Tuners/chips?

[lowcountrydupree]

Could someone explain to me the difference between a tuner and chip? Man I have alot to learn about this diesel stuff.

[rufushusky]

Well you have programmers which is something that you plug into OB2 port and it loads a program onto th ECM, changing anyone of a number of parameters, like the old Edge Evo. A chip is something that you actually plug into the ECM, which changes any number of stuff..like a TS chip. On 7.3 you can't stack a chip and a programmer, they will override each other.

[najaf4life]

maybe tihs will really help you out....

The "Performance Module" installs under the hood and works by altering your vehicle's stock ECU parameters. The main benefit with most of these units is on-the-fly adjustability (changing power levels while you drive) with a switch, or on more advanced units a display that provides additional monitoring and safety features.
The "Downloader/Programmer" works by downloading and storing your stock computer's information, then uploading a new program to the vehicle's ECU. Benefits of these units include no physical parts actually being installed on the vehicle and the overall ease of use.
The "Chip" is similar to the module in the way that it functions however most are not on-the-fly adjustable. Chips are not available on many late model vehicles, but do continue to provide some of the highest possible horsepower gains on early model year vehicles

[shu873]

Originally Posted by najaf4life

maybe tihs will really help you out....

The "Performance Module" installs under the hood and works by altering your vehicle's stock ECU parameters. The main benefit with most of these units is on-the-fly adjustability (changing power levels while you drive) with a switch, or on more advanced units a display that provides additional monitoring and safety features.
The "Downloader/Programmer" works by downloading and storing your stock computer's information, then uploading a new program to the vehicle's ECU. Benefits of these units include no physical parts actually being installed on the vehicle and the overall ease of use.
The "Chip" is similar to the module in the way that it functions however most are not on-the-fly adjustable. Chips are not available on many late model vehicles, but do continue to provide some of the highest possible horsepower gains on early model year vehicles

very good post.

[najaf4life]

LOL well thank you I didn't come up with that myself... it came from Ford 7.3L Powerstroke 99-03 - Electronic Performance

[lowcountrydupree]

So a programmer will give you more options I assume. Plus you don't have to take anything apart. You just plug it in. If I want something to ajust for normal driving getting the best fuel mileage, then be able to change more hp for towing, would a programmer be the way to go?

[Blue01F250]

It basically comes down to preference and a few minor differences...

do you want shift on the fly or no? does that matter to you? or will you just leave it in tow mode and be done. Most guys wanna race, so they want shift on the fly. Others just need a couple settings and will change to tow or econ once they finish a trip or start a trip, so no need to shift on the fly.

also look at what kind of guages you like... do you like the a-pillar guage look, or something like a monitor? Some monitors (SCT, EVO2, ect.) are an all in one deal. They are the guages and the tunes. With all these you can mix and match. Its more a question of what you prefer as they will basically all do the same thing. Usually you will see better mileage during normal driving when you have your tuner or chip on the highest setting...


.... all it really depends on then is your right foot....