Chip or Programmer
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Parkdale, OR
Chip or Programmer
Hello all. I'm new here. Just traded my 94 IDI diesel in for an 04 6.0L.
My question is, what's the difference between a chip and a programmer.
Sounds like a dumb question to some of you guys, but I've never worked on anything this new. Also, I was just looking into a mild one. These things have enough power as it is. I weighed in at 26,000 lbs. and pulled the grapevine at 60 mph. Never could do that with my old diesel. Anyways, any help would sure be appreciated.
My question is, what's the difference between a chip and a programmer.
Sounds like a dumb question to some of you guys, but I've never worked on anything this new. Also, I was just looking into a mild one. These things have enough power as it is. I weighed in at 26,000 lbs. and pulled the grapevine at 60 mph. Never could do that with my old diesel. Anyways, any help would sure be appreciated.
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Ohio
Chips are what you use to scoop your onion dip with nowadays. 
Your new truck uses control modules that can be "flashed" so to do that you need a flash tuner like the Super Chips ( SCMT 1704 ) or Diablo Predator.
Another way to increase HP is a fuel box which connects to your wiring harness and modifies the signals from your trucks original module.
You cannot stack a fuel module with a flash tuner because the advanced fuel timing would be to much in the 6.0L
Your new truck uses control modules that can be "flashed" so to do that you need a flash tuner like the Super Chips ( SCMT 1704 ) or Diablo Predator.
Another way to increase HP is a fuel box which connects to your wiring harness and modifies the signals from your trucks original module.
You cannot stack a fuel module with a flash tuner because the advanced fuel timing would be to much in the 6.0L
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: 21791
a chip is something that you install in the truck and leave there. the Edge Juice with attitude is an example of this. you unplug several electrical connections, plug the Juice in with a "y" connector, and then it mounts beside the battery. the monitor is really neat, because it is adjustable for power levels, low-boost smoke settings, and it also has boost and high-EGT warnings. the most important part is that it defuels when the EGT's get above your preset level.
a tuner is something that you plug into the diagnostic port under the dash, you load a program, and unplug it. there is no evidence on the truck for the tuner. you cannot adjust the power levels on the fly. rather, you have to plug it back in and re-load another program. you need to have gauges (conventional) to keep track of your engine parameters.
a tuner is something that you plug into the diagnostic port under the dash, you load a program, and unplug it. there is no evidence on the truck for the tuner. you cannot adjust the power levels on the fly. rather, you have to plug it back in and re-load another program. you need to have gauges (conventional) to keep track of your engine parameters.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Lake Mary, FL
Originally Posted by strokin_it7.3
a chip is something that you install in the truck and leave there. the Edge Juice with attitude is an example of this. .
A chip is generally an eprom that plug into a socket (either existing or created) on the PCM.
A chip actually rewrites the logic of the PCM in the same way a programmer does.
Here is an example of a chip: http://www.overnightautoparts.com/pe...formancep.html
The edgebox is an "inline device", which performs calculations to information coming from the PCM to alter fuel and injection timing. It is also often referred to as a "piggyback" device. It's job is to "fool" the operations ofthe PCM. It does NOT "rewrite" change the logic of the stock PCM, so it is very different from a chip.
A programmer flashes the PCM and leaves a program in it. Most programmers allow you to flash back to stock at any time.
Now, for most newer vehicles, "chips" have been replaced by programmers and are no longer available due to the need to solder in a socket to use the chip. Programmers provide more flexibility and are easier to install.
There are no "chips" available for the 6.0, but they are available for the 7.3
For the 6.0, you get a choice of a programmer, or inline device.
The programmer rewrites logic; the inline device "fools" logic.
Last edited by Vic_Ferrari; Sep 26, 2005 at 10:31 AM.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Parkdale, OR
Thank you guys for the replies. Another question. If you use a tuner in your vehicle, is it hard on anything. If I did, I would only use a mild setting. Thanks in advance for your replies.
Also, which ones are better, or are they all about the same.
Also, which ones are better, or are they all about the same.
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Bossier City, LA
SCMT 1704, may not be any better than that of the others, but in a fair comparison, much better supported by the manufacturer, (customer service) especially here on this forum. I love mine, and have not even considered another, had to send it off for upgrade for M.Y. 05 Did not cost me a penny, and no hassle returning it. Very great product. May I suggest skimming through the Superchips sticky on top of the forum. Pay particular attention to Vic's comments. He works for the company and spends much of his free, and I mean free$$ time on this forum trying to keep his customers happy, as well a a wealth of tuning knowledge on the 6.0. I am by no means knocking any other products out there on the market. Nor am I advocating that you not buy whatever you are in the market for through Moterhaven, or one of the sponsors of this site. Both of which are why we get to post on this really great board. 
Ryan
Ryan
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Lake Mary, FL
Originally Posted by hayfrmr318
Thank you guys for the replies. Another question. If you use a tuner in your vehicle, is it hard on anything. If I did, I would only use a mild setting. Thanks in advance for your replies.
Also, which ones are better, or are they all about the same.
Also, which ones are better, or are they all about the same.
