Q. What is a programmer, or downloader??

A. A programmer, downloader, or flasher all performs the same basic function. 96 and up models are OBD II. There is a port usually located underneath the dash where information about check engine lights can be retrieved from. This is your OBD II port. ( On Board Diagnostics) Through this port, programs can be sent to the vehicle's computer using the handheld programmer, and all the programmers we sell retain the stock program in the event the user wants to return it to stock.

These new programs have optimized settings for fuel, spark, and transmission functions. Some programmers also have what we call "end user adjustability" where the user can change settings for different gear ratios, transmission shift firmness, fuel, and spark. Check product details for specific options.

At any time the vehicle can be returned to stock by plugging the programmer, into the OBD II port, and loading the stock program in.

We recommend returning to stock if you take the vehicle in for a recall, warranty repair or diagnostic testing. Some recalls require the vehicle's computer to be reprogrammed, and if you left it in, you would lose your tune!! At that point your programmer is locked with your original tune, and would have to be sent back to the manufacturer to be "unlocked".

Q. What is a chip?

A. A chip plugs into the service port on your ecu. Some chips simply contain one program that alter the factory settings to make more power. Chips like the SCT Eliminator can hold up to 4 different custom programs. One may be for nitrous, street, strip or whatever your need might be. Multi-program chips use a small switch to change programs on the fly. This is one of the main advantages chips have over a flasher.

Q. Wide band O2's

A. With the availability of standalone engine management systems, and custom tunes, wide band O2 sensors have been growing in popularity, for the data and peace of mind they give the user. A wideband O2 will measure the oxygen content of the exhaust and will indicate if the engine is running rich or lean.

A rich running engine will waste fuel, run poorly, and if extremely rich, can cause engine damage.

An engine running lean for an extended amount of time will almost always result in engine damage.

There is a difference between the oxygen sensor one would tune with and the type of sensor most late model vehicles come equipped with. The sensors used in vehicles today are narrow band sensors. They monitor only a narrow width of the air to fuel ratio and are typically only used at part throttle by the ecu. Once you go into wide open throttle, the factory oxygen sensors shut off, because they are not designed to measure how rich the mixture gets, and would never sample fast enough.

So this is where the wideband O2 sensor comes in. Most have the capability to read an air to fuel ratio (AFR) from 9:1 all the to 18:1. Another way AFR is read is Lambda. Lambda reads from 0-1 So if you have a Lambda of .85 this can be converted to an AFR by multiplying by 14.64. 14.64 is known as stoichiometric, which is the ideal AFR where there is no fuel or oxygen left over after combustion. So take .85 X 14.64 = an AFR of 12.4. Stoichiometric is what most vehicles run at part throttle. AT WOT this can drop down as low as 10.5 AFR on a heavy supercharged vehicle. The weight of the vehicle and modifications play a crucial role in the correct AFR.

We have many choices for wide bands. A basic kit consists of a wideband O2, controller and gauge. The problem with this is during WOT, you shouldn't be looking at a gauge, at least not studying it! Most companies now have data logging software the will record your AFR. From there some options include also logging RPM and throttle position. This is extremely helpful if the user can make changes at specific points, or has a tuner making changes via mail-order.

To install a wideband system in a vehicle, most will need an additional bung welded into the exhaust. Some vehicles may have an extra bung to plug into. If not, any muffler shop can install this for a few dollars. All our kits come with the bung and a bolt for when it's not in use. It's a good idea once you are happy with your AFRs, to remove the wideband O2. Consider the wideband like a spark plug. As it gets older it wears down, and starts to sample slower.

Q. Where do I find my PCM catch code?

A. You can find the catch code for your PCM in a few places. You are looking for a combination of letters and numbers in bold. Older vehicles will have a 3 digit code while later vehicles have a 4 digit code. In most 2000 and newer vehicles it will be on small white sticker located in the driver's door jam even with the dash. Older vehicles you will have to locate the PCM and read it off of either the connector at the front or the J3 cover at the back of the computer. Once you have the PCM code, this code can be entered directly into our Advantage 3.0 software to create a custom tuning file. The PCM code can also be retrieved using an SCT flash device such as the XCalibrator 2.