Performance Tuners Chips and Modules (PCM) - FAQs

No. Using SuperChips Max MicroTruner will NOT void your vehicle warranty. It is illegal for a dealership to void your warranty based solely on the fact that you have installed an aftermarket product. For information regarding denial of warranty coverage, go to: http://www.semasan.com/

No. SuperChips Max MicroTruner will NOT damage my transmission. In some cases, transmission operation is even improved.

While the motor may be the same, the programming of the computer can and usually does change from one model vehicle to another and from one year to the next. If the label on the SuperChips Max MicroTruner states 96-03, it won't work on an 04 model.

While some Superchips products give you the choice of running 87 or 91-93 octane fuel, only the use of 91-93 octane fuel in gas powered vehicles will increase the Horsepower and Torque output.

While SuperChips Max MicroTuners are designed our for better performance, in some cases the vehicle may get better fuel mileage.

Most customers with minimal mechanical skills can install our SuperChips Max MicroTruner.

Yes, by either removing the chip or program setting.

In most cases, this is caused by a blown fuse powering the diagnostic port. On most Fords and GMC vehicles, this same fuse powers the Cigarette Lighter. On Dodge trucks, it's the same fuse powering the radio on some, but not all.

Yes, Superchips tunes at all throttle positions, from idle to full.

Yes. In most cases, but not all, this is available.

SuperChips Max MicroTruner comes with a 30-day money back guarantee as well as a limited lifetime warranty.

No. Hypertech Power Programmer Tuning won't void your warranty. Federal law prohibits a dealer from voiding your warranty just because you are using aftermarket parts, with only two exceptions: A warranty claim can be denied only if the part is the cause of damage, or if it adversely affects the emissions or the emissions system. Go to http://www.semasan.com for more information on consumer rights.

Hypertech Power Tuning is the optimization of the fuel delivery and ignition spark timing curves to produce maximum horsepower and torque. An engine's air, fuel and spark requirements vary throughout its operating range. When Hypertech's engineers and technicians develop Power Tuning for a vehicle, their objective is to absolutely nail the best spark timing and the best air/fuel ratio for every point in the rpm curve.

All Hypertech Power Tuning products are legal for sale or use on California pollution-controlled motor vehicles according to CARB Executive Orders. Hypertech Power Tuning products for 1998-2003 Ford and Chrysler gasoline, as well as Dodge Cummins diesel applications are currently in approval-pending status, based on completion of required testing presently being conducted. All 2003 and prior Ford Power Stroke and all GM Duramax applications are legal for sale or use on California pollution-controlled motor vehicles under CARB E.O. D-260-10 and D-260-11, respectively.
For Ford application list click: Ford Hypertech Power Programmer.
For GM or Chevy application list click: Chevy/GMC Hypertech Power Programmer.
For Dodge application list click: Chrysler/Dodge Hypertech Power Programmer.

Tuning an engine is an empirical process that requires sophisticated equipment and knowledgeable technicians to produce "real world" results. Power tuning is a time-consuming and expensive procedure that requires running the engine on a dyno, testing at each of the tuning points in the computer's "lookup table", and developing new values for best spark timing and fuel delivery. This is the procedure used by the automobile manufacturers, and it is the procedure Hypertech is using exclusively. Hypertech use two computerized chassis dynamometers at our Engineering Center in Memphis to develop the most powerful tuning programs possible. First Hypertech's engineers experimentally adjust the spark timing to obtain the highest torque and power readings at a given engine RPM. Then they adjust the air/fuel ratio to obtain the highest possible power and torque readings that an optimized air/fuel mixture can produce. After the spark timing and air/fuel ratio for that particular engine speed have been optimized, the RPM is increased to the next point and the entire procedure is repeated again. The process continues, point by point, up to the engine's maximum speed. This technique is called experimental, point-by-point curve fitting. There is no more effective way to power tune an engine.

When Hypertech's engineers select a vehicle for Power Tuning development, they tune a number of vehicles to establish a bell curve. For example, if you had 100 stock vehicles and tested them on a track or a dyno under the exact same conditions, you would find that most had about the same power. Some would be slightly less powerful and some would be slightly more powerful. Plotting the results on a graph would produce a bell-shaped curve. Therefore Hypertech's engineers always test enough vehicles to know that they are in the middle of the bell curve, and that the results are typical of the majority of similar vehicles. After Hypertech develop a Power Tuning program on the dynamometer, the next step is a "beta" test where they install the tuning in dozens of test vehicles for "real world" road testing and evaluation. Hypertech's engineers receive detailed reports on how the tuning program performs. If beta testing confirm their dyno results, then and only then do Hypertech's engineers release the new tuning program.

