Leisure-Drive: Engine Modification : Chip Upgrade #3

How many times are we confronted by "too good to be true" marketing gimmicks claiming on car performance's improvements? Hundreds of product are actively marketed online, some are promoted through well reputable affiliate network. They bombard us with such gimmick claims;

Add 50+ HP ( Vehicles with Larger engines produce more HP)
Add 50+ TQ ( Vehicles with Larger engines produce more TQ)
Save 3-6+ MPG
Faster 0-60 Time
Improved mid-range power
More power for towing
Smoother Shifting
Smoother IDLE
Reduced overall engine stress
Up to 40% Quicker Throttle Response time
Pays for itself with gas savings
Improved Top End Power
Improved Low end Torque
Helps pass SMOG inspections

See for yourself and be the judge on their promotional wording on : SLR CHIP TOYOTA COROLLA 1990-2009 promotion at the biggest online shopping, had the product been as effective the official Obama's Package ride the Cadillac One should have been powered by mere V12 gasoline engine instead of the current Diesel power plant. Anyhow here is its "Product Description Quotation" as follows:

The SLR Motorsports Gas Saver Chip can save you 7-10+ MPG and you can still gain 40+ HP at the same time! With our revolutionary Gas Saver Chip installed, you will find yourself amazed at how much MPG you really can save. Each Gas saver chip is programmed with software to recognize your engine size for your exact vehicle and then adjust accordingly.

The SLR chip will read your vehicle's computer system to determine which tune to select to run perfectly on your vehicle. The best part about our products, is that your factory warranty will not be affected in any way! Its impossible to save fuel and gain HP at the same time. Therefore when your cruising, the SLR chip will help you to save fuel. Then when you want that extra power, you accelerate and you are instantly thrown back in your seat.

Basically, with the Gas saver chip installed when your vehicle is under 3500RPMS you will be saving fuel. Anytime you go over 3500RPMS the SLR Gas Saver chip modifies the vehicles fuel curves to unleash that hidden horsepower. We also offer a performance chip that is guaranteed to give you 50+ HP, 50+ TQ and 3-6+ MPG. --------------- SLR chip car list

I have made some list of trusty references on previous article on Engine Modification : Chip Upgrade #2 [1]. Though for the sake of our comparison purposes, let's have a look at another Performance Aftermarket Chip make;

Superchips 1950 Cortex Programmer #4

Product Features

Supports wheel, tire and gear swaps
Easy to install and internet updateable
Recalibrate speedometer for larger tire size
Eliminates speed limiter
Adjusts shift points and eliminates shift firmness

Product Description

Superchips Cortex Programmer is manufactured to ensure efficient fuel delivery and increase engine output. This sleek, elegant device, in addition to allowing three tuning levels, features diagnostic library which retrieves, displays and clears DTCs. It displays, as well as stores PID data and is backed by a two year warranty.

Cortex from Superchips is the latest in the line of advanced vehicle performance programmers delivering economy, performance and power you can trust. Some independent programmer manufacturers take great pride in creating maximum horsepower from your vehicle while they subject your engine and drivetrain components to unnecessary stress, causing premature failure and expensive repairs. Superchips is so confident in the durability and compatibility of their Cortex programmer that they offer a two-year limited power-train warranty.

Cortex is engineered with Superchips dyno proven performance calibrations, cutting edge tuning, and data acquisition technology. Another great feature of the Cortex is the ability to be updated via the internet - simply connect to your computers USB connection and go to Superchips.com for any updates and calibrations available for your vehicle."

Flash Module Blue Unprogrammed

The Unprogrammed Module is typically blank chip add on that you could later burn a new mapping to suit specific modification. This is definitely not a DIY work, it is for the pro only! Does this tell you the product is of good quality?

I deliberately quoted my own writing instead of the other way around, since their claims are truly overwhelming. My own limited research has indicated that out of this two products SLR and Superchips, the latter product has been around longer and seems has accumulated certain motoring acknowledgment.
I have found some customer's satisfaction. It is nicely put together in attractive video. However some have reported a sub par quality product upon receiving the delivery. You could see the photo and discussion from one forum... read on! Wait for the next article!

Reference and/ relevant other articles;