[apolinaras]

Sorry, I am a newbie to this EEC thing.
OK, so I have 00 Vulcan with 50K on it. I will be keeping it for about another 2 years or so.
Here are my questions:
1. How hard is it to get to that chip in Gen4? How hard is it to install?
2. I commute a lot each day, so I would like to be able to still use 87 Octane (hey it is like $1.90 here in Chicago, Premium is over $2, can't afford to blow more on gas). Is it possible to still get increase in HP without going to premium and not going too much over the current MPG (I get 320Miles in the city and 400Miles on the highway out of the tank of gas).
3. Re. tranny, what do you mean by shifts being tighter? I usually use D without OD when I drive under 40 and D with OD when I do over 45. I do this because I do like to be the first one to leave the light, just gives me a burst of machismo in my daily commute.
4. Should I go with a chip or should I go with one of those units that just let you re-flash the EEC when you want something different. How do multiple re-flashes affect the EEC?

Thanks,
I think this might be better upgrade than polishing the heads or whatever else, don't want to blow my engine up or kill my warranty.

 

[silvapain]

installing the chip is easy. It just plug into the J3 port on the back of the EEC. In my G3, the computer is in the firewall, held on by only two bolts. You really won't see and Hp gains unless you go to higher ocatne fuel. The chips advances timing to gain Hp, and you need the higher octane for it. The shifts are firmer becausee the EEC is program to shorten the time the clutch is engaged, and changes the ntorque convertor lockup points. As far as a what chip to get, I would recommend Alberto at American Motorsport. He can change something like 3000 different variables in the EEC, compared to a couple hundred that other manufacturers can make.

I'm sure others can add to this.

 

[americanmotorsport.com]

The chip is not hard to install. I provid instructions with every one.

Liek Bob said, for more power, you do need to run higher octane, but you can still get the benefits of the improved transmission performance and all fof the otehr benefits I list on my site.

The shifts are made firmer by raising line pressure. The torque converter and shift schedule is also revised for a more performance feel.


You can go with either a reflash, a chip, or a flasher. It really does not affect the programming. There would really be no benefit to having multiple programs for your setuo thoguh, if it is stock.

We also have a "fuel economy" program we have recently developed. On cars we have tested, we have seen 1-3 MPG extra.

 

[apolinaras]

What my needs really are:
1. Right now automatic shifts like a grand ma. I had manual cars before and I would better shift that low. There are times when I need to slam it all the way down, to merge nicely or to show a ricer that he can't jump in front of me, if I don't feel like it that day (again that machismo coming out). So on the automatic side I just need tighter cleaner shifts (the Drive with OD shifts like a biatch sometimes when you try to slam it, it waits for a second or two before downshifting). Question: does reprogram kill the tranny faster?

2. I have lean condition almost all the time. I took my car to the dealer like nine times, they replaced MAF and etc. but I still get spark plug knock, so I am a bit worried about that. EEC retune would help me there, right?

I guess you can't expect much out the car that is worth 5K, but again, I have to put some money aside for the family too Just trying to enjoy the driving before I am blessed with some rug-rats and have to shift to a mandatory minivan (with maybe some mods to the engine and at least some nicer rims ;-) I bet kids would not mind some day dad burning some rubber in the school parking lot. Damn... and I am only 26.

 

[UnDeR EsTiMaTeD]

If the chip advances the timing, does that mean I'll have to remove it when my car gets smog tested?

 

[silvapain]

You won't have any issues with Nox or HC emissions with a chip. The Catalytic convertor will operate just the same. The advanced timing only takes advantage of the higher octane fuels' slower flame point. Sone cars actually improve gas mileage with a chip installed, along with a power increase.

 

[UnDeR EsTiMaTeD]

But my question is, they check the timing on my car as a part of the inspection. So will I have to remove the chip?

I'm actually considering adding in a chip to help solve my slow, sloppy shifts.

 

[Damon]

Originally posted by UnDeR EsTiMaTeD@Apr 11 2004, 07:59 PM
But my question is, they check the timing on my car as a part of the inspection. So will I have to remove the chip?

I'm actually considering adding in a chip to help solve my slow, sloppy shifts.

WHOA! California checks timing for inspection??? That must suck, if its off a bit im assuming they dont pass you.

Ahhh, the land of fruits and nuts

-DC

 

[silvapain]

I would PM rockledge. He knows about chips, and he lives in CA.