Kindergarten question
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Kindergarten question
I have a question. When people are talking about their programmers and tuners and they say that they have it on a 50 or 80 HP setting, does that mean that their engine is just doing 50HP or is that 50HP above standard. What does all of that mean. I am getting serious about modds and need to start learning.
Also, I understand that if you buy a tuner, you just plug it into the connector under the dash, push a button or two and BOOM you havejust changed the way your truck runs. Is that not right? But what if you put a chip in? It goes under the hood so how do you make settings on one of those. Do you have to get out and raise the hood to make changes? THANKS
Also, I understand that if you buy a tuner, you just plug it into the connector under the dash, push a button or two and BOOM you havejust changed the way your truck runs. Is that not right? But what if you put a chip in? It goes under the hood so how do you make settings on one of those. Do you have to get out and raise the hood to make changes? THANKS
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,413
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From: Columbia, MO
In theory, it's 50 or 80 hp over stock. But, depending on your supporting mods, like filter, exhaust, turbo, fuel, etc..., it could be more or less.
The tuners do plug into the OBD-II port under your dash. You have to shut the truck off to change settings. It can take anywhere from 10-30+ minutes to put in a different program, depending on the programmer and the engine computer.
A chip plugs into the engine's computer, which is actually located in the driver's footwell. You do not have to get out or raise the hood, or even shut the truck off to change programs. You simply move the **** to a different setting. IMO, the chips are superior. They perform better and you can change settings on the fly. Here's a picture of where the **** for my DP flip chip is mounted. It's black ****:
The tuners do plug into the OBD-II port under your dash. You have to shut the truck off to change settings. It can take anywhere from 10-30+ minutes to put in a different program, depending on the programmer and the engine computer.
A chip plugs into the engine's computer, which is actually located in the driver's footwell. You do not have to get out or raise the hood, or even shut the truck off to change programs. You simply move the **** to a different setting. IMO, the chips are superior. They perform better and you can change settings on the fly. Here's a picture of where the **** for my DP flip chip is mounted. It's black ****:
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,413
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From: Columbia, MO
Oh, it's definately getting there. 
There's now a 4 pod gauge mount on the A-pillar, and the 6-gun tuner (used only for monitoring purposes) is on the left side of the steering wheel. Check out my "Gauges" gallery!!
There's now a 4 pod gauge mount on the A-pillar, and the 6-gun tuner (used only for monitoring purposes) is on the left side of the steering wheel. Check out my "Gauges" gallery!!
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Medic 66, you get everything you need to mount the chip and switch ****.
Be sure to follow the directions concerning installation.
Be sure to follow the directions concerning installation.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NJ
It only takes about 3 min. to change the program on the Predator. I'm curious- how often/why do you need to switch programs on the fly? Just for the extra fun??!!
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From: memphis
You don't NEED to switch programs on the fly.
YOu don't have to carry a tuner with you.
And you can do it anytime anywhere.
If you pull up to a light and your buddy happens to be in
the next lane you don't have 3 minutes.
YOu don't have to carry a tuner with you.
And you can do it anytime anywhere.
If you pull up to a light and your buddy happens to be in
the next lane you don't have 3 minutes.
Last edited by hott-rodd; Apr 24, 2006 at 09:59 AM.
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Also - and this is very important to me - you can warm up your engine in stock mode, nice and easy and gentle. Then, only after it is warm, switch over to a more powerful tune.
You can do that with a tuner, but it is inconvenient and often impractical.
You can do that with a tuner, but it is inconvenient and often impractical.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Elverson, PA
Originally Posted by hott-rodd
If you pull up to a light and your buddy happens to be in
the next lane you don't have 3 minutes.
the next lane you don't have 3 minutes.
It also nice to be able to switch DOWN a setting instantly if your towing, and your EGT's are getting out of control!!
I could/would never want to go back to a tuner - way WAY better power out of a custom tuned chip - the "instant flip" between settings is just the bonus!! If I'm not mistaken, there are a LOT of us that have sold "tuners" to upgrade to flip chips... even a few of us have sold perfectly "good" chips, to go with the "best"!!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,296
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From: Coal Valley, Illinois
I would go with a DP-Tuner (Jody Tipton) chip. I had a predator tuner and switched to a 6 position chip. I got stock, 40, 60, 80 120 and high idle for around $425. A tuner will cost about as much and the chip is superior IMHO. I still have my Predator for it's diagnostic features. One good thing about the Predator is the ability to run diagnostics, pull codes etc.. My recommendation, get a chip, you'll be very happy.
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I switched from an Edge Evo to a DP tuner flip chip - 40hp, 80hp, 120hp. No contest. I would never go back to the tuner.
EGT is lower, MUCH less smoke, MUCH better shifting, and a lot more driveable. Oh, yeah, MUCH more power, too.
EGT is lower, MUCH less smoke, MUCH better shifting, and a lot more driveable. Oh, yeah, MUCH more power, too.
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So when I call and say to Jody I want one of your chips that I want to put it on my daily driver that I hardly ever tow with and want to "notch the truck down" some to UP the MPG's. Is this basically what I would tell him?