| There are three different styles of performance chips | | | | Based on how you respond to the questions, the |
| to choose from, each with their own unique | | | | power programmer then uploads a new set of |
| characteristics and capabilities. | | | | operating instructions to your vehicle's computer. The |
| However, for all their differences, the one thing they | | | | new operating program only has to be uploaded once, |
| have in common is the power to propel your vehicle's | | | | so you can pack away your power programmer or |
| performance to unbelievable heights. | | | | experiment with some of the other settings and |
| 3 fundamental types of performance chips | | | | modes. |
| Control Modules | | | | Best of all, the whole process only takes about 10 |
| A control module plugs directly into your | | | | minutes, and the only tools you'll need are your own |
| under-the-hood electrical system, standing right in | | | | two hands. |
| between the data from your various sensors and the | | | | The advantage of power programmers is that you |
| computer. | | | | have greater control over the tuning of your system. |
| The module intercepts the data before it has a chance | | | | For example, you will be able to recalibrate your |
| to reach the onboard computer. Then, it analyses the | | | | onboard computer to any changes in tire size, speed |
| information, determines the proper adjustments to the | | | | rating or even your rear end gear ratio. |
| air/fuel ratio, ignition timing and other key functions, and | | | | These changes dramatically affect your vehicle's |
| then sends commands to the onboard computer. | | | | performance, but your computer does know to |
| A control module delivers accurate, immediate tuning | | | | recalculate unless you use a power programmer to |
| for your engine because it is always plugged in and | | | | communicate with it. |
| constantly reading and interpreting data from your | | | | Moreover, many of our power programmers let you |
| sensors. | | | | tune your engine for regular octane usage instead of |
| Each control module is custom-programmed to | | | | the usual 91 or higher fuel grade. |
| maximize the output and efficiency of your vehicle's | | | | Engine Management Systems (EMS) |
| specific year, make and model, taking into | | | | If you want total control of your vehicle's computer |
| consideration engine size, transmission type and even | | | | system, don't just reprogram it-replace it. An EMS is a |
| your stocktire size. | | | | complete substitution for your stock onboard |
| What's more, many control modules come in different | | | | computer, giving you virtually unlimited command over |
| power levels, or stages. That way, you can choose | | | | just about ever aspect of your vehicle's control |
| the perfect amount of power for your unique driving | | | | system. |
| habits. | | | | Engine management systems are designed to |
| Many of the control modules for diesel rigs have | | | | customize your car, truck, or SUV to your exact |
| optional in-cab monitors that display up to the second | | | | specifications. |
| readings of such critical engine information as turbo | | | | For those of us who know about the inner workings |
| boost, engine gas temperature and RPMs. | | | | of your entire drive train, only an EMS gives you full |
| Some even display your 0-60 acceleration and quarter | | | | control of every minute detail, from your air/fuel ratio |
| mile time, and give you on-the-fly control of different | | | | and fuel injector control, to idle speed and nitrous (wet |
| settings. For the best results, you will want to use a | | | | or dry) management. |
| higher grade fuel with more octanes, like 91 or higher. | | | | You mount the EMS inside your engine compartment. |
| Installing a control module is simple and should not take | | | | Once it is secured, you simply unplug the wires from |
| more than 15 minutes. They have a built-in, | | | | your old computer and plug them into the new one. |
| heat-shielded wiring harness that plugs directly into | | | | Those wires sync your EMS with all of your vehicle's |
| your onboard computer, so there's absolutely | | | | sensors, so it has an immediate connection to all the |
| nosoldering, splicing or drilling required. | | | | data from every critical part on your automobile. It |
| After all the wires are connected, you never have to | | | | uses the readings from your sensors to run your |
| worry about adjusting the module ever again, unless | | | | engine at its peek level. |
| you would like to return to your factory settings. | | | | You can even plug your laptop into the EMS to view |
| Power Programmers | | | | performance information and manipulatesettings. |
| Like control modules, power programmers reconfigure | | | | Sure, a control module, power programmer or EMS |
| your vehicle's onboard computer to perform at peak | | | | unleashes huge gains in horsepower, torque and |
| levels, but they operate differently. | | | | efficiency, but you are probably wondering how it |
| Rather than being permanently installed into your | | | | actually works. |
| electrical system, power programmers like Superchips | | | | For most performance parts, their purpose is |
| are plug-n-play devices. | | | | obvious-more power. You can visualize and hear a |
| Before hitting the road, you connect it to your OBD-II | | | | hotrod exhaust system hard at work, and you can |
| Port, which is handily located right under your | | | | hold the pipes and headers right in your hands. |
| dashboard. You will then answer a number of | | | | A performance chip, on the other hand, exists in the |
| questions about your vehicle, any modifications you | | | | invisible world of electrical pulses and binary codes. |
| havemade and what level of power you want. | | | | |