Hypertech performance chip yes or no
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 74
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From: Columbus Ohio
Hypertech performance chip yes or no
I was wondering is there anyone out there that has this in thier car. I have a 1992 vette and was looking into getting this chip and a 160 degree thermostat to help the car run cooler. I would like to know if the chip works and helps the car run cooler and a little more power or is it not worth the money. Thanks.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 405
Likes: 20
From: Franklinville, NJ & Deerfield Beach, FL
Most people on the forum have told me they are worthless and to go with a custom made chip. However, I do not have personal experience with chips. good luck with whatever you decide!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 74
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From: Columbus Ohio
I had the hypertech power programmer for my LT1 Z28 that I had and I thought it worked great for what I wanted it to do. It kept the temp. down around 180 all the time, Did little for performance though.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 405
Likes: 20
From: Franklinville, NJ & Deerfield Beach, FL
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Columbus Ohio
Whats the best one out there to help or LT1s run cooler. Like I said my Z28 ran cool so Im not used to my car running as hot as they do. I was just wanting to cool the running temps down.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
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If all you want it to do is keep the engine cooler, then these generic chips are fine....overpriced as all hell, but they do this job.
You are better off doing some cooling-system maintenance and waiting for mods that would justify custom chips.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Yes but all equally worthless generic chips.
If all you want it to do is keep the engine cooler, then these generic chips are fine....overpriced as all hell, but they do this job.
You are better off doing some cooling-system maintenance and waiting for mods that would justify custom chips.
If all you want it to do is keep the engine cooler, then these generic chips are fine....overpriced as all hell, but they do this job.
You are better off doing some cooling-system maintenance and waiting for mods that would justify custom chips.
C4's were designed to run at coolant temps that appear to be higher than what you would expect. The 92 came with a 195 degree 'stat from the factory. Higher coolant temps helps to keep emissions down.You didn't say what temps you are seeing, but typically 195 to 215 is considered normal. If the car sits in heavy traffic or you just drive slow in hot weather, the coolant temps will climb to 228-230 before the secondary fan cuts in. This is perfectly normal and will not hurt the motor. You can also turn the A/C on which forces the secondary fan to start and that will drop coolant temps.
Cooling system maintenance is important for cooling. C4's are what are known as "bottom breathers". Air is taken in from under the front of the car behind the license plate. Unfortunately, dirt and debris can also be sucked up and it will clog the fins in both the A/C condensor and the radiator. When that happens, they lose the ability to transfer heat from the coolant into the airflow and the car runs hot.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,715
Likes: 2
From: Santa Teresa New Mexico
I had the chip in my LT1 and it never got over 210 in 110 degree temps in stop and go traffic in Las Wegas NV.
Try Mid America for a low temp fan on switch. The thermostat makes no difference what so ever.
GM runs um hot Ford doesn't.
Try Mid America for a low temp fan on switch. The thermostat makes no difference what so ever.
GM runs um hot Ford doesn't.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 502
Likes: 1
From: Schwenksville PA
don't know much about over the counter chips. However, I had one of the forum sponsors reprogram my chip. ever since, my tem has not gone over 180 and that is with the stop thermostat. also noticed better performce( responsive and peppy). no change to mpg.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
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St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
Yes, go with PCMforLess
I had a 92 LT1 and I bought it and I felt more power with the vortex ram air
I had a 92 LT1 and I bought it and I felt more power with the vortex ram air
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 0
From: Delray beach FL
ask pcmforless to have fans to turn on at 185.
With a 160 thermostat this is the best combination.
Use a glycol based high quality coolant.
Do not use water.
With a 160 thermostat this is the best combination.
Use a glycol based high quality coolant.
Do not use water.
Last edited by frenchyoliver; Sep 24, 2008 at 01:07 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
I used the Hypertech power programmer on my stock '94 LT1 Caprice 9C1 (cop car). Right after programming, I thought, "Well that was a freaking waste of money." I mean it ran well, but not a massive improvement. A few days passed and I was due for my state inspection, so I plugged in and put my car back to stock. THAT is when I noticed the difference. It was noticeably more sluggish. I put it back to "performance" mode after the inspection and it did feel better. No track times or real numbers, but seat of the pants it just plain felt better for daily driving (for what that's worth).
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Don't count on a chip to give more power.
If you want modified fan control/transmission shifting/speedo recalibration/stuff like that, they will do it. At a stiff price.
The cost/benefit ratio just isn't there with a chip.
Larry
________
not easily impressed....
If you want modified fan control/transmission shifting/speedo recalibration/stuff like that, they will do it. At a stiff price.
The cost/benefit ratio just isn't there with a chip.
Larry
________
not easily impressed....
