What is the advantages of either method. wouldn't it be easier to use the flash method since you could change the program back to stock for service and even if the dealer looked inside the ecu there wouldn't be any differences...thanks for the help

 

Flashing Pros =

1. If you have tuner near you it is a quick non intrusive process through the OBD port.

2. You can swap back to a tuner version of the "stock" program for routine services. You may be able to switch to valet or 100 octane modes too if you order those options.

Flashing cons=

1. In the event of a drivetrain related repair you still need to have the car towed to the tuner to get the real stock program flashed back in. Make sure your tuner can do this.

2. No resale value. You cant sell a flash program.

Physical chip pros=

1. You still get your quality program and you can get it socketed so you can swap back to the true OEM chip on the side of the road if you need a tow for a repair.

2. You can sell your socketed chip afterwards.

Physical chip cons=

1. If the dealer opens the ecu, they will see the socketed OEM chip unless you have the OEM one resoldered back in by your tuner (this would necessitate retuning to your tuner just like with a flash).

2. Some consider that the tuner has to open the ecu a con, but it's not a big deal since they can reseal it with factory sealant once they have done it.


Both a flash and physical chip can have one in a hundred problems like a "bad solder" with a physical chip or a "bad flash" with a flash program. This is rare. Both a flash and a physical chip SHOULD be fully compatible with dealer diagnostic tools.

cheers! Mike

 

I have be seeing those "flash loaders" for sale, doesn't that mean I can do it myself throught the diagonostic port? Any pros/cons to that?