I was looking into installing a power chip (unichip, jet, hypertech) to get more from my engine after I lift with bigger tires. Looking to go 2.5 inch Pro Comp susp. with BFG 285- 70- 17. Is it worth the money to get the chip? Or will I need to regear?

 

Chips don't do squat. Search on the dozens of programmer threads and you'll have weeks of reading material. Hypertech is well accepted and works great. Added later: I have the Superchips Flashpaq and - if you read the posts - are great. No MPG improvements that I can tell but improve response.

 

A tuner will give you somewhere in the 11-18hp range way up around 4500 rpm. Down where most of us drive, 5-8hp, maybe.

What you are gaining is driveability and the added functions. Set the new tire size, gear ratio, shift points, generally better mpg's, tpms, etc.

For me, the superchips is great for the increased freeway driveability - holds speed without all the downshifting it used to do, and picked up about 3mpg. Is it supercharger or hemi power? Not by a long shot, but it is a little boost to the performance. Is it worth it for you? No clue...

 

Just to clarify, when PastorSteve refers to chips, I believe he is refering piggy back systems (like the Unichip) and not tuners like the Hypertech, Superchips and Diablo. Piggy back systems intercept sensor signals and modify them before sending them to the ECU to try to trick the ECU into doing certain things like running richer or advancing the timing. In general they suck compared to true tuners which modify the fueling and ignition timing tables directly in your ECU.


* Hypertech was the first big tuner out on the market. I've never used one. I'll let you do your own searching but I've heard mixed reviews.
* Superchips Flashpaq came along later and at least in my humble opinion is currently the best and most widely used. Most reviews are very positive.
* The Diablo tuners (I believe there are two) are new and there isn't much feedback on them yet. I believe they have a good reputation in other circles (mustangs). I believe at least one of their tuners allows a shop to customize your tune for you on a dyno. That's awesome if you have any serious performance modifications. Things like long tube headers and superchargers are available. I suspect eventually we might even see aftermarket cams and heads become available. These types of modifications will need something like this that will allow a shop to modify the calibrations on a dyno.