input on chip and turning for c4
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: mertztown pa
input on chip and turning for c4
Hi, I was thinking about chipping my 93.
Has anyone put a chip in there c4 n got it turned b4.
If so what kinda chip and what's involved with the turning process. Was it worth it and what's the cost.
Thanks
Has anyone put a chip in there c4 n got it turned b4.
If so what kinda chip and what's involved with the turning process. Was it worth it and what's the cost.
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,475
Likes: 3,291
From: Hartford WI
A proper tuning process involves you getting the car strapped on a dyno and they make adjustments till they maximized it. Usually about $600 and up NOT including your drive time and other misc items you encounter (food, lodging, etc, etc) to the dyno facility.
Another way that I don't like as much but is somewhat acceptable is to datalog the ECM while it is doing say a WOT and other runs within the curve to maximize it. So you would essentially have to keep doing it till they were satisfied that it is maxed out.
The third way which I won't do is to have the tuner make a SWAG at what the car should be doing based on what you tell them you have for mods. Any reasonable tuner would backpedal and not give you all that there is since there is a liability reason. IOW the safety margin will be larger.
What you haven't told us is what mods you have on the car and what you are trying to achieve.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 35
Likes: 1
From: Cleveland Ohio
chips and tunes
So your question is a bit off with the abbreviations and wording you used, but I think you want to know about chips that change the computer tuning. Since you have a C4 the market is unfortunately almost all but lost on many items aftermarket for performance upgrades made over 20 years ago. With that in mind the other reply was correct about a dyno tune as the best option. I am not sure what engine modifications have been made, but if you have a stock engine with only a better exhaust added then a premade chip module will likely be what your asking for. Jet performance and hypertech have those on their websites or you can call Summit Racing tech support to set up the order. I have done both and even though some feel premade chip modules are a waste of money or even a rip off to others, I personally felt my chip modules increased power over stock. Premade chip modlues range from $100-$500 (depending on if you buy used or new) and you can install yourself. Another problem with dyno tuners is the final cost may be higher then quoted price (up to $1000 I've seen) because it is a service that can change the overall price depending on time spent, but may be necessary if you have a bunch of engine mods. Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,475
Likes: 3,291
From: Hartford WI
From what others who have deciphered the HyperJUNK program said, the fans come on earlier. If you don't have many mods, I'd save the money for when you are ready. Say you did cams and headers, etc
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
You need to first set some sort of goals for the amount of power you want. Then establish a budget for building that power and prioritize what mods to make given the money you have. "Speed costs money. How fast do you want to go??" 
Off-the-shelf-chips such as HyperTech, Jet and others by themselves really don't do a lot to provide noticable HP/torque gains. And if you even get a tune now, adding mods like headers, cam, heads, and such later on may very well make that tune unsuitable.
You should also factor in the overall condition of the engine, trans, and diff. Hopping up an engine with something like 150K miles on it could spell the end of it if it gets beat on constantly. If you are going to keep the car for some years, start budgeting for rebuilding the engine and the rest of the drivetrain.
If you want to go fast, you have to stop. Go thru the brakes (calipers, pads, and rotors), then look at the suspension. It's gotta handle too.
Off-the-shelf-chips such as HyperTech, Jet and others by themselves really don't do a lot to provide noticable HP/torque gains. And if you even get a tune now, adding mods like headers, cam, heads, and such later on may very well make that tune unsuitable.
You should also factor in the overall condition of the engine, trans, and diff. Hopping up an engine with something like 150K miles on it could spell the end of it if it gets beat on constantly. If you are going to keep the car for some years, start budgeting for rebuilding the engine and the rest of the drivetrain.
If you want to go fast, you have to stop. Go thru the brakes (calipers, pads, and rotors), then look at the suspension. It's gotta handle too.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,475
Likes: 3,291
From: Hartford WI
You need to first set some sort of goals for the amount of power you want. Then establish a budget for building that power and prioritize what mods to make given the money you have. "Speed costs money. How fast do you want to go??"
Off-the-shelf-chips such as HyperTech, Jet and others by themselves really don't do a lot to provide noticable HP/torque gains. And if you even get a tune now, adding mods like headers, cam, heads, and such later on may very well make that tune unsuitable.
You should also factor in the overall condition of the engine, trans, and diff. Hopping up an engine with something like 150K miles on it could spell the end of it if it gets beat on constantly. If you are going to keep the car for some years, start budgeting for rebuilding the engine and the rest of the drivetrain.
If you want to go fast, you have to stop. Go thru the brakes (calipers, pads, and rotors), then look at the suspension. It's gotta handle too.
Off-the-shelf-chips such as HyperTech, Jet and others by themselves really don't do a lot to provide noticable HP/torque gains. And if you even get a tune now, adding mods like headers, cam, heads, and such later on may very well make that tune unsuitable.
You should also factor in the overall condition of the engine, trans, and diff. Hopping up an engine with something like 150K miles on it could spell the end of it if it gets beat on constantly. If you are going to keep the car for some years, start budgeting for rebuilding the engine and the rest of the drivetrain.
If you want to go fast, you have to stop. Go thru the brakes (calipers, pads, and rotors), then look at the suspension. It's gotta handle too.
Seriously, if the OP sets it up right, it can be good as long as he is keeping the car. As we all know, any mod you put in, is money as good a lost. The next guy probably won't pay you for it. If he dyno tunes every time, it is a waste of money unless major groups are done. Say intake and headers or heads and cam, etc. I wouldn't do it just because I put in a new TB or intake. Gain isn't enough to justify cost.
Also find a few good dyno facilities and check them out with people who have used them. Many don't want to tune that old stuff anymore or have the software. Principles are the same but they might not have need for the software since too few do it.
Better question: How much money you got to spend?
