Performance Chips, ...what the hell is it??? Options

[jaq1967]

Hi,

New to this still, but somebody mentioned I could upgrade the performance of my car with a chip! (I think he's been playing Grand Tourismo on his PS2).

My car is a recent import from Japan to the UK. As far as I am aware it has been 'chipped' to convert the milometer from KMS to MILES - something that is needed for the SVA rule I guess over here! I need to find out more from my dealer as I am now VERY interested! lol...

It is a ST-202 (3S-GE). The speedo I did notice only reads up to 120 MPH max! I know in Japan they do put limiters on their cars so:

1) How do I know if my car has or has not been chipped and what to look for? (...where is the damn thing kept on the motor and where do I find out what it does?)
2) If a new chip is available to replace this one what kind of gain could I expect from it? Is it speed or BHP or what???
3) If I do put a new chip in the car (performance one!) what is the cost and where do you get them (Net or UK). Is it easy to do and will I need to change the speedo dash so it reads properly?

Possibly all daft questions as I do not intend on racing my baby! The laws in the UK are strick anyway... so even at 120 MPH I'd have a heavy fine!

Come on guys...give us your brains on this one as I am not sure if my mate is on another palnet and the cars I used to muck about with didn't have computers (late 70's - yeap...old bugger!).

Hope this isn't such a stupid question.

Thanks

Jaq1967

[KAMiX]

jaq - From my personal knowledge, addon chips mess with your air and fuel mixtures, and a variety of other internal timing that effects your engines performance, basically they are used to "reprogram" your stock EFI settings, to gain more performance from your hardware. Your car was configured in the factory for better economy and low engine noise etc, losing out on performance.


I've never tinkered with them, but from what I've read the celica has a sealed ECU - So the only aftermarket chips are addon units, unless you decide to go for a standalone engine management system, which isn't worth it unless you have a serious engine.

btw, you probably shouldn't get ur chip from japan, try to find one produced for your regions fuel types and driving conditions.

This post has been edited by kamixZR: May 9, 2003 - 1:33 AM