The factories tune for average drivers who might buy low-octane gasoline and lug the engine. Hypertech Power Tuning is designed for drivers who care about performance and use premium-grade fuel. With the rising cost of gasoline, Hypertech now offers special 93/87 octane "Dual Fuel" programs for selected cars and trucks with low-compression engines that are designed to run on regular octane gasoline. Hypertech have tested a few engines where the factories have left very little gains to be made. But Hypertech were still able to optimize the tuning curve to gain some additional horsepower and with all the other performance features available in the Power Programmer. Hypertech customers believe the Power Programmer has an excellent value. In general, Hypertech's engineers find that the factories do not optimize the spark curve at low speeds or extremely high speeds nearly as well as they do in the 2000 to 4000 RPM range. Hypertech's engineers often find that engines require additional spark advance at low speeds and very high speeds for optimum performance. There is no rule of thumb, however, which is why Hypertech must evaluate and dyno test specific engines and vehicles.

While most tuning is designed and calibrated for 92 or 93 octane fuel, Hypertech Power Programmer do have some applications that have a dual fuel tuning program available. Please check our Chevy/GMC Hypertech Power Programmer or Ford Hypertech Power Programmer Feature Comparison Chart for specific applications.

No. Hypertech Power Programmer Tuning won't hurt your engine. Best power is always made when air/fuel ratio and the spark tuning has been optimized for maximum power, meaning maximum "push" on the piston during each power stroke. Damage occurs if the air/fuel mixture is too lean, meaning that there is not enough fuel for the amount of air in the cylinder. This results in excess super heated air which can cause burning of valves and pistons and will also induce detonation (which can break pistons, etc.) Relative to spark timing, too much "advance" will cause detonation which reduces power and can also damage parts exactly as a lean mixture does. When Hypertech finishs power tuning, your engine will run at maximum efficiency yet safely distanced from possible damage due to leanness or excessive spark advance.

Hypertech Power Tuning is calibrated for stock or near-stock engines (engines equipped with high-flow air filters and cat-back exhaust systems). Any additional modifications that alter the engine's airflow and volumetric efficiency, such as installing a modified mass airflow sensor, high-lift or long-duration camshaft,ported heads, headers, supercharger, nitrous oxide, etc., would require new tuning. This tuning must be done individually on a dynamometer with a vehicle equipped with those parts. If you have modified your engine with aftermarket equipment other than a low-restriction air filter or cat-back exhaust, the Power Tuning developed for a stock engine may not be correct. Note that Hypertech Power Programmer III provides many additional benefits beyond Power Tuning. Depending on the application, you can adjust the engine's rev limiter, raise the top speed limiter to match the speed rating of factory-approved tires, adjust the transmission shift points and shift firmness, correct the speedometer and odometer readings for non-stock tires and rearend gear ratios, and adjust the on/off temperature for electric cooling fans. That's why Hypertech says that a Hypertech Power Programmer III is the most powerful performance product an enthusiast can own!

No. You Can't use Hypertech Power Programmer to program more than one vehicle. Hypertech Power Programmer III marries itself to the first vehicle to which it is connected. However, you can program that vehicle back to stock at any time.

Hypertech Power tuning replaces stock computer tuner inside the vehicle's computer to give maximum power and torque. The tuning can be delivered in the form of a chip that replaces the stock computer chip, a chip that piggy-backs the stock computer chip, a chip that plugs into the back of the stock computer, or a device that reprograms the stock computer with Hypertech Power Tuning. The type of device needed is dictated by the type of computer in your vehicle. The tuning information is stored in the computer chip which controls all of the engine's characteristics like air/fuel ratio, spark advance, shift firmness, shift points, top speed, rev limit, and axle ratio. Sensors monitor many engine and transmission parameters like RPM, manifold air pressure, mass air flow, coolant temperature, intake air temperature and many more. These sensors send this information to the computer. The computer uses this information delivered from the sensors along with the information stored on the chip to deliver the optimum air/fuel ratio, spark timing, shift firmness, etc. for this set of operating conditions at that instant in time. Hypertech can tune a vehicle for the conditions by using a dynamometer to measure horsepower output while altering the information stored on the chip. This is how Hypertech maximizes your vehicle's power output!

