CHIPS

Those of us that have been doing this for a while call all performance tuning products "chips" out of habit because not to long ago a computer chip about the size of your thumb was the only option for a performance tuning.  You would purchase the chip from a shop that programmed it to work on your vehicle and then plugged it directly into the trucks stock ECM.  This worked ok but did not give the user any options so newer products have pretty much eliminated chips as an option you should consider.

TUNER - PROGRAMMER

Even though most of the dealers you talk to are still calling them chips usually the product they are describing is actually a tuner (could also be called a programmer).  Tuners are a hand held devise that plugs into the OBD-II port on the bottom of the dash that reprograms (called flashing) the trucks stock computer.  Put simply it will make a copy of the vehicles stock programming, save it to the device so the vehicle can be put back to stock at any time, and then reflash the ECM with a new performance program.  The devise itself has a screen that once plugged in will guide you through the installation process with simple yes or no type question and will have multiple power settings to chose from.  Most tuners have extra features built in to correct the speedometer for different size tires, remove or reset the speed limiter, and read / clear check engine codes.  The newest and best performing tuners also display real time gauges on the screen while you drive. Tuners are now the most popular type of performance upgrade and for most users will be the best choice.

MODULE

Unlike tuners, modules stay plugged in all the time.  They usually mount under the hood and plug directly into the vehicle’s ECM or the wiring harness leading to it (called piggybacking) with stock style connectors.  Put simply a module intercepts signals going to and or coming from the computer and changes them to get a more desirable result.  Because it is always plugged and receives real time data typically the power / torque gains provided by a module will be greater than what you will get from a tuner.  Also most modules have a shift on the fly feature that allows the user to change power levels while driving.  The newest and best performing kits are sold complete with a monitor for inside the cab that controls the module, displays real time gauges, and has built in safety features.