Chip or Programmer?

[bulldog0915]

I own a 1999 Chevy silverado Z71 4WD with a 5.3L. It has all stock internals. I have added a K&N cold air intake and dual cat back exhaust with a Flowmaster delta flow 40 series muffler. I am wanting to upgrade my computer. I was really thinking about getting a programmer. Either a JET or Hypertech. Is there anything else I need to know programmers before I just buy one and go to town? I have been told to definitley put a 180 thermostat in before I do either a chip or programmer. Is this true?? My engine has 160,000 miles on it and I bought it from my grandfather who has had it since it was new. I change the oil religiously and try to take care of it. This is also a concern of mine.

[leolkfrm]

bullydog triple gt, it can be moved to another vehicle

[stumpuller454]

Originally Posted by bulldog0915

I own a 1999 Chevy silverado Z71 4WD with a 5.3L. It has all stock internals. I have added a K&N cold air intake and dual cat back exhaust with a Flowmaster delta flow 40 series muffler. I am wanting to upgrade my computer. I was really thinking about getting a programmer. Either a JET or Hypertech. Is there anything else I need to know programmers before I just buy one and go to town? I have been told to definitley put a 180 thermostat in before I do either a chip or programmer. Is this true?? My engine has 160,000 miles on it and I bought it from my grandfather who has had it since it was new. I change the oil religiously and try to take care of it. This is also a concern of mine.

the stat only needs changing if the manual for the tuner says too. i have had a hypertec unit that came with a 160 stat, for the perforance tune. if the tuner doesn`t say anything about it do not worry about it, putting in acooler unit that does not require so could cause i`ll affects. have you considered getting a custom tune? way more potential going that way, i ran a superchips tuner in my truck then tried a custom tune, spanked it
.8 seconds faster 0-60 and made the mileage so good it was actually cheaper to run the tune with premium than regular! checkout westers, blackbear, wheatleys, nelson etc.