“The bottom line for your guys is this: Don’t think that you can’t improve the performance of the modem computer truck.” Heffington said. “You can. Sure, the tools have changed, but the basic idea hasn’t. If you remember nothing else, remember this:A chip can help you in three basic ways. First, the majority of the gain is improved fuel economy. Who’s going to argue with that? Second, the chip improves towing ability, and it also helps the vehicle perform better offroad. Third, it helps the vehicle deliver improved acceleration and performance overall.”
If the chip can deliver all that, then why are there still so many Doubting Thomases? Apart from the fact that many of us instinctively shrink from the new, one of the major stumbling blocks to the acceptance of high-performance chips is the fear that such modifications will void the warranty—a fear often played up by truck dealers. Despite what the service manager at your dealership may tell you, such modifications are completely legal—and protected by federal law—as long as you use parts that have been certified by the Environmental Protection Agency If the dealer gives you a hard time, stand your ground.Your truck is legal, your warranty valid.
A couple of years ago, a truck performance expert told me, “No question, electronics is a whole new ballgame for a lot of people in the automotive aftermarket. It’s an extreme challenge. And if you can’t conquer it, then you might as well forget everything else— because no matter how good the other pieces are, if you can’t make them work with the computers on these trucks, you can’t deliver better performance.”
But the aftermarket is meeting the challenge. So, when I hear a friend moan about the “good old days of burnt rubber and sweet thunder,” I tell him the “good old days” are right now. Here’s what the thunder said to me: You want a truck that can handle deep-rutted trails? Done. You want a truck that can tow a loaded trailer up to an alpine deer camp? Done. You want a truck that burns less fuel, but delivers more performance? Done. You want a truck that effortlessly pulls a fully loaded bass boat up a steep, slick boat ramp? Done.
The only difference now is that we don’t get our hands dirty— unless, of course, we’re trying to pull a nightcrawler out of a Styrofoam cup for a favorite nephew who believes his uncle is just the guy to help him catch his first big bass.