Hey everyone

My name's Jake - I'm from Warren (5 miles north of Detroit), Michigan. I just bought (not leased) a new 08Ram. I got the thing for a steal - just under 23k with a few options. Hemi, Big Horn, Non-slip rear differential, heated mirrors, trailer tow package, 20" wheels, remote start, chrome side step up bar, overhead "comfort console" (tells the mpg, direction of travel, etc) - that's about it.

I've got a couple questions about computer chips used to enhance gas/performance.

1). Do they work?
2). Do they hurt your car/truck?
3). How are they different from programmers?
4). Do they void my lifetime warranty?

I am not trying to come off as a know it all at all or sound arrogant but it seems to me that if a chip could give a truck considerably better power AND economy, the manufacturer would have offered it or installed it. That said, I know chips work because I know friends who run them - what I don't know is if they're hurting their trucks AND if they're able to get both performance and economy.

A few days ago my stepdad (who is leasing an 08 ram - like father like son I suppose) handed me our most recent over-used, faithful, trusty, drooling-drawing, eye-popping Summit Racing catalog. As a sidebar I would seriously take two months of wages in pure Summit Racing bucks.

I digress

He first pointed out the Jet Perfromacne Stage 1 and Stage 2 Performacne Chip. This one guaranteed the ability to "modify the way your comptuer adjusts paramters liek spark advance and air/fuel ratio, tuning your vehicle for maximum horsepower and torque." I started to peruse other ads and noticed the Jet Performance Programmer. This said it could "tailor your vehicle's performace to your needs...you'll get unique progrms for regular, midegrade, and premium fuel to maximize horsepower and fuel economy...you can also modmify air/fuel ratios, ignition, shift points shift firmness, speed limiter, etc."

When asking my stepdad what the difference was between the chip and the programmer, he said that the chip is a pre-programed setup that pretty much just tells the truck to do one certain thing. The programmer would allow me to do what the chip advertised (give me power) but also switch the truck over to more fuel economy.

Here's my scenario - I drive 120 miles round trip for work 3 - 4 days a week. Thus, on the freeway I need fuel economy a little more than all 345 horses. However, yesterday I found myself pulled off the freeway with my trailer and 76 Trans Am behind it. Merging back on involved pulling the extra 5000 pounds and me standing on the gas peddle - that would have been a great time for more power.

Here's where I'd like your input. I'm brand new to the game of chips and programmers. On the other hand, I desparately want this truck to last at least 10 years.

Your input is appreciated.

Jake

 

Can't help you with your question but, welcome to the forum. Red

 

As far as i know no matter what kind of chip or programmer you put on it.. the dealership will know and it will void a warranty. With saying that if you do not care about your warranty.. the best way is to get a custom tune with a handheld. However, if you do not have the money, I had superchips on my 99 RT and it worked great. But it wasnt nothing to even say i had done to it. As far as pulling a load i have heard great things about the superchips. But custome tunes are always going to be your best bet. Im not familliar with the 08's so you might also want to check with a predator and or diablo programmer.. if they offer one for your truck its prob the best customizble programmer out there without getting a tune.

I hope i helped you out some. And im new to but welcome.