Power Programmers???


johnboy13

15+ Year Member

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May 13, 2009
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I was considering getting a programmer to give it that extra muscle that it needs for when I'm hauling my trailer loaded with 4-wheelers. Anybody have one or have any experience with one?
 
Don't have one. Want one. Search. Most people recommend one from bamachips.com
 
Have a SuperChips Cortex for my 07 Ranger 4.0. The Cortex has four different programs in it, including towing. Check out their web site. I choose them because of their rep, that the Cortex gives you a two year powertrain warranty, is updateable via their site (their new economy prog is free to those with registered Cortexs). I love mine!
 
The jet chip is total BS, all they do is adjust the timing, Basically all the chips are just basic changes.

Your way better off getting a CAI and exhaust, a good tuneup. If you must get a chip or a programmer, Bamachips, or someone that can burn their own chips, would be the best way to go.
 
You didn't say what year your Ranger is. If it has ODB-II, you need to check out rogueperformance.com for the SCT X3. Fred just became a Vendor on this site and can program the SCT X3 to do anything you want it to. You can recalibrate your speedometer, check your codes. Use it with a laptop computer and use it as a data logger and have the perameters in your program to make it more efficient and run better. Use it to read and resaet codes. I've got one and Fred did a great job om mine.
 
i think a 50 shot of nitrous would be the best bet, the kits are cheap and its way more then a ton of bolt ons and electronics can get you, can the 4.0 handle nitrous?
 
what does the superchip cost? how noticeable is the power gain? i noticed a big dif when i added a k&n replacement filter and cut open the front of the filter box. i also just put a cherry bomb glasspack on it and noticed a difference. i would hope the power gain is noticeable, or i wouldnt feel its worth the money.
 
Retail is $430, I got mine from Summit Racing for $380. I am sure you can probably fine one even less on ebay, etc. The other programmers recommended are indeed good (except the Jet), but that I am aware of, Superchips is the only one to give you a 2 yr power train warranty with their Cortex. I can tell you what Superchips says the Ranger 4.0 SOHC gains in HP on a dyno (13.8hp/19.6tq), but the difference in seat of the pants feel is most telling. I also can adjust shift pressures on my auto. I don't know what the others have in them, but the Cortex has a tow program, an economy prog, a performance prog (two levels), etc. And, it is capable of being used on other vehicles as specified, and updated (free) on your computer as Superchips makes them availble.:yahoo:
 
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Take a look at the SCT X3: http://sctflash.com/PDF/X3_SF3Manual.pdf
As a TRS vendor, you would be getting it from a member, for a member, supporting TRS and the Premium Members through donations.
Now, there is a difference between SCT and Superchips. With the SCT tunes, you will be getting something tweaked for your specific vehicle (with data logging available). I'm not a big supported of the "retail" tuners as they are entirely "generic" tunes.
 
Looking on the link you provided, it does not list the Ranger. You said they were tweaked for a specific vehicle, so that must leave us out. The 4.0 in the Mustang/Explorer is different than the one in the Ranger (throttle body/valve train/cpu tuning). Am I missing something? When I called SuperChips about your "generic" tune comment, the tech laughed. He explained that the Cortex IS vehicle specific (like the Ranger); but they load additional tuning data for other Ford vehicles (specific models/years/engines) into it for greater usage. I use my single Cortex on my 07 Ranger (performance) and my son-in-laws 99 Expedition (towing). You may also wish to explain to Johnboy 13 why your programmer only gives a one year warranty on the programmer itself vs Superchip giving a 2 year POWERTRAIN warranty. Also, perhaps I overlooked it, but does your programmer have a towing specific package? Is it available with other performance tunes without having to get back online and downloading it and possibly having to pay an additional charge for it? Your MSRP is $480; what will you sell it to Johnboy13 for (as he "supports the Premium members through donations")?
 
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Shamus said:
Looking on the link you provided, it does not list the Ranger. You said they were tweaked for a specific vehicle, so that must leave us out. The 4.0 in the Mustang/Explorer is different than the one in the Ranger (throttle body/valve train/cpu tuning). Am I missing something? When I called SuperChips about your "generic" tune comment, the tech laughed. He explained that the Cortex IS vehicle specific (like the Ranger); but they load additional tuning data into it for greater usage. I use my single Cortex on my 07 Ranger (performance) and my son-in-laws 99 Expedition (towing). You may also wish to explain to Johnboy 13 why your programmer only gives a one year warranty on the programmer itself vs Superchip giving a 2 year POWERTRAIN warranty. Also, perhaps I overlooked it, but does your programmer have a tow package? Is it available with other performance tunes without having to get back online and downloading it? Your MSRP is $480; what will you sell it to Johnboy13 for (as he "supports the Premium members through donations")?
Click to expand...

I think if you check out http://rogueperformance.com/RogueCustomTuning.html , you will find pricing compatable. You can purchase tuners from many sources, but I've found that it's only as good as the programmer. That's why I prefer purchasing from dealers like Fred at Rogue Performance, as he will customize the tune to your specific needs. In my case I've added a supercharger, intake, exhaust, which needed, a modified tune. Other customers of mine have had a needed for a specific performance tune, as they have upgraded the injectors and maf etc.
 
MSRP $679; Rogue's price, $570. Comparable? :icon_rofl:And, once again, the Ranger is not listed.:eek:WHY?
 
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