Some people call it the super chip. Others call them programmers, modules or in-line tuners. What it is, is known as the performance chip. What it can do for you is recalibrate your car’s factory programming in order to enhance the vehicle’s original operating parameters. This can result in more horsepower or more torque or better responsiveness. In this day and age, many people appreciate how the chip makes their vehicle more fuel efficient.
History and Background of Performance Chips
In 1968, Volkswagen entered the computer age with the first vehicle to have computer-controlled electronic fuel injection (EFI for short). In 1976 General Motors partnered up with Motorola Semiconductors in order to design a microcomputer for their vehicles that would control vital engine functions. By 1981, all GM vehicles came with a new Computer Command Control System (CCC) that contained a Motorola 8-bit microprocessor. Intel and Ford followed suit by starting an endeavor in 1983 to build ECUs utilizing customized Intel 8061 microcontroller chips. In 1996, performance chips made with the purpose of correcting factory-set limitations started to become more prevalent. Today, the average vehicle can have anywhere from 50 to 150 chips. Electric cars may have as many as 3000.
How It Works And What It Does
Basically, it allows the car’s engine to create more horsepower and torque after it has been installed into the vehicle. It sends a constant signal throughout the factory data sensor in the engine that the ECM monitors. This signal causes the factory ECM to escalate the fuel mixture and timing curve to a balance that is more efficient. It overrides the original factory settings, altering the parameters in order to give the engine more torque. It enhances the vehicle’s speed and power by introducing intelligent variations to the parameters. This can include such things as the amount of fuel mixture that gets into the engine, fuel cut, ignition timing, and much more. This can increase the vehicle’s horsepower in the long run. This piggy-back system is among the safest and easiest performance enhancers on the market.
Why Use It?
Most people do it to save money on fuel costs. While the chip can indeed boost fuel efficiency by a good four to six MPG, there are other good reasons to have a performance chip installed on a vehicle. Some people would like to increase the torque and throttle response of their vehicle without the trouble of cutting any wires.
More About The Performance Chip
Performance chips are not only safe for the warranty of your vehicle but they are protected by law under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. It’s very easy to install. After you start your vehicle, you need to find the OBD2 port which should be under the driver’s side dash. Plug it in, wait 15 seconds and then press and hold the SYNC/RESET button for another 15 seconds. It will start working right away, but you may need to drive the car a full 150 miles in order to fully complete the calibration. Restoring factory settings is as easy as pulling it back out.
What the Future Holds
Technology, of course, is forever evolving, making slow but steady improvements. The laws of supply and demand are always in flux and currently, there’s a bit of a microchip shortage. Just wait it out and know what your needs are, and you’ll get the chip you need to improve your horsepower and MPG.
Check out our wide selections of performance chips from Chip Your Car, including every make and model to customize your ride experience.
