Re: [DML] Performance Chips

[Mark Noeltner <mark@xxxx>]

[Moderator Note: Unless someone comes up with a DeLorean-related angle to the subject, I'm killing this thread. - Mike Substelny DML moderator of the week]

At 07:12 PM 1/3/2004, grandprix9598 wrote:
> I know this isn't directly related to a DeLorean, but I keep seeing
> performance chips on sale for cars. Do they really work, or add any
> performance that is noticeable?
> Thanks
>
> Dave L.
> Overseas in Operation Iraqi Freedom

You're right, it's not a DeLorean question at all. For other more modern 
cars, the very short answer is yes, but usually no.

The slightly longer answer is yes, if it's one of the "chips" or piggy-back 
computers sold by one of the reputable firms that make these. No if it's 
some cheap thing on eBay that promises lots of horsepower for less than 
$50. Here is an example of one of the bad ones for a Mazda Miata:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33557&item=2452037556
This is actually just a resistor, not a chip, and all it does is change the 
voltage of the Mass Air Flow sensor to fool the computer. It's been dyno 
tested by some of the guys at the Miata forum and it actually decreases HP 
in some situations. Lousy modification IMHO.

The more complete answer is that even the ones from the reputable 
companies, which sell for hundreds of dollars will really only do any good 
in conjunction with other modifications. There are exceptions to this, and 
some cars will benefit by 10% or so extra horsepower with just the chip, 
but these are the exceptions, not the rule.

The good chips and piggy-back computers (which one you need varies by car 
make and model) are reprogrammed to modify the fuel and timing maps to work 
better with modifications you have done to your motor. And I don't mean 
little ones like a cat-back exhaust or a cold air intake. Your stock 
computer has enough leeway to compensate for those. I'm talking cams, or 
maybe head work that modifies the compression ratio, or stuff like forced 
induction (supercharging or turbocharging) where there has been enough 
change in the motor that the stock programming just won't compensate. The 
good companies will program a custom chip for you to match your 
modifications rather than just selling you an off the shelf generic chip.

The DeLorean doesn't have a complete computer management system like the 
newer cars, so the only way to get all of these benefits on it are to 
convert the entire fuel and ignition management system over to something 
like a TEC III system.

Hope that answers your question.

Mark N
VIN 6820