Charger For Dummies - New owner needs advice
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Charger For Dummies - New owner needs advice - 11/7/2006 8:39:10 AM
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Waubeeka
Posts: 5
Joined: 11/6/2006
Status: offline
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All,
I am dizzy from all the posts I've read. You all are so knowledgable, and thats part of my problem. My wife often accuses me of being a child, so please treat me like one here (and if anyone wrote "Chargers For Dummies", call me for my CC #)
1 - I bought my "base" RT last week with 16K miles for 22,900. I think I got a good deal because in all my research, I haven't seen a better deal. Thoughts?
2 - I've read so much about this X chip, that super Y chip, and I think, some potato chip... In kindergarten language, please help me understand the types of things I can expect from installing a chip? I've read increased HP but does that come at a cost of 5 mpg (and before you yell at me...I KNOW I bought a 340 HP car and I KNOW it's not going to get Prius miliage, but being that I want EVERYTHING, help me understand what the chip will and will not do for me.
Also, how easy are they to install and configure and the expected cost.
3 - I read the "trunk and bumber" issue thingy and that there is a problem. How do I know I have the problem?
4 - I've filled up wit fuel exactly 2 times (and that was just going around the block a few times...just kidding) and I've used the recommended 89 Octane. Question - and please don't yell at me, I'm very sensitive) does anyone run 87? If so, what are the potential pitfalls?
5 - You guys are a load of fun
questions 6-1897 will come another time but I appreciate anything you all can do for me.
Gotta run to recess - Thanks everyone.
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RE: Charger For Dummies - New owner needs advice - 11/7/2006 12:43:35 PM
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MangoInTX
Pat & Amandas Wedding Fund Contributor
Posts: 2728
Joined: 4/10/2006
Status: offline
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Welcome Waubeeka, congrats on the purchase.
"Chargers For Dummies"... great idea 
1 - I hadn’t kept up with the used market but that sounds like a good deal.
2 - There are two different computer performance products. One is a chip that is installing on the car. The other is a programmer that will change some of the programmed options in the cars computer. The programmer is flexible and gives you more options.
As far as HP and mileage, that all depends on your driving habits. The Chip/Programmers will give you better gas mileage if you’re not hammering it.
Cost:
Chip - JetChip is the only choice that I'm aware of and you'll pick it up for about 180 +/- new.
Programmer - A SuperChip Flashpaq will cost around 360 +/- new.
Installation:
Chip - takes a little time but not that bad. It could take someone an hour their first time around.
Programmer - takes roughly 20 minutes to plug it in under the dash and run the initial program. This is something that you plug in and run an update on the cars computer program then unplug it.
3 - You’ll see scratches on the bumper where it meets up with the trunk lid.
4 – Two versions for your reading pleasure.
Long version:
You be the judge. Higher octane gas does not contain more energy; it is actually developed to burn slower at a more controlled rate. Using a higher octane gas than rated for your car may actually burn less fuel, because it is harder to ignite. This is to prevent dreaded “detonation” – the gas exploding before the piston reaches top dead center.
If you run lower octane gas and don’t put the pedal more than halfway down you can use a lower octane. Be aware if you need to use the power, this can destroy your engine or can leave you waiting for the power when you need it due to the computer reducing timing to compensate for the lower octane fuel.
Short version:
Use what is recommended for the car.
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RE: Charger For Dummies - New owner needs advice - 11/7/2006 3:24:18 PM
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74scamp
Posts: 1240
Joined: 1/25/2006
From: Los Lunas, ,NM
Status: offline
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Welcome to the happy family of Charger owners!!
Mango is right on with everything. I can get 27-28 mpg with my R/T if driving "normally" (read 70-75) on the highway. I do seem to get a bit better mpg than others. Part of it may be my altitude here in the Land of Entrapment. Less air (we're about a mile high - just like that other city) so computer leans the engine a bit to compensate for the thinner air.
The "scratches" on the rear bumper will generally appear where the corners of the trunk lid come down and meet the bumper. I didn't think I had any, but once I knew where to look, there they were. If you have them, the fix is simple - take a pair of plyers and turn the rubber stops around so the long side is towards the rear instead of towards the front.
I have run 87 octane in mine when I first got it. But I run strictly 91 octane now (I have the SuperChip tuner set to 91 octane, it can also be set to 87). I sometimes even pour in a bottle of 104+ octane booster. Don't know if it really helps, but makes me feel better. Some folks on here have had problems with "pinging", but I have had none.
OK, bring on questions 6 - 2000 (or whatever you said  )
Again, welcome and congrats on your purchase. Hope you enjoy yours as much as we all enjoy ours.
dave
PS: I have a case of smoke bombs to sell J/K
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