What the heck is a power programmer? Power programmers are little devices that you plug into you car’s computer that alter your vehicle’s factory settings, allowing for more power, better mpg, and overall improved performance. Where’s the downfall you ask? Beats me!
There are many types of hand held diesel programmers out there, the ones we are going to talk about today are the Jet Chips’ performance programmer and the SCT livewire power tuner. They both have similar functions and power increases – and a few unique features to each. I will summarize the top selling points from each product’s manufacturer.
Let’s take a look at the Jet Chips. First of all, tuners are excellent additions because you can easily transfer them from vehicle to vehicle. That means you won’t have to purchase another performance programmer when you upgrade to a new ride. Also, there is a free extreme program available on the company website that adds additional options for off-roading. On some trucks the extreme program adds up to 23 extra horsepower! The more modifications you have, the more gains you will see from your Jet Chips programmer.

Top Jet Chips Claims:
-Ability to modify air/fuel ratios, ignition, shift points, shift firmness, top speed limiter, and rev limiter specs
-Gas vehicles gain between 22 and 29 horsepower and up to 40 lbs. of torque, depending on engine size
-Duramax LZ7 engine gains up to 100 horsepower and 170 lbs. of torque; Duramax LLY gains up to 95 horsepower and 175 lbs. of torque
-The Jet Performance Programmer can calibrate your speedometer or let you read and clear diagnostic trouble codes
-The Jet Performance Programmer installs in minutes and takes less than 20 seconds to begin tuning

A lot of people rant and rave about the SCT livewire. Why? This hand held programmer comes with three built in tunes for economy, economy while towing, and all out performance. This unit loads its program into the truck through the trucks diagnostic port. The Livewire also offers the ability to check and clear trouble codes as well as calibrate the speedometer for larger tires. SCT has tuners for most new vehicles; both diesel and gas. The SCT livewire also comes with a screen about three times larger than the competitions.

Best SCT Claims:
-Gain up to 33HP/35ft-lbs torque for gas; 120HP/240ft-lbs torque for diesel (varies by vehicle)
-Maximum Fuel Economy Tune delivers fuel mileage gains of up to 2 MPG, depending on your driving style
-Smoothes throttle response and increases performance across the entire power band
-Livewire also holds up to 3 custom-tune files for heavily-modified vehicles
-Preloaded tuning means you can enjoy your Livewire right out of the box
-Includes a built-in, high-intensity yellow LED shift light
-Real-time instrumentation records and displays MPG, horsepower, torque, quarter-mile and 0-60 times
-Easily return your vehicle to the factory tune for scheduled dealer maintenance
-The Livewire does not void your vehicle’s manufacturer warranty

Overall, I recommend the SCT Livewire. It will probably run you almost $200 more, but it’s worth every penny in opinion. You will be saving money ever time you fill up at the pump. You can avoid expensive mechanic costs every time the “Check Engine” light comes on. And your truck or car will be more fun to drive. Who doesn’t want more power?