Hypertech Max Energy
Hypertech focused on performance and drivability gains over the entire engine-operating range. Not only does the Hypertech tune provide more power at wide-open throttle, it also provides significant power increases at lower rpm levels, which translates into improved drivability and a feeling of better response during normal driving. For the JK application, the factory shift points at wide-open-throttle effectively use the engine power band, so these were left stock. The firmness was increased, however. The Max Energy works well with most performance hard parts such as cold-air intake systems and free-flowing exhausts, as well as on unmodified engines.
The Hypertech and Pro Comp...
The Hypertech and Pro Comp programmers take a little more than 20 minutes to install their calibration in the PCM. Bring a magazine, some chips, and a soda; you should not leave the vehicle unattended during programming. And you can't use any of the vehicle electrical features such as the radio, or open a door that would turn on a dome light (this is true for any programmer).
In addition to more power, the Max Energy lets you easily recalibrate the Jeep speedometer after making tire or gear ratio changes. You can also adjust the electric cooling fan on and off temperature.
The Max Energy plugs into the vehicle's diagnostic port under the dashboard with a supplied cable. The prompts are easy to follow, allowing you to choose from an 87- or 93-octane performance calibration, choosing tire size and gear ratio if you've changed them from stock, and deciding whether you want to adjust the cooling fan operating temperature. Another cable is also included to connect the Max Energy to your computer for programmer updates via the Internet.
Pro Comp Power Pro
The Power Pro is a lot like the Hypertech Max Energy. In fact, the tuning and features are identical, as they are provided by Hypertech. The case is a bit different, but the power gains, improved drivability, and features are the same.
The Hypertech and Pro Comp...
The Hypertech and Pro Comp units give you easy-to-follow directions and choices that scroll across the mini screen, such as, "Have you changed tire size?" There are Yes/No and Up/Down buttons to make selections. Both of these programmers made a difference in power that we could feel in everyday driving. They also tied the Superchips Flashpaq for best improvement in fuel economy.
The Power Pro is a natural addition if you're purchasing larger Pro Comp tires and a suspension system, making it easy to recalibrate the speedometer and increase the power and fuel economy.
JET Power Stage 1 Performance Module
The folks at JET focused exclusively on power and fuel economy gains. The company offers two Performance Modules for most Jeep applications. The Stage 1 Performance Module is for a stock engine, or for very mild upgrades such as a free-flowing air filter, and it can use 87-octane fuel. The Stage 2 module has more aggressive programming and requires the use of 91-octane fuel, a 180-degree thermostat, and free-flow exhaust. Stage 2 also works well with aftermarket intake systems, mass-air sensors, and throttle-body spacers.
The JET Stage 1 module was...
The JET Stage 1 module was by far the easiest and fastest of all the units to install. We read the directions and were being extra careful the first time, and it only took five minutes. After that it was a one minute swap. It takes longer to disconnect and reconnect the battery than it does to actually install the module.
A big advantage for the JET Stage 1 Performance Module is the easy installation. It takes longer to disconnect the battery cable than it does to actually click the module between the factory wiring harness and the PCM.
The Superchips Flashpaq was...
The Superchips Flashpaq was also a quick install, taking 12 minutes from start to finish. In addition to more power and fuel economy, the Flashpaq allows you to alter multiple features important to off-roading, such as high-idle adjustment. It's the only unit in this test that allows you to watch acceleration runs and data from vehicle sensors in real time without purchasing anything additional. Shown in this photo are engine temperature, air-intake temperature, ignition timing, and throttle position. It was the fastest in our 0-60 mph testing, and we could feel the difference in this wide-open throttle test as well as daily driving.
Superchips stands alone in this comparison by offering more power, an impressive list of features that are important to the off-roading communities, and the ability to view acceleration and vehicle data in real time. It's also the only programmer for the JK that offers five sets of calibration in addition to stock. That includes performance tunes for 87-, 91- and 93-octane fuel, towing, and Mileage XS (fuel economy calibration). Each tune is a unique calibration to maximize performance (and mileage) for the specific use. The calibrations also work well with most aftermarket cold-air intakes and free-flowing exhaust systems.
In addition to recalibrating the speedometer after tire or axle ratio changes, the Flashpaq allows you to lock Rubicon lockers in 4-Hi and raise the idle rpm for using air compressors, winching, or welding. The programmer includes an off-road Crawl tune that provides improved throttle response for more control in 4-Lo. The Flashpaq can be updated over the Internet.
Unichip Plug-n-play kit
The Unichip Plug-n-Play Kit is an in-line computer that is also unique in this power module comparison. Instead of creating a calibration that covers a variety of possible modifications, the Unichip team develops a specific tune for each aftermarket component and combination of components, therefore creating an optimized calibration for each vehicle. The company currently has 99 unique calibrations for the JK, specific for a broad number of other performance-parts upgrades and combinations of performance parts. In fact, Unichip is the engine-management solution provided when you purchase an Avenger Supercharger kit for JK. The Unichip program is the only one in this comparison that can be opened with a laptop computer, allowing the vehicle to be custom programmed in five map sets with three maps in each.
Installation of the Unichip...
Installation of the Unichip Plug-n-Play Kit is relatively simple, taking 15 minutes the first time, and about five minutes each time after that. One of the features we liked best about the Unichip was a physical switch to go from 87- to 93-octane modes. This is quick and easy. The Unichip provided a noticeable difference around town and at wide-open throttle.
Unichip also offers an optional Flux power display. Using this you can monitor sensor data, read and clear diagnostic trouble codes, measure power, measure acceleration, have an immobilizer, and a valet mode. The Flux uses a Bluetooth wireless connection and works on your Windows-based smart phone (Windows Mobile 5 or 6).
Another unique feature of the Unichip is a switch that allows this in-line module to switch quickly between calibrations for both 87- and 93-octane fuel. Unlike a programmer that will take 15-30 minutes to change from a low-octane tune to one for high-octane, the Unichip is literally a flip of the switch and it's ready to go. For both calibrations, the Unichip computer maximizes fuel and ignition timing for optimum power.