Jet performance module?

i Have a 1999 ford contour svt and i have been searching around for a reputable company that makes a chip fort my car, and i finally found one that jet performance makes for my car on ebay $270US..
---My question is i herd that i will have to send it back to be programmed for my vehicle is this true? or is it already pre-programmed for my vehicle already?
---one other thing is i have a modified exhaust (no cat, resonators and aftermarket mufflers) is this going to compromise the chips performance and i have a cold air intake on the way............thanx guys

http://www.lotus-carlton.fsnet.co.uk/chipping.htm

yes, i know. this is info on a lotus carlton, but the dangers are the same.

In my opinion, chipping is OK, but not that effective. If your car truely has a PROM chip, then yes you'll have to re-burn one for every state of tune. If it has a flash memory, then you can re-write it with an external computer.

The gains you'll see are slim to none, so don't spend your $270 to get power. Spend your $270 to increase drivability, or change shift points, or give you peace of mind, but don't chip it to get more power. You'll be sadly disappointed.

And, like greygoose said, there are risks. Most of those chip manufacturers have done their homework and its fine, but you are asking an engine to change its operating parameters. Ford went to great lengths to make that engine last at least as long as the warranty and then some. Altering the internal tune can have a negative effect on reliability.