Power Chip Question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 17
From: New Jersey
Power Chip Question
I recently bought a 1988 corvette in which the previous owner installed a hypertech thermomaster power chip and 160 degree thermostat. What performance effects might these have? I can't find any good specs anywhere. Any info would be welcome.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,836
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From: Database Error Indiana
If you live where it gets cold, it will take a long time to warm up. I used to use one in my 87 with a 180* thermostat. I really did not see much in the way of power gain, but the fuel mileage was better with the chip (and premium gas). 
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: The Top of Utah
With that cool a stat, your engine wear will be accelerated. What temps does your engine run at? I tried that same combination in my '84, before I knew better, and I documented slower 1/4 mile ETs with the chip. I sent it back. If it were only worthless, it might be tolerable.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 17
From: New Jersey
It's not registered yet so I haven't had a chance to drive it to see what temperature it runs at. I'll get back as soon as I know though.
Also, the previous owner was a GM mechanic, so I hope he knew what he was doing.
Also, the previous owner was a GM mechanic, so I hope he knew what he was doing.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Merritt Ils Fl
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 15
From: Montreal Quebec
i did add a chip + 160 stat + airfoil + k&n at the same time in my previous 87 L98 auto 3.07 diff and didn't see many effects on the ground so this is mostly psychologic like the air foil that suppose to add 12-16 HP in any books but +/-worthless in any dyno testing for few HP combined with all these ... great if you have it for free but i will not pay anymore for these in my 92 that already have the airfoil in when i bought it and i have done the muffler eliminator on this LT1 that if not adding any HP (I DOUBT) give me a smile everytime i 
on the GO pedal... 
on the GO pedal...
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 36
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From: New Jersey
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 15
From: Montreal Quebec
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 17
From: New Jersey
How cold? It gets to 15 degrees minimum during the winter where I live, but I doubt I'll be driving in conditions anywhere close to that. It'll probably just sit in my garage all winter.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 15
From: Montreal Quebec
i live in canada so there is no problem... if you don't drive the car in cold wheather but if you get the car started or to run anytime in winter make sure that the coolant and oil temp is getting up to +/-180 zone before you get it back in storage and make sure you get the oil changed as soon as you get it out...
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: The Top of Utah
RACE ON!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 76
From: Santa Maria, CA
To get information on the correct thermostat, do a search on this forum. I suggest you check Vader86's page. He has a very good writeup on the subject. I've also seen some GM Tech Articles. Note that this is a debatable subject on this forum. Before spending money just realize there are many opinions that are presented as fact. You need to look at your driving conditions before spending money on a new chip.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 21,094
Likes: 282
From: Phila., PA burbs
With that cool a stat, your engine wear will be accelerated. What temps does your engine run at? I tried that same combination in my '84, before I knew better, and I documented slower 1/4 mile ETs with the chip. I sent it back. If it were only worthless, it might be tolerable.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,830
Likes: 147
From: Gainesville FL
Exact Stock proms are hard to find
I was forced to get a replacement hypertech. Live in florida and my temps stay @ ~190 in the heat.
