Need tips for chip install
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Pembroke Pines Florida
Need tips for chip install
Just got a Hypertech Thermomaster chip for my 88 coupe. I've heard it said that it's only a 15 minute installation, but I think they're lying through their teeth. Has anyone put one in and do you have any tips for this novice mechanic?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
first, hire a contortionist. 
you think I am kidding.
the ECU is installed under the dash, on the passengers side.
Lay on your back, look up, get dizzy, remove the 2 10mm bolts that hold the ECU in place, drop it down, pull your spine, get out, regain balance, get a 7/32s or 6mm socket and remove the cover on the ECU, remove old, install new, test fire.
have a beer...
have another beer...
hell, have yet another beer.
then install it again.
you think I am kidding.the ECU is installed under the dash, on the passengers side.
Lay on your back, look up, get dizzy, remove the 2 10mm bolts that hold the ECU in place, drop it down, pull your spine, get out, regain balance, get a 7/32s or 6mm socket and remove the cover on the ECU, remove old, install new, test fire.
have a beer...
have another beer...
hell, have yet another beer.
then install it again.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 18,724
Likes: 709
From: Bergen County, NJ
Originally Posted by bogus
first, hire a contortionist. you think I am kidding.
the ECU is installed under the dash, on the passengers side.
Lay on your back, look up, get dizzy, remove the 2 10mm bolts that hold the ECU in place, drop it down, pull your spine, get out, regain balance, get a 7/32s or 6mm socket and remove the cover on the ECU, remove old, install new, test fire.
have a beer...
have another beer...
hell, have yet another beer.
then install it again.
you think I am kidding.the ECU is installed under the dash, on the passengers side.
Lay on your back, look up, get dizzy, remove the 2 10mm bolts that hold the ECU in place, drop it down, pull your spine, get out, regain balance, get a 7/32s or 6mm socket and remove the cover on the ECU, remove old, install new, test fire.
have a beer...
have another beer...
hell, have yet another beer.
then install it again.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Pembroke Pines Florida
Originally Posted by bogus
first, hire a contortionist. you think I am kidding.
the ECU is installed under the dash, on the passengers side.
Lay on your back, look up, get dizzy, remove the 2 10mm bolts that hold the ECU in place, drop it down, pull your spine, get out, regain balance, get a 7/32s or 6mm socket and remove the cover on the ECU, remove old, install new, test fire.
have a beer...
have another beer...
hell, have yet another beer.
then install it again.
you think I am kidding.the ECU is installed under the dash, on the passengers side.
Lay on your back, look up, get dizzy, remove the 2 10mm bolts that hold the ECU in place, drop it down, pull your spine, get out, regain balance, get a 7/32s or 6mm socket and remove the cover on the ECU, remove old, install new, test fire.
have a beer...
have another beer...
hell, have yet another beer.
then install it again.
I like the laying on your back part, getting dizzy and drinking beers.
Perhaps I'll just put the chip in tommorrow and work on perfecting the installation process.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,531
Likes: 35
From: Lecanto Florida
You forgot one small point. When your looking up and take out the 2 10mm bolts the darn thing drops right down into your face 
Then you have to somehow reach around and pull the connecting harness out the back of the ECU all while vertually standing on your head.
Can it be done in 15 minutes...yea...if you've done it before...but don't rush it.
Then you have to somehow reach around and pull the connecting harness out the back of the ECU all while vertually standing on your head. Can it be done in 15 minutes...yea...if you've done it before...but don't rush it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 0
From: Texarkana TX
Beer........good. (don't worry, I am legal, 24) 
On the subject of performance chips...
1. Where can I find a good chip for my all stock 95 LT1 coupe?
2. Will it affect gas mileage (for better or worse) ???
3. Should I add a chip if I plan on doing no other mods?
Right now the car is all stock except for a K&N filter.
MUCHAS GRACIAS
Brian
On the subject of performance chips...
1. Where can I find a good chip for my all stock 95 LT1 coupe?
2. Will it affect gas mileage (for better or worse) ???
3. Should I add a chip if I plan on doing no other mods?
Right now the car is all stock except for a K&N filter.
MUCHAS GRACIAS
Brian
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,531
Likes: 35
From: Lecanto Florida
Brian,
I may be wrong, but I think most chips optimize the fuel and timing in conjunction with whatever mods you've already done. It does this at WOT (wide open throttle) so the car runs normally until you stand on it...then all hell brakes loose. Gas milage shouldn't be affected for normal driving.
I may be wrong, but I think most chips optimize the fuel and timing in conjunction with whatever mods you've already done. It does this at WOT (wide open throttle) so the car runs normally until you stand on it...then all hell brakes loose. Gas milage shouldn't be affected for normal driving.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,818
Likes: 2
From: Alive and well in Burlington NC
Brian,
Try here http://www.fastchip.com/. Ed Wright has some of the best "off the shelf" chips going. If you are planning on some major mods in the near future, you might want to hold off, do the mods then have a chip burned. I have some mods planned for this winter that will overcome the fastchip in my 91 auto. At that time I'll put it up for sale and contact ski_dwn_it (Jesse Azzato) to do a custom burn.
Try here http://www.fastchip.com/. Ed Wright has some of the best "off the shelf" chips going. If you are planning on some major mods in the near future, you might want to hold off, do the mods then have a chip burned. I have some mods planned for this winter that will overcome the fastchip in my 91 auto. At that time I'll put it up for sale and contact ski_dwn_it (Jesse Azzato) to do a custom burn.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: PRESTON IDAHO
I WENT THROUGH THIS WITH MY 88 SO I INSTALLED A FLAT DASH AND MOVED THE COMPUTER TO JUST BEHIND THE FLAT DASH, I NEEDED TO TRIM THE PLASTIC BEHIND THE FLAT DASH A LITTLE SO THE COMPUTER WOULD FIT SNUG SO WHEN I NEED TO GET TO THE CHIP ANYMORE IT IS JUST 2 SCREWS THAT HOLD THE END OF THE FLAT DASH IN PLACE. IT TOOK ABOUT 2 HOURS FOR THE MODIFACATION BUT NOW IT TAKES 30 SECONDS TO GET TO THE CHIP. HOPE THIS HELPS. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 0
From: Texarkana TX
Thanks, Steel Blue 91. I think I will probably keep everything stock then. I just thought there was a "plug and play" chip out there for the 95. (Where I could just pull my old chip and plug in the new one).
B.
B.
