I was wondering if these chips make a difference. Is anyone out there with an 81 or 82 that are using one of these chips? If so did you feel any improvement? Also if you are using a chip are you using the Street runner or the thermo master? I know a lot of people talk bad about these chips but I don't want to sound rowd but please don't give me your opinion unless you actually tried one of the chips or you know someone that has. I am serously considering getting one, but my father doesn't think it worth it. He is speaking from having no experience with a car that has a performance chip. So please I'm looking for facts from people with actuall experience with a performance chip, not opinions. Thanks I really appreciate any advice. I hope this didn't come off rowd but I really just want some actual advice.


[Modified by jaybird81, 10:12 PM 4/5/2003]


[Modified by jaybird81, 10:13 PM 4/5/2003]

 

hmmmmm....I'm not 100% positive because I'm not familiar w/ the computer controls on the cars. However, I know that on late model EFI cars, these chips do help a little (c.5-15 hp). The generic reprogramming (as opposed to a custom tune) really helps when you make a mod that changes A/F ratio (like adding headers) and you need to adjust the timing or fuel. It will also help if you put in new gears and need to recalibrate the speedo(if its elect.) or if you put on different sized tires (i.e. taller) or want to raise your rev limiter or kill the speed governer. I'm not sure how many of the functions the Cross-Fire's had on them...Maybe Call Hypertech and talk to a rep, they probably know best. Good Luck with your search. Let us know what you find out :cheers:

 

Put one in my 81 and here is what it did for my times at the track.
Before 16.943
81.28 MPH
After 16.583
83.26 MPH
This is the only change and it is a Completely stock L81 Engine .
So it does help a little bit
:steering:


[Modified by Yeller81, 2:45 PM 4/6/2003]


[Modified by Yeller81, 2:47 PM 4/6/2003]

 

I have an '82 w/ the Cross-Fire (quit laughing at me!); most people who run the CF says the chip only raises shift RPM, re-calibrates converter lock-up, etc. Mine, in stock form with low miles (see my sig), ran low 15.90s @ 86 MPH deep-staged; it'd probly gone 15.70s if 'shallow-staged'. 3 tenths, and two MPH, with just a chip-change, ain't too bad... :thumbs:

 

Thanks Guys those stats were just what I needed. It looks like its worth it.

 

I've put a Thermomaster chip in my '81 auto. I fitted it after changing the cam, intake manifold, exhaust system (duals) & a few other small mods. After fitting the cam I had bags more ooomph (a technical term!) in the midrange but it felt a bit flat just off idle, whereas it used to pull better with the stock cam. The chip was for sale on the forum, so I grabbed it with mixed feelings (have seen it verbally massacred on here, being called Hypercrap, etc). The difference was instantly noticeable. It picked up much better just off idle & throttle response felt a lot better, but I don't know what, if anything, it's done for overall power improvements.
My base timing before & after fitting the chip was 11btdc & I'm fairly convinced that the improvements these chips give increase as the engine is modded ie. I'd see better results with my slightly modded engine than I would have if I'd kept it stock. As far as I know, the chip gives a more aggresive advance curve (hence my off idle improvements) & might change the fuel map for the primaries :confused: Couldn't tell you if it changed the point at which the converter was locked (mine had stopped working altogether prior to fitting the chip). I tried to get some info from Hypertech about what the chip does, but they weren't giving much away.

I'm very happy that I fitted the chip, but I'm not sure if I would have felt much difference with a stockish engine (maybe why Hypertech get so much flak?). Personally I'd fit a high output coil & decent plug wires, etc, for the same money if you've got a stock motor, but if you swap the cam, intake, exhaust, increase CR, etc then I'd definately fit one :yesnod:
:cheers: