Tuners & Chips

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Feb 2, 2009 | 02:44 PM

kitty*on*22's

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From: SC

Tuners & Chips

Ok, coming from the import tuner world all I know about is picking a tuning program like Crome or Hondata, chipping the ECU, and heading to a shop to get a dyno tune. Is it possible to chip the ECU & dyno tune the Expy using a tuning software or is a stand alone unit required?

All the information I've been reading about tuners and "chips" is kind of confusing me. I've been searching for info all day and have come to the realization that I need someone to explain why I would want to spend between $350-550 for a stand alone tuner for my expy. If I don't have any performance mods is there really any point other than increased fuel economy? Talk to me like I'm a 5 year old

cause at this point I can't seem to comprehend any of the info I've found at all.

Feb 2, 2009 | 04:49 PM

jayslinkn

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I think if you have made mods you can have the dealer reflash your cpu. Gets it to respond to any mods that were made.
I'm not 100% though......

I would let someone else answer too, before you throw your money at the dealer !!!

Feb 3, 2009 | 03:21 AM

c_hohensee

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I have found a local shop that does dyno tunes that will on the average increase hp about 20-30 on a ford V8 with no other mods. The way they work is by plugging an extra chip into the pcm that overrides certain parameters (true up until the last few model years which they now reflash the pcm), yet still retains the basic engine monitoring function. Taloring the shift points and pressures as well as in some cases being able to adjust for tire size changes are some other areas that they can adjust. I have chips along with other mods on my Expy and Mustang and am currently doing cams and headers along with a custom chip on my sisters 2001 supercrew w/5.4. Her truck had a gauntlet conversion done before she got it and they put a "one size fits all" programed chip in it and the performance actually improved on the dyno when we took it out before starting over with a custom tune. Feel free to ask any more specific questions and I will see if I can help.

Feb 3, 2009 | 10:07 AM

kitty*on*22's

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Ok so you're saying it would basically work the same way on my expy as it has on my Honda's in the past. I go to the shop, they chip it (or plug in and override settings?) then it goes on the dyno for a tune, correct? I would rather pay ~$150-175 for this than $300 up for a stand alone that I will have to learn how to program, or pay someone else to program.

When I chipped and tuned my JDM B16 hatch on Crome I gained about 25-30 whp with intake, header, exhaust and a mild cam. The torque gain was almost nonexistent, but Honda's are'nt torque hounds to begin with either. The tuner was also able to reset my vtec engagement and get me more horses in the mid-range powerband. And, believe it or not I actually had slightly better fuel economy afterwards. I guess I'm just looking for the most cost effective way to free up some horses, and if I'm understanding you correctly, you're saying I can basically have the same thing I just described done to the expy without having to sell my soul.

Sorry if I rambled or don't make sense

Feb 3, 2009 | 10:39 AM

c_hohensee

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Well depending on the shop. The shop I use is about $550 regular price (they have specials from time to time) and that includes the chip and dyno time. This might seem a bit pricey, but I feel they are are worth it for the support I get from them on alot of techincal matters. They know I do my own work so they do not try and push me into doing any extra work.

Feb 3, 2009 | 11:11 AM

kitty*on*22's

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From: SC

The only shops I've delt with that charge that much are Balanced Performance in Atlanta and Central Florida Turbo in Orlando. The shops around here that are capable of dyno tunes are probably not gonna be that high! At most they charge $100/hr. on the dyno, or I can get "as long as it takes" + chipping for $275. When I did the hatch I took the $275 route and was on and off the dyno in about 45 min.

Feb 3, 2009 | 12:03 PM

c_hohensee

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For that price I believe they allow 3 hours dyno time and test driving and tweaking the shift points etc. For more info the web-site is www.hitechmotorsoport.com.