How to Buy a Performance Tuner:

What to look for in a Performance Tuner

Whether it be a pickup truck, SUV, or that stylish convertible, all vehicle and engine settings are pre-set to their factory settings. What drivers do not know is that by installing an accessory such as a performance tuner, their vehicle engine performance and power can be adjusted to an optimal and more fuel efficient setting.

How this is done is by installing a performance chip into your automobile's computer. This chip can reprogram your vehicle's computer settings and therefore unlock its full potential. Drivers may experience an increase in horsepower and torque, higher engine efficiency without burning too much fuel or diesel, and a customized driving experience as per the driver's preferences and style.

When considering Performance Tuners or Chips, think about what it is that your want out of them. There are three different styles of performance chips such as the Control Modules, the Power Programmers and the Engine Management Systems (EMS). The control modules are more of an automated plug in device, where the Power Programmers can be handheld devices and allow for a more customized configuration of each drive. Lastly, for drivers who want full control and have more knowledge about the inner workings of their car, truck or SUV, the Engine Management Systems (EMS) may be suitable. Here is a closer look into these three types.

• Control Modules
• Power Programmers
• Engine Management Systems

Control modules are plug-in devices that intercept the preset vehicle information or data and, adjusts and modifies this information to a more optimal vehicle settings such as in air/fuel ratio, ignition timing, and turbo boosts. This modified information is then transmitted and uploaded to the vehicle computer. As the module is always plugged in, your engine is always tuned in to the most up to date data.

As vehicles vary in their engine size and transmission, and year, make, model application, each control modules are custom programmed to optimize the performance and efficiency of the vehicle. Also, modules can come in different power levels. Bully Dog performance tuners offer six different power levels. Control modules can also function as monitors, allowing drivers to read information such as turbo boosts, gas temperature and RPMs. These performance monitors can be found from manufacturers such as DiabloSport and Banks Diesel.

Control modules are great ways for drivers to improve performance and efficiency with little maintenance. These modules are easy and simple to install. Parts Engine carries a variety of these performance tuners and control modules from top brands as Banks Power, Quadzilla, BD Diesel, Jet Chips, Edge Performance, and Bully Dog.

Power Programmers are quite similar to control modules. They function and perform the same way, however, these devices are more flexible in terms of tuning modification and experimentation with different performances. Imagine a handheld console, these programmers somewhat operate in the same manner. Drivers will respond to a list of questions. These answers become the set of instructions, which are uploaded to the car's computer. In about a few minutes, your vehicle will be operating and tuned according to your set preferences.

The benefit of installing a power programmer is that you have more control of the tuning of your system. Whether it be changes in tire size, or gear ratio, or speed rating, drivers can make modifications at anytime. All you have to do is to provide a set of details and instructions, which will be uploaded to your vehicles onboard computer. Parts Engine also has a selection of best selling tuners and programmers from brands as Hypertech, Superchips, Edge Products, DiabloSport, SCT, and Jet Performance.

For those drivers who want the ultimate control in tuning their vehicles, Engine Management Systems (EMS) are great options. Rather than reprogramming the vehicle computer system, drivers will be replacing it. You will have total control on almost every aspect of the vehicle to the exact specifications such as the air/fuel ratio, fuel injector control, idle speeds, and nitrous management.

The EMS is mounted inside the engine compartment. Installation requires unplugging the old wires from the old computer and plugging in the new ones. EMS may also enable viewing, monitoring, and changing settings from a laptop if plugged into the EMS.

These EMS systems are very high tech and one of the best brands is AEM.

Parts Engine is Canada's number one source for truck and SUV accessories like performance chips and tuners. We carry tuners and programmers for gas trucks as well as for diesel trucks. With the abundance of brands to choose from, Canadian drivers are sure to find their vehicle applications for their Chevrolet/GMC trucks, Ford and Dodge Ram pickup trucks, or even Cadillac automobiles.