Vehicles introduced in Europe and North America as early as the 1970s came equipped with an onboard computer that manages key engine operations, including gearing, ignition timing, and air-fuel ratios. Despite being in charge of the car’s overall health, these built-in computers were tuned more for stability than for peak performance. Performance chips, which are used to remove factory-imposed restrictions, did not start to be widely used until 1996.
Because of how prevalent this practice is, many of us wonder whether performance chips actually work. Yes, it is the answer. The torque output and general performance of the vehicle are significantly increased with performance chips. However, making the most of your chip depends on a number of different factors and necessitates obtaining the right chip for your car.
The performance of a chip is influenced by a number of variables, including the vehicle’s make and type, high-quality fuel and lubrication, and the presence (or absence) of aftermarket performance components. Knowing when it is required or harmful to equip your car with a performance chip depends on your understanding of the roles these components play in a performance chip’s effectiveness.
In This Article...
BMW-Esq.
Every “chip” is really just an ECU tuning. This is done in one of two ways, depending on the sort of business. One involves physically connecting to the ECU and remapping it while also altering the turbo pressure, shifting, etc. The second method uses a “piggy back” mechanism to accomplish this. While the automobile is moving, the codding is changed by a second computer unit that is plugged into the ECU and set in its housing. These systems occasionally emit error codes that can be a pain in the arse.
Gains from the BMW performance chip are minimal. It’s way too expensive given the power output. Its advantage is that since it is a BMW product, it won’t in any way void your warranty.
There are several different tunes available that deliver a significantly higher power output for a lower/equivalent cost. These songs, however, can make your warranty null and void. On the truth of that assertion, there is a complete split among the individuals present. All will be some “Don’t stress about it, guy. Every time I get an oil change, I take my system out, but they can’t tell!” Others will behave like, “Don’t do it, buddy! When codes are broken, snooping SAs can tell, and they will nullify your WHOLE WARRANTY!” There are businesses that back their tune-ups with their own warranties (DINAN), promising to solve any issues their system may cause.
Take a look at some of the sponsors here; to name a few: DINAN, JB3, OE Tuning, Active Autowerke, and Vishnu. They sell the majority of the main tunes.
Are Performance Chips Effective?
It is a safe choice to increase the performance of their automobiles because performance chips have been shown to work and many professional racing teams have been utilizing them for years. Your mileage may vary because the adjustments will obviously be more obvious on some vehicles than on others. But you’ll have options to tailor it to your requirements, and you’ll typically be able to see the outcomes on the manufacturer’s applications as you drive.
Therefore, the answer is yes, but it’s critical to comprehend what a performance chip is actually accomplishing. In contrast to turbochargers and superchargers, these gadgets don’t alter your car in the same way. They are merely altering the instructions given to your engine by the computer powering it. The engine will change the mapping of where the power you have is applied rather than extracting more power from the vehicle.
A chip, for example, will increase your rev limiter from 6900 rpm to 7200–7500 rpm, tighten up your top end power, and also enable your engine to use more torque at lower rpm ranges. Instead of giving you any extra power, this lets you make more use of what you already have. Additionally, it will make your automobile quicker when it starts from a stop. The grand prix at the stoplight will be more enjoyable.
Are performance chips detrimental to your car?
No. A performance chip boosts the output of horsepower and torque without harming your engine or transmission. Your air/fuel ratio and ignition timing can be safely adjusted to their ideal values to provide the majority of this power. A performance chip may even be able to shield your engine from harm.
Do fuel-efficiency chips actually work?
Since drivers are constantly thinking about gas prices, we decided to comment on goods that claim to have superior fuel economy. Three have been put to the test: Tornado, Platinum Gas Saver, and Fuel Genie. Don’t spend your money, is our suggestion. They are useless.
It’s not news. We have repeatedly evaluated several products and tested such devices throughout the years. The conclusion: None that increase fuel economy have been discovered. Similar findings have been reported by the Environmental Protection Agency, whose website lists dozens of products that the organization has examined over the previous 35 years, including the Platinum Gas Saver.
How long do performance chips take to work?
How fast does the performance chip start working? After installation, your performance chip will immediately begin to function. Before testing the results, give up to 150 miles of cumulative driving time to allow for full programming.
What drawbacks does a performance chip have?
The car is not in any risk if the chip tuning is done by highly skilled professionals. Chip tuning raises the possibility of unanticipated breakdowns by utilizing subpar maintenance and repairs on the vehicle. Remapping the ECU is also not recommended if there is any issue.
Some automobiles are made in a way that prevents them from providing you with the power that has been placed into more than one. Consider the situation carefully before deciding to remap the engine.
Sign up for the forum for drivers to have free discussions with other members about the benefits and drawbacks of chip tuning.
Does eating chips increase gas mileage?
