Exactly as my title states, I'm wondering if programmers prematurely wear an engine out. What exactly do they do, and how can it do it without taking a toll on your engine.

 

No they will not. If anything, they will help regulate the air / fuel mix better.

Which programmer are you looking at? Some do a few base things, and some can do more.

And if you keep your foot out of it, it will improve your gas mileage slighty.
But you see a marked difference in thottle response and accleration esp at lower speeds...

 

the only thing i think they would possibly damage would be your transmission if your doing a powertune, not one for MPG.

 

What would you recommend, for one that I could set it to get more throttle response and power, and sometimes more mpg? I really don't know much about programmers so I don't know if one can have multiple settings or if you have to buy a different one everytime you change your plans or what. Any info is greatly appreciated.

 

If you tune "smart", you'll not damage the engine at all. However, if you're over aggressive with the timing, and use cheap fuel, you could end up with detonation (piston danage).

Just don't go overboard with the timing advance(s), and use the high grade gas.

 

If you use one of the tunes that the Tuner manufacturer has setup in the tuner you should not have any issues.I have a Diablosport for my Mustang and actually get better MPG's when I keep my foot out of it.Some tunes have a firm shift tune for the trans I have that on the car and it will throw you in the seat on a wide open throttle run.I spoke to one of the techs at Diablo about if it will hurt the trans and they assured me no damage is being done it actually is causing less slippage in the clutches.If you want to really go for the HP after you add bolt ons you can it dyno tuned to get the max and safest HP from the vehicle.Also there are normally a few different tunes for 87 or 93 octane fuel...

 

My opinion on the programmers is that it will wear down a motor . In todays market it's all about horse power and better mileage. I think if these programmers/ tuners worked in the auto makers benefit by getting better gas mileage and more throttle response they would probably add them at the factory to get an edge over their competitors but then again it is only my opinion, I am not bashing anyone. How many trucks with 100,000 plus miles have a tuner ?

 

Thats a good question sportmen.. does anyone have an answer

 

Mine will.

 

my car had 90k on a custom tuned chip before i pulled the motor....new motor has 50k with a custom tune via xcal2.