Chips DIY & Research Info?

[emas]

Am just starting to look into chipping my stock '04 V6,4.0 Limited. Am mainly looking for improved mpg, with some but less performance improvement. Will still need to tow a 3,000lb boat occasionally (300 miles/year), so I'm concerned about sacrificing torque.

Have already chipped my VW, spending about a year researching options and doing the prepatory engine mods myself (I work/move painstakingly slow), and the result was/is outstanding. That aside, this is my first inquiry into chipping my explorer and I'm very unfamiliar.

These are some of my initial question:

-what are the realistic benefits/improvements (MPG, performance, etc) in laymans terms?
-what are the downside risks to the engine, tranny, etc. (I would like to run this car to 200+k miles)?
-what sort of prep work and/or initial engine mods should I be doing to prepare?
-are there any chipping specialists in the NE/Central Mass area?
-what other questions should I be asking?

If there is a thread that addresses this please refer me.
THANKS!

 

[Zeke]

Do a search for Bamachips. Bama is a sponser of this site and has had alot of positive feedback. Doug is the founder of Bamachips, he goes by the name Doug904 on here. There are alot of good threads on this subject.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Manufacturer Profile: Bama Chips

That is a good place to read up on what they offer. Also contacting Doug directly will give you greater information.

Most engine mods people do before chips are exhaust and coned air filter (like K&N). That is pretty much it. Talk with Aldive as he is also very intuned with the tuning and chipping of Explorers.

-Drew