Should I wait or is a chip worth it?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
Re: Should I wait or is a chip worth it? (Arctic-LT1)
Im debating the same thing. I believe the main advantage for us with the early LT1 is going to be the fans coming on earlier and changing the lock up speed of the converter. For some reason no one list a fan switch for the LT1. I dont believe that a program change on a stock car is going to bring out a large horsepower increase. The LT1 is already at 300 hp and most increases are going to be a trade off. IE gas milage, low end torque, reliability, etc.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 0
From: Warrenville IL
Re: Should I wait or is a chip worth it? (Red 86 4+3)
Red 86 is right, you're really not going to gain much on a stock car other than the fan temps.
You may want to consider buying the Hypertech Power Programmer. You could probably find a used HPP Programmer pretty easily & cheaper than what a chip would cost.
You'll have the flexibility to return the programming to stock at any given time and if you change the rear end gear later on you can recalibrate your spedo without having to send your computer in.
If you ever decide to sell the car, you can sell the programmer and recoup some of the money, with a reprogrammed computer it goes with the car.
just a couple things to think about.
You may want to consider buying the Hypertech Power Programmer. You could probably find a used HPP Programmer pretty easily & cheaper than what a chip would cost.
You'll have the flexibility to return the programming to stock at any given time and if you change the rear end gear later on you can recalibrate your spedo without having to send your computer in.
If you ever decide to sell the car, you can sell the programmer and recoup some of the money, with a reprogrammed computer it goes with the car.
just a couple things to think about.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
Re: Should I wait or is a chip worth it? (Arctic-LT1)
Nick,
I believe that you have to change the chip on 93 and older. The computer is non-programable, other then through the chip. Could be wrong, and it wont be the first time!!
I believe that you have to change the chip on 93 and older. The computer is non-programable, other then through the chip. Could be wrong, and it wont be the first time!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 8,476
Likes: 3,977
From: Omaha
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
Re: Should I wait or is a chip worth it? (Red 86 4+3)
You are correct, on 93 and earlier it is an actual chip that must be swapped. The upside is that a chip only cost $159 from Ed Wright (fastchip.com).
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 22,267
Likes: 3
From: Dallas TX
Re: Should I wait or is a chip worth it? (scorp508)
I agree, the chip should be one of the last things to get all of your tuning perfect. I am waiting to do a reprogram on mine until i rebuild and do a 383 and lots of other stuff.
