Re: ~~ Chip, tuner, or NOTHING ~~
I have a Hypertech power programmer for my 2003 Chevy 6.0L 3/4 ton. Has two tuning programs built into the unit, one to run on 87 octane, one to run on 91 octane. I chose the 87. I installed the program when the truck was nearly new (less than 5,000 miles)
In an effort to quantify whether it would actually help or not (I was suspicious of mfr's claims and was considering returning the $399 unit if it didn't work), I did some before/after tests with my 18 foot runabout in tow.
Pre installation, I got about 10.7 MPG while towing, and it would take about 19 seconds to go from zero to 60 from a standing start with foot to the floor.
After installtion, I got about 10.9 MPG while towing, and it now takes only 16.5 seconds to go from zero to 60 from standing start with foot to the floor.
Then just to satisfy myself I uninstalled the program and did my course again. 10.8 MPG and 19 seconds.
Reintalled. 10.9 MPG and 16.5 seconds.
Same roads, same test course, same weather, same load, same day.
I kept the unit. Over the long term now, I have seen little improvement in overall fuel mileage, but is hasn't gotten worse either. The power/accelleration improvement was quite stunning. Both when towing and when empty. With almost 60K miles on the truck now, almost exclusively towing boats and loaded snowmobile trailers, it has been totally trouble free. I took it in for warranty work one time when the fan clutch failed, and unprogrammed the computer prior to bringing it in to make sure I didn't have any warranty problems in case they hooked up their computers to check for codes. Then after getting the truck back, I reprogrammed again. My warranty is expired now, but I keep the programming unit in the truck just in case I need to do the same for emergency repair that might pop up on the road someday, or if I suddenly have a problem and want to go back to the stock ECU map.
I'm happy with it for the performance, but fuel mileage itself didn't really improve. Bear in mind the majority of these programs require you to use 91 octane or higher after installation...so even if you do get more MPG, the need for premium might wipe out any savings. Hypertech's was unique in having an 87 octane program, which is why I bought that particular one. Never tried any other brands to comment...and of course I'm Chevy and you're Ford so this may not carry over.