To chip, or not to chip???

[thomsonc]

I am getting my 3.73 gears installed soon, and they are programming with the Xcal 2. Here's the question: Should I get a superchip? Down the road I'll be gettin' a blower...what are you guys' suggestions? Or does the Xcal come with a chip probably a dumb ?...but it's better to ask than remain dumb yea

 

[dustang50]

The handhelds program the existing chip. No new hardware required.

 

[ProCharger GT]

:Word:

 

[Mindstatic Pro]

no chip needed "plug and play"

 

[loosescrew79]

no chip needed "plug and play"

Well put. That is all the answer to that Q.

 

[propellerhead]

Chip = overrides the inputs and outputs to the computer; old school; needs services of a professional tuner to make changes, which will cost you each time you need a retune

Tuner = overwrites data tables in the computer; lets you make changes all day if you want, at no cost; initially more expensive than a chip (sometimes) but cheaper in the long run

The only advantage chips have now are the multi-position chips with nitrous cars. If you run a pretty decent nitrous kit, a flip chip will let you switch from your street tune to your track tune in half a second. Tuners take about a minute to re-flash. All other applications favor a handheld tuner.