Don't know if this has been discussed before, but I'm wondering what are the advantages/disadvantages of going with higher HP injectors vs. chips. I know the cost of the injectors are roughly $2k + install vs. $500 - $800 for the chips.

I still fear the changing of the electronics, as I had a '97 PS (hard to admit) that a chip took out several PCM's. I'm not looking for a drag truck, rather I need good usable power while towing, and wouldn't mind gaining a few MPGs with Diesel prices in the $2 range.

Appreciate any help out there.....

I'd say go with an inline programmer like the edge if you are worried about the ECM. The Edge shouldn't hurt the ECM and I haven't seen any posts (not saying it hasn't happened) of the Edge or any other programmer hurting the ECM. I'm experimenting with the Edge on level 1 for now to see if I get added fuel economy. It's hard to keep my foot out of it but I think for one tank I can do it. As far as injectors go someone here I'm sure has info on whether that is a feasable way to go for the increased power and MPG you are looking for. Good luck. :ro)

Injectors are a nice smooth power gain, and add alot of low end power. The truck still acts like stock, no timing rattle, no tranny learn ins, or other quirks that are very possible with programmers, but once there in, there in. You can't go back to stock power like a tuner/module........well, as easily. Basically its alot of money to put in and not have any adjustablility, to switch from your truck to possibly a newer truck down the road. If your gonna use your truck for what you said and not "compete" the truck, a module or tuner or pcm is the cheapest and most reasonable way to do it. Don't let your ford chip problem scare you away from say an edge module, or the likes as technology has come a long ways from the days of "chips".

My understanding is that the VA Smartbox E is an excellent choice for towing power and gives you a bump in mileage and keeps things cool relative to some of the other boxes out there. Ask some of the vendors - they usually will give a pretty good idea espesially if they sell more than one or two product lines.

Guess part of what I've wondered is if I'm going to keep this truck for the next 10 yrs, taking it to 250 - 300k miles, what will give me the least problems in the long run? At this point, I love the truck, so I don't see why I would trade it in. I have seen posts showing good and bad on the various chips/programmers and depending on who you talk with, every chip is the best or worst.

Saying that, I haven't seen much said on higher HP injectors and except for the cost, I wonder why????

Saying that, I haven't seen much said on higher HP injectors and except for the cost, I wonder why????
Probably because of #1 the cost, and #2 because as it stands right now getting enough fuel is not the issue. My understanding is that the stock injectors will flow enough fuel to get to 500 rwhp without a problem. If the hp freaks were running out of fuel you would see a demand for fuel injectors but its not need except for maybe the 1% extreme guys. Your other option is to do neither and go with a performance ecm with the power built right in - then there is nothing in between (the chip).