best programmer/tuner??

[cjroddam]

im gonna buy a programmer for my 08 ranger 3.0l auto trans...i was just wondering which ones that you guys have used and had the best luck with?? thanks

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

I just installed a surge performance chip in my truck from performancechips.com and got quite a bit of power. It took about three mins to install. It's working out great for me so far. I'm sure there are much better chips/programmers out there, but for the price, this was just what the doctor ordered. $80.00. My gas mileage improved a few miles to the gallon as well. I'm very happy with it. I heard Jet makes a good one too. It just depends on what you’re willing to spend. Either way, it's totally worth it.

 

[paxlineman]

quick question i am looking at programmers but are the chips better? also where do u plug the chips into.

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

A programmer is better, more expensive but better. My chip hooked directly in to the IAC wires. The one I got is cool, because you can turn it back to the stock settings whenever you want or any where in-between and still get better gas mileage. Most programmers you can also use as code readers which is really cool. It's a worthy investment for sure.

 

[bean]

question

this may be a dumb question... but what are IAC wires? interested in a chip for my ranger.

 

[betomonroy]

Your IAC and MAF are integrated and next to your air filter just before the hose. But if You really want to feel a difference with a cost effective tag attached to it... Go to your local Junk Yard and pick up a Throttle Body from a 3.0 Duratech engine out of a Ford Escape. It runs at about $40.00 with the TPS on it.
The difference is Your throttle body is 50 MM and the Escape is 60MM. So You will need the Escape's air intake hose or You'll have to stretch the original. It's possible but it takes an effort to do it.
It is almost a bolt on and trust me... it feels better than this chip. I've done it.

 

[fordboi415]

that 80 dollar chip sounds sketched especially since you have to splice wires in order to install it, most legit chips for the rangers are piggy backed right on the vehicles computer and have several settings allowing you to choose from fuel economy to most power and you wont have to splice any wires, as for the programmers its just a plug and play setup, if your looking for more power regearing would be a better investment

 

[cjroddam]

Go to your local Junk Yard and pick up a Throttle Body from a 3.0 Duratech engine out of a Ford Escape. It runs at about $40.00 with the TPS on it.

It is almost a bolt on

ok cool...2 questions...what year model escape's will the throttle body work on my 2008 ranger 3.0l??....and you said its "almost bolt on", what else is required to bolt it on??

also, would it be possible to just use the throttle body and upper intake off from an escape??

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

that 80 dollar chip sounds sketched especially since you have to splice wires in order to install it, most legit chips for the rangers are piggy backed right on the vehicles computer and have several settings allowing you to choose from fuel economy to most power and you wont have to splice any wires, as for the programmers its just a plug and play setup, if your looking for more power regearing would be a better investment

Yea, I wasn't sure if I wanted to do it when I got the chip. They didn't tell me when I paid for it that I would have to splice the IAC wire. I talked to a good mechanic about it, and he said exactly what you did. But so far it's working great for me. I picked up some good weather proof connectors for it that I can disconnect from the chip and return it to stock if I so desire in the future. I guess I'll see what happens

 

[fastpakr]

Yea, I wasn't sure if I wanted to do it when I got the chip. They didn't tell me when I paid for it that I would have to splice the IAC wire. I talked to a good mechanic about it, and he said exactly what you did. But so far it's working great for me. I picked up some good weather proof connectors for it that I can disconnect from the chip and return it to stock if I so desire in the future. I guess I'll see what happens

Wait - you're talking about the resistor mod in the IAT circuit? That is nothing but a scam product. There have been many threads here about it over the years.

 

[rurouni20xx]

was about to say that doesnt sound like a chip sounds like your putting a resistor into your intake air temp sensor and making the computer think its colder outside, richening the mix a hair. the prob w/ that is if the resistor is too strong youll be running too rich which will lead to premature plugging cats and fouling spark plugs, not good to say the least.

 

[coffee]

I would go with the SCT X3. I got mine from Fred at rogueperformance.com. He'll do three performance tunes. One for each grade of gas. He will tune your vehicle for the mods you have. It works as a scan tool, data logger, you can adjust you speedometer after gear and tire changes. For about $400 you can have versatility and fun. The unit allows for 5 resets before you have to pay a fee to unlock the tuner. I highly recommend this product.

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

Damn. I guess I should have done my research. I'm sure glad it has a fourteen day return policy. Thanks guys. I had no idea.

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

Well, I just returned my cat clogging resistor. Thanks for the info guys. I feel better now.

 

[fastpakr]

Good deal. Where did you find it - eBay?