Plug-In Performance

These days, when it comes to making more power everything seems to be more consumer friendly -- bolt on this or plug in that. Computers made some people feel uncomfortable, and purists sounded the death knell about government restrictions. On the contrary, computer upgrades for more power couldn't get any easier. Companies such as Superchips, Hypertech, and JET have created simple-to-use power-adders that can be placed on your vehicle in your own driveway in no time at all. Combine the programming with a basic intake and after-cat exhaust, and you have yourself a sweet little deal that can be done in a day for huge gains in performance and driveability.

We had a rather unusual application in that our Dodge Ram Quad Cab was equipped with the little 4.7L motor. After bolting on a 10-inch lift and some 37-inch BFG Mud-Terrains on 17-inch Weld wheels, all the while running 100 percent stock intake, exhaust, and gears, we of course turned our once-peppy truck into a good-looking pig. Nobody likes to drive a gutless truck -- especially us -- so off we went to JET with our power shortage woes. JET prescribed one of their plug-in modules that piggybacks the factory computer and retunes the data before sending it off to the motor for use. We planned for the intake and exhaust already, but our interest was piqued to see what the upgrade would do all on its own. Follow along as we show you what we learned.

Here is our JET Performance...        read full caption Here is our JET Performance plug-in module ready for battle on the bits and bytes highway located inside our computerized engine management system.	Although the 4.7L V-8 certainly...        read full caption Although the 4.7L V-8 certainly felt like it could push our '02 Dodge Ram Quad Cab around before the lift, our little buddy was flat on his face after the installation of the 37-inch wheel and tire package.	After the crew at JET strapped...        read full caption After the crew at JET strapped down our lifted two-by, they ran a couple of dyno pulls to see what kind of power we were beginning with. Just as we expected, our Dodge was way down in the go department.
The computer was located against...        read full caption The computer was located against the firewall under the hood on the passenger side. Our JET technician was no Andre the Giant, so due to the dramatic increase in height, a stepladder was necessary to get to our computer.	The computer was held to the...        read full caption The computer was held to the mounting base by two screws which, when removed, could be easily dropped and lost due to their small size. We took care when removing them.	We unclipped and removed the...        read full caption We unclipped and removed the three computer harnesses plugged into the factory computer module. Once completed, we took the control box over to our workbench and wiped down all the dirt from the computer to ensure we didn't contaminate the plug-in connection.
The JET module on the left...        read full caption The JET module on the left was removed from its EMP packaging and inspected. We made sure no lint or dust was in the module prior to its installation.	The JET Performance plug-in...        read full caption The JET Performance plug-in was placed onto the factory computer with the label facing us. Three holes, one module. Don't worry, it can only go on one way in one hole. Our Dodge used the far-right plug, but yours may be different depending on the year, make, and model.	There was a small clip on...        read full caption There was a small clip on the base of the module. The installation is not complete until the clip is in the fully latched position. There was a bit of resistance to get it plugged in all the way, but it should not be able to be removed by hand.
The installation into the...        read full caption The installation into the computer was complete, and installing is the reverse of removal. The only difference is one harness is going to now plug into the JET unit instead of directly to the computer.	Everything was hooked back...        read full caption Everything was hooked back up and functioning properly. To verify all was well, we started and ran the engine for a minute. There was no sputtering or fluctuations in the running of the motor, and the Check Engine light remained off. If you experience anything other than a perfect-running engine after the installation of the JET chip, shut the engine off immediately and recheck your work.	The moment of truth was when...        read full caption The moment of truth was when the truck was put back on the dyno.

According to JET's in-house Mustang Chassis Dyno, our little Ram motor picked up an astounding 23-plus hp at the rear wheels in Second gear at 5,500 rpm. This is not too shabby for a simple plug-and-play computer module. A quick shakedown cruise around the block confirmed the newfound power with a seat-of-the-pants feel. Our Ram tester was back to about stock before the big tires. Now we just need to get the intake and exhaust going so we can really up the ante.