Two nearly identical stories I heard about folks who had "Chipped" their engines. One was a GM engine (Chevy 8.1L) and the man had installed several modifications all guaranteed to improve performance and/or MPG, The problem is not all were compatable with the motor home he had, So the ABS brakes were disabled by one chip, and other things changed by other mods and one piston got religion (Turned Holy) and the engine needed a major overhaul.
The other was a ford. High performance car instead of a motor home, Same level of engine mod Same piston damage.
There are basically two upgrade systems that I would consider, only two, and do not expect the 1st to pay for itself.
1: Banks, Banks is a proven performance upgrade, It has been around long enough that I'm convinced they know what they are doing, You will get some performance improvement, however you will never see enough MPG increase to pay for it, EVEN if you got the full advertised "UP TO" improvement (Which may happen one in a thousand or more) you will not get enough improvement to pay for it.
Ultra Power.. Way less expensive, not been around as long might not be out for your vehicle (or might) but the UP has a good rep.. There are a few folks who had problems but the authorized installers took good care of them.
ONE of the UP installers had six Motor homes come into his shop, 3 stock, 3 UP enhanced, all six had identical engine damage (Holy pistons in fact) the 3 stock were covered under manufacturer's warranty,, The maufacturer declined to warrant the enhanced engies.. the shop (Likely with some support from ultra Power) "Ate" teh cost of repair.
Other chip companies are not so obliging should something go wrong. This is why I only trust those two.
DO NOT expect a return on investment though. Most folks say the MPG improvement, if any, is negligable, In fact you get more millage out of a good wax job.
