Topic: Performance Chips
in Forum: C4 Engines
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I've heard folks talk about putting a chip in their car to increase horsepower, fuel mileage, etc. Any of you guys tried this or would recommend a certain brand, etc....? Or is it all BS? Thx
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 3/18/2009
Posts: 2248
Vette(s): 1985 Coupe-L98/Auto,Bright Red/Carmine.
1974 Coupe-L48/4speed, Medium Red Metallic/Black Deluxe.
Don't think the prom in the '92 is removable/replaceable, but the PCM IS re-programable.
A different/performance chip/tune is definitely noticable, but they normally only make a real difference at WOT(wide open throttle). A reprogram tool will allow you to change some of the parameters for the fuel/ignition timing that can make it run smoother at idle, as well as start a little easier. But...if not done correctly, it can make your car un-drivable, too.
Most of the good reprogramers will allow you to return the settings to "factory" if you mess up....kinda like doing a "Restore" on your PC.
You may want to research some of the tools(hand held computer programers) and see if it is something you might like to try. There are also a few shops that are capable of doing this for you...just have to look in your area for one.
A different/performance chip/tune is definitely noticable, but they normally only make a real difference at WOT(wide open throttle). A reprogram tool will allow you to change some of the parameters for the fuel/ignition timing that can make it run smoother at idle, as well as start a little easier. But...if not done correctly, it can make your car un-drivable, too.
Most of the good reprogramers will allow you to return the settings to "factory" if you mess up....kinda like doing a "Restore" on your PC.
You may want to research some of the tools(hand held computer programers) and see if it is something you might like to try. There are also a few shops that are capable of doing this for you...just have to look in your area for one.
Joel Adams 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
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Princeton, WV - USA
Joined: 9/29/2010
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Vette(s): A 1986 coupe currently with 60,000 miles, purchased in August of 2010. G44 - Rear axle 3.07 ratio, Z51 - Performance handling package, FE7 - High performance suspension, FG3 - Preloaded gas shock absorbers, to name a few.
Any chance this will work with an older care, say an '86?
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Vette(s): 1985 Coupe-L98/Auto,Bright Red/Carmine.
1974 Coupe-L48/4speed, Medium Red Metallic/Black Deluxe.
The '86 will still have the older style ECM, with the removable PROM(programmable read only memory) chip. I have a Hypertech chip in my '85. The only thing it really does is change the fuel and ignition map at wide open throttle. It doesn't do much for anything else, but it definitely makes a difference if I nail it at any speed. There are a lot of other chip selections out there these days, compared to say, 10 years ago. Just don't fall for the "Proven 45 hp increase" hype....it ain't gonna happen with just a chip change.
btw...my '85 gets 26mpg on the highway, IF I drive it nice, and don't hammer it all the time.
Adams' Apple 2011-01-03 20:51:32
btw...my '85 gets 26mpg on the highway, IF I drive it nice, and don't hammer it all the time.
Joel Adams
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
I bought this 1990 Greenwood in 2005 because it's unique. It had 6,554 miles on it. It now has about 19,500 miles on it.
In 2007 had Jeremy Formatto put it on a Dyno and use a Win98 laptop to burn a new chip for it.
It keeps up with the new 2010 vettes. It also has long tube headers by StainlessWorks.Net, straight-through exhaust, matched fuel injectors, 11" wheels all around, and this spring it's getting a new set of Heads on the L-98 engine - which will require another trip to the Dyno in Gettysburg PA (about 2 hrs west of here). I recently spoke to Jeremy and he is really reluctant to work on anything older than C-5's now. I guess I need to beg.
I have two good working Win98 laptops, but I don't have the software. It plugs in under the dash. If anyone has any idea where I can get the software, I would rather keep this Vette for a long time than have to give it up.
I considered selling the car and getting a new one, but this is so unique... and it turns heads everywhere. People even ask if it's a new one (after they take their fingers out of their ears). They are surprised when I say that it's 20 years old.
So my recommendation is to get a custom chip ONLY if you've done enough Mods on it... where the horsepower is now above 300 HP. A custom chip can program the fuel/air mixture at particular RPMs, and can set the Shift Points for automatic trans.
Remember that one of the big plusses of an L-98 is the low end torque. It smokes off the line. Also remember that "high end" on an L-98 is 4,500 RPM.
It IS possible to put an LS2 engine into a C-4, and there are a few shops around who know how to "piggyback" the engine chip on top of the Dash & Lights chip.... but I didn't really want to go that far until the L-98 is beat to death first. If you get to that point, consider getting a C-6 for the additional handling.
in Forum: C4 Engines
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