Reluctant "Performance Chip" Question...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 914
Likes: 277
From: St. Petersburg FL
Reluctant "Performance Chip" Question...
Hi All,
I'm new to the C4 experience. I've had many C1's, C2's and C3's back in the day and, after 30 years Corvette-less, just purchased a '96 LT1.
In my day, a Dwell/Tach, Timing Light, screwdriver and offset 9/16 wrench were all you needed to optimize your small block's performance. Now, I can't even find the distributor!
(yes, I know, "Optispark," behind the water pump.)
So, with all the advertisements for "Performance Chips" and "Throttle Control" IC's, do any of them actually improve power/performance?
Oh and... can you time an LT1 with a timing light?
Sorry for my ignorance!
I'm new to the C4 experience. I've had many C1's, C2's and C3's back in the day and, after 30 years Corvette-less, just purchased a '96 LT1.
In my day, a Dwell/Tach, Timing Light, screwdriver and offset 9/16 wrench were all you needed to optimize your small block's performance. Now, I can't even find the distributor!
(yes, I know, "Optispark," behind the water pump.)So, with all the advertisements for "Performance Chips" and "Throttle Control" IC's, do any of them actually improve power/performance?
Oh and... can you time an LT1 with a timing light?
Sorry for my ignorance!
Last edited by DrDyno; Jan 23, 2014 at 12:37 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
First, the LT1 timing is controlled in the tune, so no you can't time it with a timing light. And secondly, I wouldn't buy any performance chips because I think they are a waste of money. If you want a tune, get it done specifically for your car from a reputable tuner.
I think people have been saying chips like Hypertech only lower your fan speed to keep the engine running cooler.
I think people have been saying chips like Hypertech only lower your fan speed to keep the engine running cooler.
If the car is stock, don't waste your money. Just my .02
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Nanticoke PA
Your car being a 96 is an obd 2 car. There are no "chips" available. The car must be tuned through flashing the PCM. Tunercat and lt1 edit are programs you can use to optimize and customize performance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
Don't mess with anything ( as far as tuning goes) unless you make a major engine parts modification, then you may need a retune ...The factory tune is fine for a stock car....
...WW
...WW
Last edited by WW7; Feb 1, 2014 at 07:03 AM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 914
Likes: 277
From: St. Petersburg FL
Thanks, Guys... I have no complaints about my car's performance, stock. Just wondering if there was some little, inexpensive tweak available. And, as always, don't need to fix what isn't broke. 
Again, thanks for your responses!
Again, thanks for your responses!
