Performance Computer Chips, Programmers, and Modules 101

Picking out a performance tuning upgrade for your new vehicle can be complicated so we would like to take a few minutes to explain what your options are so that you can better make a decision on which one will work best for your situation.  Those of us that have been doing this for a while call all performance tuning products “chips” out of habit because less than 10 years ago a computer chip about the size of your finger was your only option for a computer upgrade.   You purchased it from a shop that would program it to work with the VIN (serial # given to all automobiles) and then plugged it right into your vehicles computer.  This worked ok but it really didn’t give the user any options other than on or off so newer products have pretty much eliminated chips as option you should consider.  Even though most of the dealers you talk to are still calling them chips the actual product they are describing will probably be either a programmer or a module.

• Programmer:  A computer programmer is a hand held devise that plugs into the OBD-II port (black plug on the bottom of the dash just above the gas pedal) and reprograms (called flashing) the computer that is already installed in your vehicle.  Put simply it will make a copy of your vehicles stock programming and save it to the device so that you can put your vehicle back to stock at any time you want. Then it will create a new program and install it in place of what was there.  Once the programming is complete you unplug the devise and store it somewhere until a change needs to be made.  The devise itself has a screen that once plugged in will guide you through the installation process with simple yes or no type question.  Usually these programmers will have several power settings for you to choose from and a most of the time also have built in extra features that will do things like correct your speedometer for different size tires, remove or reset speed limiters, and read / clear check engine codes.   Programmers are a great choice for most users because setup is quick, simple, and it allows you set your vehicle up for basically any type of use.

• Module:  Unlike a programmer a module stays plugged in all the time.  They usually mount under the hood and plug directly into your vehicle’s computer or the wiring harness leading to it (called piggybacking) with stock style connectors.  Put simply a module intercepts signals going to and or coming from the computer and changes them to get a more desirable result.  Because it is always plugged in typically the horse power / torque gains provide by a module will be greater than what you will get from a programmer.  Also almost all modules have a shift on the fly feature that allows the user to change power levels without stopping to turning off the vehicle.

So which one do you want?  Well that depends on what type of vehicle you have, your budget, and what you are looking to accomplish with this purchase.  On most gas powered vehicles a programmer will be your only choice but you will most likely have several brands to pick from.  On most diesel’s you will be able to pick from a programmer, a module, or both (called stacking).  A programmer is the best choice for most do it yourselfer’s because install is usually a very simple (no tools required on most) process that takes less than 20 minutes.  So the real question is which brand.  Got-Chrome.com also sells programmers and moduels from Hypertech, SuperChips, & Banks Power but if you notice on our site we only list kits from Bully Dog, Diablo Sport, and Edge Products (our favorite three brands).

1)     Bully Dog:  Bully Dog makes a few modules for diesels, they actually still offer a chip for the 7.3L Fords, and they have more styles of programmers than any other brand.  Most of their programmers are multi fit so when you trade trucks there is a good chance you can take it off and move it over to the new one.  They offer two of the most advanced programmers available (the PMT & Triple Dog GT) that come packed with a huge list of features you wont find on any other programmer.  All of Bully Dog's programmers are internet updatable and they are constantly coming out with FREE updates that you can download from Bullydog.com. Here is a breakdown of five styles of programmers that Bully Dog offers.

• Power Pup is Bully Dog’s entry level programmer.  They are vehicle specific but one part # will basically fit the entire line.  For example the Power Pup kit for the Ford diesel's fits 1994-2010 7.3L, 6.0L, & 6.4L truck, van, or SUV all with one part number.

• Triple Dog:  The Triple dog works the same basic way as the Power Pug but it takes the multi fit concept to the next level.  One part number fits Ford, Chevy, GMC and Dodge diesels and it was the first programmer ever offered that allowed the user to shift power levels on the fly without turning the truck off.

• E3 is a new product from Bully Dog specifically targeted at commercial fleet vehicles.  It has one mild level of power increase that will safely increase your MPG and it also has a full list of built in features the most useful of which allows you to limit the vehicles max speed.

• Triple Dog GT was just released in 2009 and is an upscale version of the Triple Dog with huge list of extra features.  The biggest change is that the programmer doubles as a display screen that you can leave plugged in all the time.  It comes with a very unique new feature called the Driving Coach that will teach you how to drive if you want the best fuel economy possible.

• PMT stands for “Performance Management Tool” and a more appropriate name it could not have.

2)     Diablo Sport makes what we consider to be the best deal on a programmer called “Predator”.  The Predator is vehicle specific kit so unlike the Bully Dog kits you will probably not be able to reuse it on your next truck but it has all the features of a Bully Dog Power Pup at a much lower price and in our experience gets better results (both in power and MPG gains).

3)     Edge Products:  If more torque is your goal, and it should be, Edge Products is the brand for you. Our experience has always been that nothing will plant you further back into your seat than a kit from Edge Products.  They are primarily build products for diesel trucks but they do offer a few gas now.  Ask around and you will learn that their Juice module with Attitude controller is the most recommend diesel performance upgrade you can buy.  Programmers are a fairly new product for Edge so they don’t offer as large of an application list as some of the other brands but the few that they do make get amazing results at a very competitive price and include unique features that most other brands of programmers don't even offer.  Here is a list of products that Edge offers.

• Juice with Attitude is available for most diesel trucks like the GM 6.6L Duramax, Ford PowerStroke (7.3L, 6.0L, &  6.4L), and the Dodge Cummins (5.9L & 6.7L).  The Juice module plugs in und the hood and get what we believe to be the best torque gains of any product available.  The Attitude controller / display screen mounts inside the cab and allows the user to control the Juice module on the fly and also doubles as a complete set of performance gauges.

• Evolution is a programmer line that Edge Products offers.  The Edge Evolution started out as a hand held programmer but now most of these kits have also include a built display that shows things like EGT temps and boost pressure.  This year Edge released two new versions of the Evolution called CS (stands for color screen) and CTS (stands for color touch screen).  The CS & CTS have a whole new look, a list of new features, and will eventually be a multi fit kit that replaces all of the other Edge Evolution’s all with one part #.

• Edge Comp.  The Edge Comp is only available for the 1998-2002 Dodge Cummins 5.9L.  That we know of it was the worlds 1^st shift on the fly module and it puts out the highest torque gains of any product available for this engine (350 foot pounds of extra torque on the highest power level)

• Edge EZ.  The Edge EZ is available for 1998-2007 5.9L Dodge Cummins.  At its highest level the EZ adds about 65 horse power / 150 ft lbs of torque which is the ideal situation for towing.  This is a very quick, simple, and inexpensive way to improve your 5.9’s performance and fuel mileage.

• Trailjammer.  Edge released the Trailjammer line of kits for the 4.0L Jeep Wranglers / Cherokee a few years ago. The kit includes a cold air intake, and new larger throttle body, and a module that will let your engine know that your vehicle is now capable of receiving all of the extra air that the intake / throttle body provide.  The price on these kits scares some buyers away but for what is included and the results this kit achieves this is probably the most cost effective way to increase your 4.0’s power / efficiency without an engine rebuild.