I want something not really a tuner, but something you can plug in and leave in. I dont know what to call it, but something to increase HP via the computer with out a Xcal 2 or 3? Is that possible?

 

yes

 

you can get a PHP gryphon, which sits on a custom pod on the left side of ur dash. never comes.

from jackandjanet: A chip plugs into the PCM itself (up in the engine compartment or in the cab behind the glove box - wherever your PCM is located) and it stays there. If the chip has several programs (tunes), you will have to route a wire, possibly through the firewall to a switch you can get to in the cab, so you can change from one tune to another. A chip needs no "reloading" of tunes and different tunes can be selected "on the fly" with a chip. You have to carefully clean the coating off the connector if you use a chip, so installation is a bit "touchy". Chips are not available for some of the newer vehicles. A programmer is much more simple to use. In fact, no mechanical or electrical skill is needed at all. And, programmers let you make custom changes to parameters such as Tire Size or Gear Ratio, a feature that chips don't offer.

 

Mig, how much does what your talking about cost, and what company etc...

 

i wouldnt get a chip. PHP gryphon makes a dash pod that stays in and never has to be plugged in. there about $400. great programmer

 

I've been reading about those recently, how much do custom tunes cost, and what are some of the advantages? Thanks, Fred

 

Chips are a great option if you do not want a display or handheld unit. They can be cheaper as well. PHP can program one for your truck and it is plug and play after you clean the conformal coating off of the connector. Troyer does chips as well. There are also chips with switches that allow you to change tunes "on the fly" and on the 97 - 03 there is no problems running wires as the chip socket is inside the cab above the passenger side kick panel. The chips can contain the same custom tunes as the Xcal. It is just another delivery method.
The newer model ECM/PCM do not have a chip connector though so you will need a handheld. 97-03 and 04 Heritage (old body style 04) all have chip sockets inside the cab.

http://www.troyerperformance.com/cgi...catalogno=1100

 

http://www.jetchip.com/Shop.asp?catID=1&Redir=Modules

i dont know anything about em.

 

They're are referred to as "programmers", and for those with V6's PHP Gryphons are not an option.

 

i had a 'superchips' chip in my old ranger.. the only differance i noticed was no top speed limiter.. didnt really notice a performance gain.

i bought the edge evolution/gryphon for my 04f150.. noticed a huge difference.. but it did cost a bit more over a chip.. but you get what you pay for. i do not regreat buyin my tuner. worth the extra money

 

Most chips are custom tuned just like the handheld but there were canned tune ones as well. Chips are a cheaper option if you do not want a handheld programmer.