I have been reading past posts saying replacing the chip will only turn the fans on sooner and nothing else, and one would be better off just installing a new fan switch. Is this true with both MAP and MAF systems, I had been reading my newly purchased "TPI Insider Tip Book" , they say the MAP system dont respond to changes as well as the MAF so a new chip is required [may just be trying to sell their chip - I dont know]

I have a 1990 Auto 2.59 Coup,, All stock for now. It just ran a 14.3 @97 ,, then I took off the air cleaner and let it cool a 1/2 hour and it ran a 14.1 @97.

I want to only do bolt ons to improve it, such as K+N , cut lid, pullys ?, and exhaust work -dont know what exactly , mayby eliminaters or good mufflers, maybe fool with the cats.

Do I need to change the chip or not?

Thanks
Paul

 

Paul,

First welcome to the forum! :cheers:

MAP vs MAF is a touchy subject and stirs up a bunch of debate. From tuning both systems I think I can speak from experience and say that I agree with the insiders handbook with regards that MAF is a much more flexible system.

When mods are placed on an engine, MAF will see the increase in incoming air and adjust accordingly. It does have one downfall, which I don't see a big issue and that is it can only adjust up to 255 g/sec of air.

MAP on the other hand is a very touchy system. All calculations are based on Manifold air pressure. One change to anything that alters the MAP, and your out to lunch with your tune. But I should also say in the hand of a compitent tuner it can be tuned right back into calibration and results can be just as good as MAF.

There are some other differences like MAP outputs more data, but really I have yet to not be able to pull enough data from the MAF 165 ECM that can't be used to tune. So that arguement is somewhat weak.

All in all. I prefer the MAF system over any other types of management system. Its less critical of parameter selection and can support big power. Many people will tell you that its a restriction in air stream, but I have shown tests on the dyno that its not, at least up to 400+ rwHP.

Hope that answers all or some of your questions. :cheers: :lurk:

 

Your explanation helps alot ! But, can I get away with using these simple mods with the stock chip [K+N, Fan Switch, Mufflers] or buy an aftermarket chip or leave a good thing alone?

I was going to run over to Summit Racing today to start buying stuff like the K+N and 160 degree stat , But I'll wait for you guys opinions first.

Paul

 

A chip change isnt really necessary until you do a cam change.

For all the simple mods, the MAF will sense the extra flow and the computer can adjust for good power gains. A custom chip is the only way to go, and you should hold off on them until youre done with your mods so that youll squeeze a few more hp then.

 

:iagree:

 

I would not generalize the statement and say cam alone dictates chip changes.

I have done several chip for otherwise stock cars and all have seen nice gains and benefits from them.

Where the chips necessary? No. But the owners did see improvements. Hell I can still see Steve's (tripleblack88) face when he was driving his car afterwards. :eek:

There are a lot of neat and nice things that you can adjust with the chips to improve the overall enjoyment of the car.

Here are just a few small things:

1. Remove the 50 RPM adder between R=>N<=D so the tranny doesn't slam into gear.

2. Overall operating temps can be adjusted with fans

3. Knock attack rates, and more improtantly recovery rates

4. Torque converter lockup points

5. Spark Advance Tuning (throttle response)

6. Desired idle

7. Fuel corrections if necessary (my dads bone stock 86 runs at 110 BLM) I can guarentee that car will perform better when I do a chip for it. Throttle response and overall cruise driving will be much better.

8. Closed loop timer settings

9. IAC learn temps for colder Tstat

10. Vats disable

11. Startup crank parameters to quicken starts.

These are just a few of the items that can be adjusted to boost performance on a relatively stock car.

I played with my car when it was stock and I could definately tell the differerence when things were tuned right, over stock settings.

Some items mentioned are personal preference, like RPM adder over Neutral. To me its silly to tax the drivetrain everytime with increased RPM entering Reverse or Drive. Its like revving the engine every time you put it in gear :confused: :skep:

Obviously when you enter into a modded car setup you are more required to have a taylored/custom chip, but lets not exclude the gains/tweaks that a stock car can realize.

Steve when I did his chip said it best. The stock chip is like an eye doctor prescribing the same glasses to every customer of his. Some it will work great for, and others, more often than not, will not reap the full benefits available.

Guess it all boils down to what is good enough for an individual person.

:cheers: :rant:

 

:iagree: 100%