The performance improvements in horsepower and torque are the key reasons why many automobile enthusiasts purchase performance chips. Performance chips are purchased by the typical consumer for the exceptional gas mileage improvement they provide. Air to fuel ratio and ignition timing modifications made by performance chips increase engine performance. Fuel efficiency significantly improves when your engine doesn’t have to work as hard to produce power during combustion. Less effort results in less fuel being burnt, helping your car to get the most out of every gallon of fuel you give it. The biggest increases are seen in larger vehicles with heavier payloads, like pickup trucks or SUVs.
Although gas mileage chips may not be the ideal option for everyone, we do think that any improvement is welcome! Utilize our gas mileage suggestions and add a performance chip for the best possible fuel economy. The goal always justifies the means! Go out and get your gas mileage chip before the next wave of fuel prices hits.
How much more HP is added by a performance chip?
Manufacturers typically state that their performance chips can increase the horsepower of your gasoline engine by up to 35. For vehicles with diesel and turbocharged engines, the figures are even greater. Although these numbers are possible, it’s wise to note that horsepower gain depends on your Ford’s natural engine capacity.
Additionally, it can cost money to add performance chips in your Ford. For instance, in certain circumstances, you might encounter a decrease of power, which would make driving less convenient. Likewise, in your quest for a slight boost in power output, the vehicle’s overall performance can wind up being compromised.
Where does a performance chip go?
Without any mechanical automotive tuning experience, installing a performance chip takes about 60 seconds in total. If you have any questions, you may contact our technical support team at 763.370.2746.
3. Examine the OBD2 port for any debris, grime, or dust. Clear away any debris, etc., to guarantee a solid connection.
6.DRIVE as usual, allotting at least 150 cumulative total miles. Thus, the fuel-air exchange can be fully remapped by the microprocessor for optimum performance.
In order for the Performance Chip to function, it MUST STAY connected to the OBD2 port. The Performance Chip’s LEDs signify software functionality and do not need to be monitored. For greater advantages, higher octane fuel is suggested but not necessary. All fuel grades are compatible with all grade chips. Unplug the Performance Chip while the motor is off to reset the vehicle to its factory settings. The next time you start the car, it will run as it did before.
Plug the Chip in and wait 15 seconds in STEP 2. For 15 seconds, hold down the SYNC/RESET button.
What is the purpose of a Stage 1 performance chip?
Using premium pump gas, stage 1 chips are programmed to improve the fuel and spark curves on a stock car. The engine’s efficiency will improve and its top-end power will rise as a result. Additionally, it might increase fuel efficiency for the car.
Does engine chip tuning harm it?
If tuned incorrectly, it can immediately and seriously harm the engine. More power may result from advanced timing, but there is also a greater risk of detonation.
Is it worthwhile to chip your car?
Although they might boost your power, performance chips can raise the possibility of an engine power failure. Manufacturers’ claimed advances frequently don’t correspond to actual performance. The existing warranty on your car would be nullified if you installed a performance chip.
Are chips a warranty breaker?
However, if pushed too far, this can result in increased wear and a far greater chance of catastrophic engine failure. Because of all these potential dangers, chip tuning will almost probably void the power train warranty on your automobile.
Thorton tuning chips: are they real?
What are the chances that they would match exactly? Either they are brilliant imitators, or Thorton is a fresh con from the same con artists who brought us Chip Your Car! The information we have so far led us to assume that the origin of this product is comparable to that of many other products we have previously examined.
Is tweaking your car a disadvantage?
The drawbacks of tuning a vehicle There is a possibility of subpar rework. The energy efficiency of your car can be harmed by poor tuning. Mechanical components that might not be strong enough will be under stress.
Do modifications reduce engine life?
If done correctly, ECU tuning is not harmful to your car’s engine. While a proper tune-up will increase your car’s fuel efficiency, maintenance is usually required. Extreme tuning, though, can shorten the engine’s lifespan.
To evaluate the difference, I personally placed a larger turbo in my Civic without first tweaking the ECU. It didn’t perform as anticipated; the results I was expecting for weren’t even close. The engine’s power delivery felt a touch erratic, and it was not always powered.
The situation has fully changed with the ECU adjustment. The car ran smoothly, and as I floor the throttle, I can feel instant power being sent to the engine.
I tweaked my trusty old Civic and was able to reduce my 1/4-mile straight-line time by three seconds. When it comes to tuning, or determining whether it may damage your engine, I have plenty of experience.
- How It Works
- Gain in Horsepower Through Tuning
- Do You Need Tuning After a Turbo Upgrade?
- Performance Chips: What Do They Do?
- The Drawbacks of ECU Tuning
- ECU tuning cost
- Is tweaking an ECU legal?
- Is ECU tuning detectable?
- ECU Tuning Reversed to Factory Settings