Looking for a performance chip. What r the best to buy for the 3.8L and what kind of performance improvement should I expect plz.

 

There are no chips. They are gimmicks. Tune!

 

Brent is correct. There is not "CHIP" for these cars. Your going to have to do a TUNE.

 

No chips! Point in the right direction as far as a tune plz.

 

This is the software and hardware required (in addition to a laptop). I wouldn't suggest just ordering it as it takes a fair bit of know-how to use effectively. Unfortunately quality PCM upgrades aren't as simple as just plugging something in, so you best to find someone who already has HPTuners and get them to do it.
You can also buy "canned PCM's" to replace your PCM from various suppliers, although this is not as effective.
Get to know this site if you wanna go fast!

 

Will do. Looks like exhaust would be a good start here.

 

Honestly, unless the person came HIGHLY recommended from major 3800 sites for tuning; I'd personally rather buy a vendor's canned pcm tune (like zzp) rather than hope some random guy with a tuner could do a better job.

Obviously a custom tune is always better, but figure a real shop with good credentials in tuning would charge an easy $200-400 for a full custom tune. I'd just be afraid some random joe with a tuner would screw something up, or not tune it the best- there is an awful lot involved. I wouldn't mind having some random person adjust the minor stuff (ie fan turn ons, shift pressure, turning OBD codes off, etc)- but doing a full tune is much more complex.


As far as upgrading the pcm; thats a simple task- order a new tuned pcm from a vendor- unplug yours- plug the new one in; and send your old one back. Just about as easy as a chip; and you will definitely get some gain from it (obviously not as much as a custom tune, but its also only a fraction of the cost).

Also, if you're a DIY person- maybe consider buying a tuner yourself- they only run $200 (used) to $650 new- and if you have a laptop, that may be worth considering. Takes a lot of invested time to learn it though; and if you're just doing basic bolt ons a drop in canned tune may be easier for you.

 

i have the zzp pcm in my car and i can personally tell you i like it. i would recommend if your looking into it!

 

I will look in to it, thanxs

 

yeah, I got the tune from MMS and I dont think he does anything different from zzp. I do have the 3400 though and I like what it had done. Its well worth 100 bucks.