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