Hey guys. I'm getting ready to make a purchase on a programmer, tuner or chip but just not sure what the main difference is and what is the best bang for the buck. I know theres TON's on topics on this but just not sure still... This is what I do know...

*Chips: It looks like those cheap chips (resistors) that are advertised just don't get the job done like the real deal... But considering they are a fraction of the cost of tuning or programers, doesn't that make'em worth it??

*Tuning: Sounds like most guys like it, There's even a company that most guys on here have been real happy with and recommend because you can get 3 tunes done... My question on this one is... How does that work??? Can I switch the tune on the fly? Do I send my computer in via mail? What if I have mods already?

*Programers: Which is the best? Considering they are pretty expensive are they worth it? I plan to keep my 2007 at least 5 years, if I buy a programmer will I get my money back in gas savings? Can I switch from mpg saving to a race mode on the fly? What if I have mods?

 

The "chips" are snake oil, and just screw with the MAF inputs.

Cheap? Yup, but the companies that sell them are still making a buttload of money off of them, as a resistor costs pennies.

A tune goes in the programmer.

You buy a programmer, and either use the canned tunes or a custom tune (depending on your setup/mods and preferences)

 

I would not recommend a chip at all. All I've ever heard about them is screwing things up. But I would definately recommend getting a gryphon from PHP(power hungry performance) or an sct live wire. Both allow you to run custom tunes.

The SCT is about $200 dollars more but it allows for backup camera input and it has a pretty little touchscreen.

The Gryphon from PHP is great because it allows you to view a lot of parameters at once. Is not a touchscreen but oh we'll. I think this one is the best for the money.

I personally like the SCT better because it just looks a lot better to me because I don't like how retro the Gryphon looks. I prefer the SCT just cuz of how good it looks inside the cab (thats just me). I still think the Gryphon and SCT are side by side performance wise besides the like extra two HP the Gryphon gives.

 

My take is that most of the tuners you see nowadays are actually programmers as well, even though they have some limits to try to keep you from destroying your truck. Not sure if this applies to all systems, but the SCT and Edge offer you canned tunes, as well as the ability to tweak the tunes to match your requirements and knowledge level. I still haven't figured out why I would want to change my fuel rail pressure, but I can!

If you're not a racer or mechanic, then you probably don't need a $1000 ECM programmer.

 

Yes. The SCT is not as affordable as the Gryphon (Edge Evo). I'm also pretty sure that SCT and PHP are the only ones that do custom tunes for 04-08 150's. Soon as I come across some money I'm deff getting an S&B intake and an SCT Livewire.

 

Ok so just as I thought... Chip is out of the question Between the tuner and programer, which would give me the option to switch between 3 parameters (Race (tuned to get the most out of my CAI and after market exhaust), stock, and gas saving)?

 

The "tuner" and the programmer are one in the same, programmers contain tunes for your truck. They all come with 3 stock, or canned tunes, usually a basic 87 octane meant for the best gas mileage, an 87 tow mod, will give you a slight hp/tq boost as well as some other things and then a 93 perfermance tune

 

Do all of these tuners have to be custom tuned? Or can you somehow download or look up and enter the parameters of what mods you have done to your vehicle?

Sounds like some of the tuners mentioned are a good buy and worth the money. But I would hate to buy one and then have to pay an extra amount to have it tuned to get the most out of my CAI and exhaust system.

 

If you are going the programmer route, I strongly suggest the Edge CS or CTS. Most are here have gone with these, very easy to use and I noticed a heck of a difference. whatever you do, DONT get the Bullydog gt.. horrible piece of ****!

 

All depends on which tuner you get. Like the SCT SF3 3015 comes with three preloaded tunes on it for your engine specific and designed for stock to close to stock trucks with basic boltons like intake and exhaust but can also hold up to ten custom tunes as well which you can always add later if you build the truck to the point where it needs it.