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I happened onto this board while looking for information on alumaloy (one of those infomercials, I was too late going to bed). Anyway, I own a diesel shop and carry 7 different brands of chips, and several different styles. There are programmers, multiple position chips, and single position chips. It is rather confusing. Basically, a well written chip will change computer responses creating more hp or tq over certain rpm ranges. You can get tow chips (more tq in the low rpms), general purpose chips (moderate increases across a wide band), race chips (high end hp increases), or extreme settings (extended rpm ranges not usually available through stock programming). As the programming will extend the fueling rates your engine will create more heat. You can add fuel (therefore increasing the exhaust temps) to a point where the increased temps will harm you valve seats. In the Power Stroke engine this will happen at about 1850 degrees, which is when your exhaust manifold is at 1300 degrees. So, it is recommended to install a pyrometer (measures exhaust temperature) if you are going to increase you power beyond a mild level. This is alos why you see a lot of trucks getting exhaust systems and intakes. By increasing the air flow across the engine you will lower your exhaust temps, which will allow you to increase your fuel rates without damage. However, as long as you don't get what I call horsepower-itus, you should be fine with a mild tow chip. Because of the way programs are written, come chips are lower in egt (exhaust gas temperature) than others. Having had the opportunity to try many brands, I usually recommend Diesel Power Chips to most Power Stroke owners. They come in single to four positions, so you can have a stock, tow, race, and extreme setting on the same chip and using a rotary switch you mount you can select how much horsepower increase you want or need. Obviously, if you are towing you will use a lower setting because you are creating more heat by working your engine. If you are unloaded, you can use a higher setting because the heat generated by the additional fueling will be less since you are not putting it under a heavy work load. If all you are looking for is a general performance increase, I am sure a single burn chip would suffice. However, if you tow heavy loads and need to beat the Dodge next door, you can get 2 positions (up to four available) depending on how much money you want to spend. There are tons of companies making these chips these days and you should research carefully. For instance, a Superchip or DiabloSport program will create the same hp and tq as the Diesel Power chip, but making almost 200 to 300 degrees more in exhaust temperature. If I can be of any more help, you may want to call and I can answer your specific questions. 509-922-TRUK (8785) Dale
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