performance chips and tuning devices

[JIMMER]

I really don't know how much it did for gas mileage. I bought it over a year ago and never have really paid attention to mileage. I was more concerned about getting a little more power and response. I know it did advance the timing. My mechanic put in a new cam synch a month ago and when he went to set the timing to the factory level, it would not go that low, showing that the chip did advance is some. The cam synch is working fine.

[Breeves002]

Was the power increase noticeable?

[JIMMER]

It was slight, but yes. It was a little more responsive. But never believe the horsepower claims companies make. Though this one said "up to 30 hp", the reality is maybe more like 5 or 6. There are only a couple of reputable 'chips' out there. JET is maybe the biggest name. Ideally you would want to do the basic bolt ons first, then consider 'chipping' or 'tuning'.

[Breeves002]

I'm not planning on doing anything, I was just curious! Thanks for the info.

[JIMMER]

No problem.

[Roach]

Wouldn't those rice-rocket resistor chip ruin your gas mileage if it runs rich?

I wouldn't trust those scams.

[JIMMER]

Originally Posted by Roach

Wouldn't those rice-rocket resistor chip ruin your gas mileage if it runs rich?

I wouldn't trust those scams.

Yes, and can ruin more than your gas mileage, that's why they should not be used. There are 'chips' that are just the resistors and there are 'chips' that are like a base level flash tune. The difference can be seen by testing the A/F ratio.

[Zuljin]

Find a reputable SCT dealer and get an X3 tune. The ignition advance is more accurately adjusted than "add some" and, seeing as our cars run crazy rich at WOT as is, they'll usually lean it out some. I know lean is a bad word when it comes to WOT, but when your tuner brings you up to 12.0:1, it's a good thing.

The real seller is the SCT tune can increase your tranny line pressures and shift points, giving you firmer quicker shifts almost on par with a shift kit.

While the gains may only be in the 5-10hp range depending on how healthy your engine is, they add up to make it more fun to drive.

[JIMMER]

^1 Agreed with Zuljin. An SCT type tune will do more for your specific cars as the settings are adjusted by the tuner. The 'JET' chip is a 'flash tune'. A generic tune based on the factory settings of the engine in general and is not adjustable. The $69 chips will do more harm than good. They are the cheap resistors discussed earlier. The SCT will cost close to double the cost of the JET, but will give you more flexibility. I also use a general costing rule of thumb. For each HP you want to gain, it will cost between $50-$100 per HP. Closer to $100 if a shop does the work, down closer to the $50 if you do it yourself. It all depends on what you want to achieve and what your budget is. Think of it this way, the JET will give you an improved tune, but it is set and can't be adjusted. The SCT will give you the same basic tune, but because a tuner is installing it, it can be adjusted to how your car runs and is set up.

[aaroncgi]

Originally Posted by Zuljin

Find a reputable SCT dealer and get an X3 tune. The ignition advance is more accurately adjusted than "add some" and, seeing as our cars run crazy rich at WOT as is, they'll usually lean it out some. I know lean is a bad word when it comes to WOT, but when your tuner brings you up to 12.0:1, it's a good thing.

The real seller is the SCT tune can increase your tranny line pressures and shift points, giving you firmer quicker shifts almost on par with a shift kit.

While the gains may only be in the 5-10hp range depending on how healthy your engine is, they add up to make it more fun to drive.

This is great information, thanks! I certainly have noticed that the Duratec seems to use way more fuel when using full/heavy throttle (or stop and go driving) as compared to other vehicles with similar power and engines. So based on what you said above, it would seem that even if one didn't want more power, the potential may exist for eking out a little better fuel economy?