C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

ECU/programing

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Old Jul 11, 2013 | 11:43 PM
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Default ECU/programing

Hey,
i am sure there are other posts about this so links to those are fine but i was just curious about using power programs and modding the ECU. i drive a 93 base and was wondering what if any mods you use or chips/programers. i was wondering about the ones that just plug in and dont overwrite because that seems better.

i mostly want to know if there are any relatively cheap items i could use to boost power and performance. one thing for me is i could care less about gas mileage, if i get 4mpg in the city but get better performance that would be fine with me. i mostly dont want something i cant reverse or would be damaging to the ECU.

any advise would be awesome, i am always looking for ways to upgrade my vette
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Old Jul 12, 2013 | 02:54 AM
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Hypertech used to have a chip that worked in concert with a 160 deg thermostat. Basically did nothing but turned on the fans a little sooner to make the engine run cooler.

Without engine modifications I am of the opinion a chip is simply not effective. But it is not terribly expensive if you wanted to try it.
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Old Jul 12, 2013 | 03:15 PM
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I'm not a big fan of any of the "off shelf" crap like what HyperJUNK offers. How do they know what you have and if not, how would it work well?

You need to understand that cheap and good doesn't usually go well. If it is cheap, IMO, it is cheap for a reason. I pass on those deals as they are too good to be true.

If you want power, simply get a person who is a tuner that uses either a dyno to set the tune or write the tune via datalogs.

To get power, you need to have the supporting mods to get it there. So ask yourself "How deep is my wallet?". That determines how far you can go. Speed is expensive. It takes cubic dollars to go fast.
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Old Jul 13, 2013 | 12:28 AM
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Originally Posted by aklim
I'm not a big fan of any of the "off shelf" crap like what HyperJUNK offers. How do they know what you have and if not, how would it work well?

You need to understand that cheap and good doesn't usually go well. If it is cheap, IMO, it is cheap for a reason. I pass on those deals as they are too good to be true.

If you want power, simply get a person who is a tuner that uses either a dyno to set the tune or write the tune via datalogs.

To get power, you need to have the supporting mods to get it there. So ask yourself "How deep is my wallet?". That determines how far you can go. Speed is expensive. It takes cubic dollars to go fast.
thanks! so it sounds like without any other mods it wont do much.. i was wondering about that. and my wallet is pretty light right now after doing repairs and buying some racing gear so i dont think i can afford what you are thinking of.
im looking for something in the 100-200 range.. how much do the mods you are thinking of cost?


also to the first guy, how hard is it to change your thermostat, i have heard a lot of people put in the 160, and it would probably be nice to have it run cooler but right now everything is stock and it does seem like vettes run pretty hot.

thanks for the advise tho! its good to know not to blow money on a mod that wont do much without the other mods, it does seem like to get serious power or performance u do need deep pockets
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Old Jul 13, 2013 | 12:46 AM
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Originally Posted by Lord.Baal
thanks! so it sounds like without any other mods it wont do much.. i was wondering about that. and my wallet is pretty light right now after doing repairs and buying some racing gear so i dont think i can afford what you are thinking of.
im looking for something in the 100-200 range.. how much do the mods you are thinking of cost?


also to the first guy, how hard is it to change your thermostat, i have heard a lot of people put in the 160, and it would probably be nice to have it run cooler but right now everything is stock and it does seem like vettes run pretty hot.

thanks for the advise tho! its good to know not to blow money on a mod that wont do much without the other mods, it does seem like to get serious power or performance u do need deep pockets
Off the shelf won't do much either way. My best advice is to figure out your project and the cost. Double or triple that cost and it might be a little low but you get the idea. I don't know much you can do in the 200 range. For that kind of money, I'd get the injectors that are Bosch III. Going to replace them sooner or later. Change all fluids and maybe poly bushings.

When you get into power mods you are going to have to bring air in. Bigger intakes, bigger manifolds, better heads, bigger displacement, headers, exhaust. After which your block will have problems as will your trans and rear end.

I don't think the thermostat will help as much as a more efficient radiatior,
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