Custom chip for ZZ4?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 509
Likes: 5
From: Edmonds WA
Custom chip for ZZ4?
I've got a ZZ4 under the stock TPI system in my 87. I've been considering getting a custom chip for some time, but just haven't pulled the trigger on the wallet.
I do mostly street driving with the car, but I occasionally take it out on the road course or auto cross. I do notice that it has a lot more acceleration off the line when it's cold (probably still in open loop), so I'm under the impression that the stock chip isn't providing enough fuel in the low end when it's warmed up and running closed-loop.
I have a laptop and some scan software and the know-how to program and burn one of my own, but just don't have the time to spend dinkin' around with the whole process. Plus, I don't yet have a PROM burner.
Has anyone else put in a custom chip for this type of setup? What kind of difference did you notice? Did you see any real benefit for street use (that is, when not running wide-open-throttle)? Was the new chip worth the money?
I do mostly street driving with the car, but I occasionally take it out on the road course or auto cross. I do notice that it has a lot more acceleration off the line when it's cold (probably still in open loop), so I'm under the impression that the stock chip isn't providing enough fuel in the low end when it's warmed up and running closed-loop.
I have a laptop and some scan software and the know-how to program and burn one of my own, but just don't have the time to spend dinkin' around with the whole process. Plus, I don't yet have a PROM burner.
Has anyone else put in a custom chip for this type of setup? What kind of difference did you notice? Did you see any real benefit for street use (that is, when not running wide-open-throttle)? Was the new chip worth the money?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,012
Likes: 1
From: Bowie MD
Re: Custom chip for ZZ4? (K87ZZ4)
I had one custom burnt for my 1990 when i put the ZZ4 in mine. I was infact advised to by the Vette doctors, cause the CAM was different for timing purposes. I had mine done by Formato in florida, cost was $500. However, i feel that it is not as good as it could have been if they had seen the car in person. I need to either have a chip burnt from a dyno place or buy into one of those Accel DFI Gen VII wide band O2 computers. The costs there run from $1500 for dyno chip tune to $2500 for new changeable computer system.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 0
From: West Islip New York
Re: Custom chip for ZZ4? (corvette1990)
However, i feel that it is not as good as it could have been if they had seen the car in person.
I'm getting the bug to get it done and will probably go with TPIS as DRM recommended them. Since they modeled their cams after the ZZ4 they said they could do the right thing with my setup out of the box.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 509
Likes: 5
From: Edmonds WA
Re: Custom chip for ZZ4? (1MoorTym)
However, i feel that it is not as good as it could have been if they had seen the car in person.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 0
From: West Islip New York
Re: Custom chip for ZZ4? (K87ZZ4)
Its a matter of being able to burn a chip, test, record data, tweak the settings, burn another chip, etc. This fine turning process is where you can get maximum performance out of you engine but requires access to the car.
It can be done long distance if they work with you as you send data recordings and chips back and forth, but its not as easy.
It can be done long distance if they work with you as you send data recordings and chips back and forth, but its not as easy.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Custom chip for ZZ4? (K87ZZ4)
Since you have a scan tool (software) take some O2 sensor readings at WOT to see if you have enough fuel and if the ECM is compensating at part throttle (look at the BLM cell values).
Install an AFPR and bump fuel pressure till O2 readings at WOT are a little over 900mV. Take it to a drag strip and fine tune fuel pressure for best trap speed. If you have to go over 55psi, install larger fuel injectors.
Once you get fuel & timing dialed in you can likely burn a chip pretty accurately. Or, since you have a MAF instead of SD, you may decide to stay with the stock chip.
Install an AFPR and bump fuel pressure till O2 readings at WOT are a little over 900mV. Take it to a drag strip and fine tune fuel pressure for best trap speed. If you have to go over 55psi, install larger fuel injectors.
Once you get fuel & timing dialed in you can likely burn a chip pretty accurately. Or, since you have a MAF instead of SD, you may decide to stay with the stock chip.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 0
From: Rolla Mo
Re: Custom chip for ZZ4? (65Z01)
With Jesse's (ski_down_it) chip, My ZZ4 with HotCam is VERY Strong. He also gives you free upgrades, I send him my Data Logs and he looks at the data and makes any adjustments needed. He is a really great guy to work with and I have absolutely no regrets from dealing with him! Highly recommended and the price is VERY competetive!
Just my .02 from someone who is running the same Engine!
Doug
Just my .02 from someone who is running the same Engine!
Doug
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,691
Likes: 1
From: Framingham MA
Re: Custom chip for ZZ4? (65Z01)
Install an AFPR and bump fuel pressure till O2 readings at WOT are a little over 900mV. Take it to a drag strip and fine tune fuel pressure for best trap speed.
