Do Performance/MPG chips actually work?

Question

I have a 2002 Buick Century Custom. I was looking online at Performance chips (My wife is more interested in the MPG chip...) Either way, I was wondering how much of a difference they actually make? Also how difficult is the installation? The site says 10 minutes to install it and it comes with instructions. The chip is only about $15 shipped for my particular model. Is that about what I should expect to pay for a chip, or should it be more expensive? I just don't want to spend the money on it if it won't make a difference, or if it will be a super major hassle to install. (I don't mind most installations, I've done lots of repairs on my Saturn, ie. Fuel pump / Filter, and other fairly involved projects.) Thanks for the help.

Answer 1

The $15 "chips" are junk - stay away from them. To do it the right way the chip will contain actual software to remap the fuel injection and ignition timing curves, possibly even shift points for your transmission. The packaging will vary somewhat based on model, but they are a couple of hundred bucks and up.

Answer 2

Yes they work. They do this by tweaking the fuel / air mixture and the ignition advance curves. On a GM gasoline product, you can expect about a 15% improvement in horsepower. On a 200 HP engine, this = about 20 horsepower. Not too bad for the money.



On your application, it is more likely it is a device that plugs into the computer's diagnostic port and re-programs the existing computer.



$15 sounds pretty cheap for a chip or programmer. They usually start at about $300. I would beware of this one.



Follow the link below for an idea of what it should cost from a reputable manufacturer and vendor.

Answer 3

For 15 bucks you cant expect much but even if it bumped it up 3 HP it wouldnt be bad but for good proven chips they run a couple hundred bucks and usually take a dealership or shop to install as it involves pulling the computer.

Answer 4

Sounds like the exact one I bought through ebay. This one fits in the air intake sensor wiring. My Trailblazer doesn't have one separatly. The seller says it leans out the air/fuel mixture which I would be leary about because if it leans it out too much it can cause major engine problems. I didn't install it.

$8 for the sensor & $7 for shipping. It came in a legal size envelope w/ $.39 stamp. Don't quite get the $7 shipping!!

Answer 5

100%



100%

they will increase your cars power by remaping the ignition timing etc.



on a turbocharged/supercharged car the difference it substancial... 40+ hp gained...



I have a my 01' 1.8t jetta chipped and it was soooo much faster.



on a naturally aspirated engine it may only give you 5 hp



a turbo can easily have it's boost upped by the chip making for big gains



I payed $500 for my chip



make sure to do your research...not all chips are created equal



I had no idea there was a mpg chip though

Answer 6

Chips are easy dude. I used a hypertech power programmer in my 96 s10 blazer. It worked great. 15 bucks for a chip is good,but sound too good to be true. I paid 250 for mine and that was 11 years ago and before they jumped to 300 to 350 in price.



some are cheap and i have seen em go up to 300.00

Answer 7

They don't work. They fool the computer into thinking that it's getting different readings from the oxygen sensor. They're just a resistor in a pretty package. Save your money, and pass on this one.