Im new to the whole modification thing and I am wondering what is the difference between chips and programers how do they work in general and is one safer than the other as far as not ruining the engine or damaging parts. Also does one work better than the other on 7.3Ls or why would you use on over the other. And I really appreciate the help i get on here from everyone. I know i ask a lot of questions.

 

We all asked a lot of questions at one point in time, and most of us still do ask a lot of questions. You've got to start somewhere.

My personal preference in chip vs tuner -- the chip hands down. Your best bet to try and run some searches on the forum for the most info. This topic has been debated time and time again.

But, I'll give you a quick rundown anyhow.
Programmers: Predator, SCMT, etc. all plug into the OBD-II port under the dash. You load one program at a time and keep it that way until you change it. No customization at all for your specific truck. Benefits, most have a code reader. Downsides, if you want to change your programming, you have to shut the truck off and load a new one.

Chips: DP Tuner type flip chips. Physical device that installs onto the computer in the truck. It stays in all the time. You can generally get 4-6 different programs loaded onto one chip. There is a **** for the chip that you can mount on the dash (or wherever you want to) that allows you to change the programming you run on the fly. You don't have to shut the truck off to change programming. You can get some custom tunes made for your truck with a chip as well. I know Jody at DP Tuner asks a lot of questions about your truck and any mods you have when you order one of his chips. Downsides, can be a bit more expensive (but worth every penny more, IMO) and there is no code reading capabilities.

There have been a lot of guys here who have changed from a programmer to a chip (including myself) and have been extremely pleased with the chip over the programmer. But, I don't think I know of anyone that has taken their chip out so they can run a programmer.

 

Having Used Both A Programmer And A Chip....... I Would Say That I Think Most People Would Be More Satisfied With Chip.

 

that is so true. i was running a Fueling box, (edge Juice/Attitude), then stacked a programmer, ( Edge evolution) onto it, and then removed the fueling box. then ran with the programmer solo while i waited for the chip to arrive. the chip is hands down, ALOT better than any of the three combinations i ran before. my suggestion is to skip the tuner, go right for the chip, accompanied by gauges, possibly an exhaust.

 

Excellent write-up JT......Redneckboy I would also have a vote for a chip. If you need more reading material on the downsides of programmers just jump over to the 6.0 forums one time. I have the old-style superchips module in mine and she's still ticking. My $.02