Hypertech Power Tuning does not alter part-throttle calibrations in any way that would hurt fuel economy. Only high-load calibrations are modified for maximum power and torque. Fuel economy will remain virtually the same or may even improve (depending upon specific driving patterns) unless the vehicle is driven in a spirited manner or is regularly used for towing. For trucks that tow, Hypertech's Power Tuning is generally closer to the best fuel economy than the stock tuning. So in addition to power gains, a vehicle that tows with Power Tuning will often exhibit better mileage than one with stock tuning.

It depends on the specific vehicle. On most chips, Hypertech raises the top speed limiter to give a maximum speed of 2 MPH less than the speed rating of the stock tires (i.e. if the speed rating of the stock tires was 130 MPH Hypertech would set the limiter to 128 MPH). The rev limiter is raised when possible and is completely dependent on the application. Hypertech Power Programmer III, available for 1994-97 LT1 and LT4 cars and 1996-2001 Vortec Trucks, allows the user to set the top speed limit to match the speed rating of the tires that have been installed on the vehicle. It also allows the user to alter the rev limiter within a predetermined range.
For specific Ford application list click: Ford Hypertech Power Programmer.
For specific GM or Chevy application list click: Chevy/GMC Hypertech Power Programmer.
For specific Dodge application list click: Chrysler/Dodge Hypertech Power Programmer.

The tuning delivered by Hypertech Power Programmer III will be the active tuning in your computer until YOU decide to remove it. At any time, you may plug the Hypertech Power Programmer III into the under-dash connector and reprogram your computer with the stock tuning that was originally present.

After your vehicle is returned from the dealer, plug your Hypertech Power Programmer III back into the under-dash diagnostic port. Hypertech Power Programmer III will detect that the calibration has been altered by the dealer and will ask if you wish to reinstall your tuning options. You will not lose the capability to program your vehicle with your Hypertech Power Programmer III if the dealer updates your calibration.

Absolutely! Hypertech selects typical tests for publication. Hypertech conducts consecutive tests to stabilize the engine operating conditions and performs all tests at the same oil and coolant temperatures to obtain repeatable results. Hypertech requires at least three consecutive tests with a variance of no more than one or two horsepower before they accept the results as accurate and reproducible. Due to differences among individual vehicles, a particular engine may make more or less horsepower than our published results. Please note that except for certain "Dual Fuel" applications for selected trucks, all Hypertech Power Tuning is based on the use of premium fuel. Use of regular grade or low-octane gasoline (less than 93) will result in no horsepower gain.

Diesels, under heavy loads and for long periods of time, can build up excessive internal heat in engines and transmissions. When that occurs, the check engine light may come on, or flash off and on to warn you that you need to either back off on the power level, or lighten your load. You can't always lighten your load, but now with the Hypertech Power Programmer, you can select the maximum power tuning stack you can safely use under those particular conditions. Why should you use the transmission feature? The transmission feature allows the automatic transmission's shift firmness for increased line pressure. This option should be utilized when other than stock tuning is in the vehicle. At high boost levels with higher torque, the transmission needs to have firmer shifts...this helps to keep the clutch plates in the automatic transmission from slipping. This is especially true when towing heavy loads. For everyday use, it isn't as critical.

No. Federal law prohibits a dealer from voiding your warranty just because you are using aftermarket speed equipment, with only two exceptions: the warranty can be voided if the aftermarket part causes damage or adversely affects the emissions or the emissions system. In recent documents produced by the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), a trade association-representing specialty automotive parts manufacturers, and the following quotes have been extracted:
"The vehicle manufacturer is not allowed to void the vehicle warranty just because aftermarket equipment is installed on the vehicle. This protection for consumers is the result of a parts self-certification program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).
"Under the program, if a parts maker completes the EPA process of self-certifying its parts, the vehicle manufacturer cannot void the warranty even if the certified part has failed and is directly responsible for the warranty claim. In cases where such a failed aftermarket part is responsible for a warranty claim, the manufacturer must arrange a settlement with the part manufacturer, but the new vehicle warrant is not void under the law.
"If the failure to honor a claim involves the new-vehicle warranty, and it appears that the manufacturer is improperly denying a claim, the incident should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is responsible for monitoring compliance with the warranty law; the agency's telephone number is 202/326-3128."

Yes. All JET Performance Chips and most Performance Modules are 50 state emissions legal. They do not change the emissions at all from the stock tuning chip for any Federal or local emissions test. C.A.R.B. ( California Air Resources Board) has issued Executive Order numbers D-234 through D-234-6 covering all JET Performance Power Chips, making JET Performance chips the most complete line of high-performance chips that can legally be sold, installed, and driven in the state of California. Because of C.A.R.B.'s very rigid rules concerning exhaust emissions, the Environmental Protection Agency ( E.P.A. ) accepts C.A.R.B. approval as evidence that an aftermarket part is clean and suitable for use in all other states.

