April 2018 RPM Reduced

Programmers are something of a
universal answer for enhancing
the characteristics of modern
vehicles. They are useful in improving
fuel economy, horsepower, towing
capabilities, and even allowing drivers
to tap into the onboard computer for
complex diagnostics and adjustments.
The nuts and bolts? A programmer
accesses the ECU of the car and
manipulates mapping of the fuel and
timing to enhance the power curve.
This offers the ability to switch from an
economy tune to a performance tune.
Additionally, programmers work to
enhance shift points of the transmission
and can even be used to recalibrate the
speedometer (with the right model).
However, a tuner’s ultimate job is to get
man in touch with the engine. When
carbs and distributors disappeared,
the gap between driver and machine
widened. Suddenly, the car is solving
its own problems and adjusting
itself on the fly. With a good tuner,
consumers find themselves able to
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tap into the knowledge of a powerful
computer to help strengthen the
characteristics craved most when
driving. And really, it reinforces the
bond between man and machine—that’s
what this industry is all about, right?
As a shop owner, focus on stocking the
best of the best and knowing the product
inside and out. Marketing Coordinator
Kris Lavery has a rule of three that
comes in handy here. “There are three
keys, in my opinion, to increasing
your average sale and building a loyal
clientele that becomes your most
effective form of advertising: know
your product, know your customer,
and have good/better/best options…
but ALWAYS show them the best first!”
Superchips, Hypertech, Diablosport, Jet,
Bully Dog, and Edge make tuners that
reach well within the realms of economy,
performance, and towing gains for all
types of applications. You’ll find Jeepers,
modern muscle fans, truck fanatics,
and even sport compact guys debating
about who holds the crown. But for sure,
the names above are in the running.
Despite proven results, there’s a lot
of controversy surrounding computer
programmers, and consumers are
often misinformed. For years, people
have been led to believe that tuners
automatically void a vehicle’s factory
warranty upon installation. In actuality,
though the idea may hold some water, it
isn’t completely true. Superchips, a longtime
and trusted supplier of computer
programmers, addressed this issue right
on their website, stating that “consumers
of aftermarket products are protected by
the Federal Magnusson-Moss Warranty
Act. The Act provides if something
breaks on your vehicle and you take it
in for warranty repair, the dealer must
honor your warranty unless whatever
modifications you have added to your
vehicle directly caused the problem
in question.” So, in other words, if you
have a problem that isn’t directly linked
to the programmer, then a warranty
should be honored. If, however, the