I am new to the Dodge community. I just purchased an '08 Dodge with the 5.7 Hemi. I have read you can get new computer chips to regulate the motor. My question is three-fold: what do they do, how much do they cost, and what is the best one to get?

 

Do a search (located at the top of the page) and type in programmers. There is probably a million threads. Welcome to the site and damn, that is quite the camper.

 

I don't know if a tuner exists for the 08s yet, but Superchips has the best "canned" tunes, and they run about $400. What they do is based on the type of tune, some are designed to optimize fuel economy, others for performance and they offer some horsepower and torque gains.

 

I know you can get either the Bully Dog or the Super Chips tuner. Both will run you about $400 like mentioned above. Iam not sure if SCT makes a tuner for the '08's yet or not.

As far as what they do. They will check and clear engine codes, calibrate speedo to tire size, adjust shift points (if needed), tune to gas economy or performance and a few other things. Check the thread above and if you still can't find anything or have more questions, post up.

BTW, welcome to the forum.

 

A very popular combination is what's commonly called "the big three". A cat-back exhaust, CAI and Tuner such as the Superchips Flashpaq 3815 would give nice performance as well as fuel economy perks. All three are relatively low cost, easy install products, that compliment each other well and many never see the need for any further modifications. The Flashpaq has three built in "tunes" and one specifically for towing/hauling that may just be taylor made for you...

 

I am sorry Hammer, but what is CAI?

 

Sweet! I checked out the programming device. Looks pretty easy...? Even I could do it?

 

Cold Air Intake.

There are about a zillion different kinds.

 

TIZI,

Since your a Dodge guy now, you'll be required to know the following Acronymns...

Test on Tuesday.... J/K

AFR - Air Fuel Ratio
APPS - Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor
CAI - Cold Air Intake
CARB - California Air Resources Board
CEL - Check Engine Light
DTC - Diagnostic Trouble Code
ECM - Engine Control Module
ECU - Engine Control Unit
EGT - Exhaust Gas Temp
ESP - Electronic Stability Program
ET - Elasped Time
EVAP - EVAPorative emission control system
IAT - Intake Air Temperature
LSD - Limited Slip Differential
MAP - Manifold Absolute Pressure
MIL - Malfunction Indicator Light
NOS - Nitrous Oxide
O2s - Oxygen Sensor
OBD - On-Board Diagnostics
PCM - Powertrain Control Module
PCV - Positive Crankcase Ventilation
QC - Quad Cab
RC - Regular Cab
RKE - Remote Keyless Entry
S/C - Supercharger
SC - Superchips
TB - Throttle Body
TBS - Throttle Body Spacer
TC - Torque Converter
TPS - Throttle Position Sensor
TSB - Technical Service Bulletin
VSS - Vehicle Speed Sensor
WOT - Wide Open Throttle

 

woah, wtf?? im hoping, for the sake of your social life, you didn't just type this out from memory