next step... tuner?

[bigkevfann]

so now the lift is done, and i am just learning about tuners. for some reason, the superchips vivid sticks out. the few things i want to correct is the speedometer and gas mileage. the other stuff the tuner will do is great to, but not worth it if it doesn't correct speedometer and gas. my computer reads out that i average 11 mpg. i drive really easy too. i was shocked. i knew mpg would get worse, that is A LOT in my opinion. any advice as to which one to pursue and what these things will really do would be great. i have found that i can pick one up used for around $200, but they are upper $300 new. it seems like there isn't price difference enough to not just get new. thoughts?????

 

[quietpeen]

for what you say you want i don't think you even need the vivid unless you want the fancy screen. I would say you would be fine with a used 3865 and could get that cheaper yet.

 

[Hemi450hp]

For your truck, I would just pick up a Flashpaq like mentioned. New, they are just over $300, so that's not bad when you consider the benefits it has to offer. Power gains, mileage gains, correct speedo readings, and a raised rev limiter, shift points, speed limiter, etc...

Another option is the Diablo InTune which is $349. It will do everything the Flashpaq will, but it is compatable with hundreds of different cars and trucks. This is nice because you can keep it when you get rid of the truck, or if you want to sell it, there is a much larger market to offer it to unlike to the flashpaq that only works on newer Dodge gas trucks.

 

[pd298]

If your speedometer is wrong because you put bigger tires on, your actually getting better mileage than your readout is saying. Your traveling farther than your computer thinks you are, so keep that in mind also. Granted its not a whole lot better, but its better.

 

[redsand]

I picked up my flashpaq used for half of what they are new, other than the box having wear you'd never know it was used. The money I saved went to the muffler and y pipe install so it was worth it to me to buy used. I'm not sure what everyone else does with theirs but I loaded the tune and its been sitting in my center console since, well minus the couple of occasions I did some 0-60 runs and wanted to know times.

 

[bigkevfann]

thanks guys. sounds like i would be just fine picking up a used one. from looking at different classifieds... some say they have reset it, and some don't mention it. i have a pretty good idea what that means, but is that something i can do in case i land one straight out of someone elses truck?

 

[quietpeen]

you don't want to buy a tuner that is not reset. that means it is locked to the vin of another truck and will cost money to have the manufacturer reset it for you.

 

[Hemi450hp]

That is the risk of buynig a used tuner. If it is vin locked, then it is nothing more than a paperweight to you. If you buy a used one online, make sure it is from a reputable member. If you buy one locally, ask the seller to let you install it in the parking lot to make sure it is good. It will tell you as soon as you plug it in if it is vin locked or not.