What is the difference between a programmer and a chip? I have 35"s with the 5.4 and want a little more power to get going. Would I be better to go with a programmer or a chip. I was looking at the edge evolution but really dont want to spend all of that money. Is it worth it and will it solve my problem without having to regear or is there another chip/ programmer that would suit my needs better? I really dont want to regear. Thanks

 

You do not use a chip with the later models, you just reprogram the computer with a tune. There are several tuners available, some with canned programs, others with custom programs for your particular vehicle, created from info you furnish the programmer.

 

I'm running 35s on my 03 and didn't want to regear also. I had a Jet Chip and then sold it and bought the EDGE. My advice is this:

If you don't want shell out $400+ for a new EDGE or XCAL2 (which are 2 of the best programmers out there), then I would watch EBAY and the classifieds on this site. I picked up the Jet Chip (which gave me a little HP boost and better MPG) from someone on here for cheap ($50). I then sold it and upgraded to the EDGE. A used EDGE is a great way to go. They are $100-$200 cheaper than a new one, you can program them for your 35s, run CEL trouble codes, will increase MPG and HP and you have 3 settings you can run. You can't do any of this with a chip. I have nothing against XCAL2 and if I had to buy a new EDGE or XCAL2, I would have bought the XCAL2. However, because they are custom tunes for your truck instead of out of the box, you can't really buy a used one and it takes 6 weeks to get.

I think you'd be happy with a used EDGE. I love mine and still have cash left over for other mods.

 

Ok looks like I am going to look for a used one. Thanks for all the help

 

I found a xcal2 in like new condition for 200 bucks. The guy said he used it on an 05 fx4 with an airraid intake and magnaflow exhaust with computer code BKP1. I have an 04 fx4 with k&n intake and flowmaster exhaust, but dont know my computer code. Will this match up, work, and be a programmer to slove my problem. Thanks?

 

35's with or without programming is harder on the trans than 35's with gear swap. Changing from stock (31) to 35's without re gearing changes your overall ratio and there is only one way to get that back...

 

I think you need to have it retuned for your truck, the XCAl2s aren't out of the box programmers. Try doing a search in the forum for it. Someone can answer this better than I can.

 

BKP1 is an 05 PCM code. You will need to get a new set of tunes to load onto it. One option is to call Troyer Performance and get your tuning worksheets submitted asap. They can email you a set of custom tunes and you will reload them onto the xcal2.

 

How much would it cost to regear? And where would i go?

 

Hi Jesse101,

You would be far better off by getting a new XCal 2 with our custom tuning - that way, you will be protected with a full warranty and tech support, etc., which you do not get buying a used unit. It all gets down to what you have to pay for the used unit, as you if you buy that used unit, no, it will NOT work with your truck with it's existing tunes, so you will have to pay for all new tunes. By the time buy that tuner used *and* pay for new tunes, you are almost at the cost of a brand new unit and being protected with a warranty and tech support - and depending on that unit's age, knowing that you got the latest unit with the upgraded memory, backlit screen, etc.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not completely against buying used, if it turns out to be a bargain - only you can decide that - if you like, give us a call and our staff can go over those numbers with you so that you will know how you come out either way, and can then make a properly informed decision. Also, check to see if the previous owner bought it new from us, because if they did, then we charge a little less for the new tunes and you get additional benefits - that is a benefit we provide to those who buy them new from us and who then go on to sell them later - just FYI.

Last - while I am a fan of upgrading the gears with big tires, I suggest that you first have us tune the vehicle, as we have tuned *many* of thee trucks with 35" tires and the owners were happy enough with the added performance that they did not go on to the large expense of regearing their truck. If you had 37's or 38's or larger, I;d say do both the tuning *and* the gears, but usually with tires up to not more than about 35", in most cases we can make the owner happy with the performance via our tuning.

I hope that info helps a bit, & please feel free to call us, our number is listed just below.

Good luck!