of them offer 4 or 6 different settings, were a tuner gives 3 plus stock. Shifting on the fly is a very nice feature. To get everything out of a good chip you would want to upgrade exhaust, intake, and somthing to help the tranny like a Sonnax/tricum, upgraded valve body, or shift kit. The same could be said with a tuner like a Predator also. OH did I mention Gauges? You need those
Another reason in Chips costing more is that most of them offer 4 or 6 different settings, were a tuner gives 3 plus stock. Shifting on the fly is a very nice feature. To get everything out of a good chip you would want to upgrade exhaust, intake, and somthing to help the tranny like a Sonnax/tricum, upgraded valve body, or shift kit. The same could be said with a tuner like a Predator also. OH did I mention Gauges? You need those
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From: Rural Central Ohio
Like bigdaddyTank said, shifting on the fly is a really nice feature. From what I hear, the Predator takes about 4-5 minutes to load a program. So then, you probably miss a lot of races against some riceburners ... I'm getting a Predator though because it fits my application the best and I really like all the features.
... I'm getting a Predator though because it fits my application the best and I really like all the features.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2000
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From: Senoia, GA
Originally Posted by edub32
From what I hear, the Predator takes about 4-5 minutes to load a program. So then, you probably miss a lot of races against some riceburners
-cutts-
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Elder User
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From: West Haven, UT
The only reason I went with a tuner is for the code reader. Made it a whole lot easier to justify the expense to the wife. Now I'm trying to talk her into a nice chip. You know, so I can change settings on the fly to keep egts down while towing. 
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Originally Posted by mjwhip2
The only reason I went with a tuner is for the code reader. Made it a whole lot easier to justify the expense to the wife. Now I'm trying to talk her into a nice chip. You know, so I can change settings on the fly to keep egts down while towing.
Someday.....
Postmaster
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From: New Hampshire
i got the predator tuner so i could use some different tunes and see what my mule likes... i am going to put a 6 position chip on but i am waiting till i get all my mods put on the truck... that way the chip can be settup for my truck.. my combination of mods.. and the things i am going to use my truck for... in the meantime... i can use my predator to "play"...!