JET Performance are carefully dyno and track test every product...in fact, it is these tests that tell us when we have the best possible tuning. Of course, the power gains are different for each engine family. However, power gains range from about 10 Horsepower to over 50 H.P. on supercharged or turbocharged engines, resulting in a 2 to 7 car length improvements in the quarter mile. Zero to 60 M.P.H. improvements are typically about 1/2 second.

JET Performance Stage 1 Tuning is designed for the stock engine with very little modification. It requires the use of 89 or higher octane fuel for best results. JET Performance Stage 1 tuning will work in conjunction with other modifications to increase performance (intake upgrades, exhaust upgrades, etc.)

JET Performance Stage 2 Tuning is designed for the performance enthusiast. Premium fuel is required in order to extract the maximum benefit from the new tuning. Other modifications including, less restrictive exhaust, modified intake, and 180 degree thermostat are recommended prior to using JET Performance Stage 2.

The factory program is designed for the average driver and is set to take a wide variety of operating conditions and driving styles into consideration. Consequently, stock calibrations aren't set to provide maximum power because they have to accommodate drivers who may use poor quality gasoline. For a real hi-performance person, premium is all they put in their vehicle. JET Performance optimizes the spark and fuel curves over the entire RPM band from just off idle right up to the redline for maximum power and performance from the best gasoline.

No. All tuning is designed and calibrated for 91 or higher-octane fuel. In some cases 89 octane may be used.

No. Best power is always made when air/fuel ratio and the spark tuning has been optimized for maximum power, meaning maximum "push" on the piston during each power stroke. Damage occurs if the air/fuel mixture is too lean, meaning that there is not enough fuel for the amount of air in the cylinder. This results in excess super heated air, which can cause burning of valves and pistons and will also induce detonation (which can break pistons, etc.) Relative to spark timing, too much "advance" will cause detonation, which reduces power and can also damage parts exactly as a lean mixture does. When you finish installing JET Performance on your vehicle, your engine will run at maximum efficiency yet safely distanced from possible damage due to leanness or excessive spark advance.

Custom Programs are available if you have installed headers, intake manifolds, camshafts, large mass air-flow sensors, nitrous oxide systems, or any type supercharger. You absolutely need JET Performance Custom Programs with these modifications for both tremendous power gains over stock tuning, as well as to eliminate the probability of lean air/fuel ratios and excessive spark advance which are death to modified engines. You do not need a Custom Program for engines that are stock or mildly modified. For example, high-flow air filters, cat back systems, or ram air scoops work perfectly with JET Performance Stage 1 or JET Performance Stage 2 Power Tuning.

JET Performance tuning replaces stock computer tuning inside the vehicle computer to give maximum power and torque. The tuning can be delivered in the form of a chip that replaces the stock computer chip, a chip that piggy-backs the stock computer chip, a chip that plugs into the back of the stock computer, or a module that intercepts and modifies the signals from the stock computer with JET Performance Power Tuning. The type of computer in your vehicle dictates the type of device needed. The tuning information is stored in the computer chip which controls all of the engine's characteristics like air/fuel ratio, spark advance, shift firmness, shift points, top speed, rev limit, and axle ratio. Sensors monitor many engine and transmission parameters like RPM, manifold air pressure, mass air flow, coolant temperature, intake air temperature and many more. These sensors send this information to the computer. The computer uses this information delivered from the sensors along with the information stored on the chip to deliver the optimum air/fuel ratio, spark timing, shift firmness, etc. for this set of operating conditions at that instant in time. JET Performance can tune a vehicle for the conditions by using a dynamometer to measure horsepower output while altering the information stored on the chip. This is how JET Performance maximizes your vehicle's power output!

JET Performance Power Tuning does not alter your vehicles calibrations in any way that would hurt fuel economy. Fuel economy will remain virtually the same or may even improve (depending upon specific driving patterns) unless the vehicle is driven in a spirited manner (lead foot). For trucks that tow, JET Performance's Power Tuning is generally closer to the better fuel economy than the stock tuning. So in addition to power gains, a vehicle that tows with JET Performance installed will often exhibit better mileage than one with stock tuning.

It depends on the specific vehicle. On most chips, we eliminate the top speed limiter. The rev limiter is raised when possible and is completely dependent on the application. The SCU 2000, available for 1996-2003 GM cars and trucks (see catalog for specific vehicles) allows the user to remove the top speed limit. It will also allow the user to calibrate the speedometer for any changes made in tire size and/or gear ratio