Performance Chips

[pfaiazza]

I was wondering if anyone has actually tried those chips from ebay that are like 30$ claiming they were rated best chip, up to like 100 hp and 30% mpg or something ridiculous like that.

Are they horrible? how much better are the jet ones?

thanks!

 

[snake]

Run like hell from those snake oil salesmen. Those are just a resistor that you can buy for 25c at radio slack. They fake out the intake temp sensor into thinking the outside air is colder than it actually is, then advances the timing for a little boost.

The real chips cost 3 or 400 bucks and run a different program in the PCM for better power and tighter tranny shifts. Of course, programmers are more bucks but more versatile than the chip, consider that in your search for oooomph.

Edit: 100 HP? Ha!! That ought to tell you they are full of shit right there! Stay away from those tornadoes too, more useless BS. Even the expensive chips and programmers will only give you a small percentage of power increase with a gas engine. (diesels see way bigger gains) Still worth it to me, I've been running my truck "hot" since it was a month old.

One more advantage with the programmer- you get three programs based on the octane of gas you can find or afford at the time. If gas goes back to $4, you may want to take the chip out. With the programmer, just set it to 91 octane or back to 87. I got the guy to customize mine so even running the 87 octane setting I have no governor (set at 255 MPH) and tighter tranny shifts!

 

[Shran]

^ what he said. These are worthless. You will actually get worse gas mileage with these and any gain will be very minimal.

 

[pfaiazza]

thats exactly what i wanted to hear!! i new it was to good to be true haha

So what brands would you recommend for programmers/chips, and like whats the difference really, sorry im a huge newb, just bought my first truck, about 5 days ago

also, i was told that i could switch the regular filter to a K&N cone filter and it would be exactly the same as cold air intake, how would i do that? remove the factory box?

 

[pfaiazza]

I was actually at a truck store near my place and saw this thing called the tornado air swirler or something that you put near ur throttle body, supposed to help with gas and give it a little bit of a pep in its step, ever heard of it?

 

[Shran]

The only reason you'd add a K&N cone filter is to free up room in your engine bay. I did it and it's kind of nice. It is not a cold air intake however since your engine fan blows hot air right onto the filter so there is no gain...plus your stock intake is a "cold air intake" anyway.

Tornados are worthless as well. It's all hype.

Don't listen to anyone who says a bunch of bolt on stuff like this will help at all, and pass it on to you everyone you know too.

 

[snake]

I was actually at a truck store near my place and saw this thing called the tornado air swirler or something that you put near ur throttle body, supposed to help with gas and give it a little bit of a pep in its step, ever heard of it?

See my above post paragraph three.

 

[pfaiazza]

so would there be any difference between replacing my factory filter with a drop in k & n or a cone one?

yea so the programmer sounds pretty cool, since the truck is relatively new i dont wanna go all out with mods but there is some physical stuff i wanna add like some extra lights, maybe change my tail and headlights, exhaust im thinking of also...can you recommend any specific stuff that has a good reputation for good gains or good sound or anything, even good extra light brands

 

[Shran]

To your first question, no.

Second, check and see what will void your warranty first. Some car manufacturers will consider your warranty void if you even install aftermarket exhaust (Mitsubishi comes to mind, not sure about Ford)