Journal
Straight answers about chip tuning — what ECU remapping actually does, whether it is safe, and where your warranty stands.
More from the journal
What a plug-in performance chip changes on the Tundra’s 5.7 and 4.6 V8s and the twin-turbo i-Force Max, why Tundra owners tow with Stage 3, and how the chip compares with flash tuning on a truck known for reliability.
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.
Find the OBD2 port, plug the chip in, drive. The full installation guide for Thorton performance chips, with what the ECU, OBD and PWR lights mean, how the first drives work, and how to remove the chip before a service visit.
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.
Three stages, one OBD2 port. What Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 each change, who each stage suits, what drivers of the most popular trucks and cars actually choose, and how to decide.
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.
An aftermarket chip changes how your ECU controls the engine — boost pressure, fuel mixture, throttle response. What a tuning chip actually is, and how modern OBD-II and piggyback units do their work.
A performance chip does not automatically void a new-car warranty. US federal law puts the burden on the manufacturer to prove the part caused the failure. Here is how that works, what a dealer can and cannot deny, and why a plug-in chip is the safest kind of tune for a car still under warranty.
Chip tuning is known to boost a car’s performance – adding power, and speed, and improving fuel efficiency. It’s like an extraordinary chip that you plug into your engine and boom, your car has been upgraded. However, some people are concerned that it may be causing more damage than good. Right now we’ll discuss if […]
Chip tuning changes how your engine’s computer manages fuel, air and timing. Here is what actually happens inside the ECU, the three ways to tune a modern car, what gains are realistic, and how to tell a safe tune from a risky one.
Find your vehicle and see your gains in seconds.
The companion to your Thorton chip. See real performance gains, monitor engine health and diagnose issues from your phone.
$59.95 on its own. The $10 comes off automatically when a Thorton Performance Chip is in the same order.