The Thorton Blog

What a plug-in performance chip changes on the Silverado’s 5.3 and 6.2 V8s, the 2.7 turbo four and the 3.0 Duramax diesel, how it compares with a flash tune on a GM truck, and which stage Silverado owners pick.

The Tacoma’s 3.5 V6 is famous for a soft throttle and busy transmission. What a plug-in chip changes on the 3.5, the 2.7 four-cylinder and the new 2.4 turbo, why TRD owners choose Stage 3, and how to install it.

What a plug-in performance chip changes on the Wrangler JK and JL and the Gladiator, why the 3.6 Pentastar responds so well on the trail and at highway speed, the 2.0 turbo and 3.0 EcoDiesel, and which stage Jeep owners choose.

The F-150 is Thorton’s best-selling fitment of any make. What a plug-in chip does on the 2.7 and 3.5 EcoBoost, the 5.0 Coyote and the PowerBoost hybrid, how it compares with a flash tuner, and what F-150 owners choose.

The Ram 1500 with the 5.7 HEMI is the single most-tuned vehicle Thorton sells. What a performance chip changes on the HEMI, the 3.6 Pentastar and the eTorque, how a plug-in compares with a flash tuner, and which stage Ram owners pick.

Compatibility, performance level, installation and safety features — the four things to check before you buy, and why the right chip depends on whether you tow, commute or chase acceleration.

A diesel truck, an SUV and a sports car each get something different from a tuning chip. What to expect for your vehicle type, and how to judge a tuner before you buy.

More horsepower, faster acceleration, better economy — the claims are big. Here is what a tuning chip realistically delivers, the two misconceptions worth clearing up, and when it is genuinely worth the money.