chips, tuners, programmers, and modules...

[mschn99]

i thought i would get this discussion started, for all motors. Some guys area asking how a module can leave no "trace" of itself while a chip can...etc...so here goes. This is going to be pretty generic, not fitting ALL of the chips, modlules, tuners, etc...so dont beat me up if it doenst fit one, just discuss it.....lol

Chips are the most basic and biggest power gain potential form of tuning...they "plug into" the PCM literally and change its function. Chips are very easily detectable base on the fact that they are not as easy as other options to hide. Once the plug is removed on the PCM, someone could easily figure out it was chipped, although not everyone is that smart...lol. Chips also leave codes in the PCM and actually change the PCM stratagy or sensor readings depending on chips...

Tuners generally dont change PCM sratagy. They change sensor imputs to modify what the computer does. They usually are plug and play because of this. They arent generally the biggest HP gains, but especially with the 6.0, can be one of the safer options....

Programmers do it the safest way for not being detected amongst the options for modifying PCM stratagy. They generally plug into the data link connector used for any access to the modules in the vehicle....and actully change the PCM stratatgy. If not taken out with the proper process, they are easily detected though.......They leave not tell tail physical signs, but can leave a code indicating the programmer was there. be carefull with this

Modules are USUALLY similar to the 10 or 18k mod on a 7.3. Even on a 6.0, its a similar deal. They are used to fool the pcm into thinking ICP is a little low, thus having it bump the pressure. Since there is nothing way out of wack, the computer doesnt store a code or leave any incication the module was there. Usually these modules do not claim massive power gains because they are not changing computer programming.

This listing doesn not encompass all products, so dont use it as a guideline for making purchases or decisions, just use it for what it is, a general rule of thumb.....