Chips?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Chips?
Just purchased a 99 with 13K miles, have gone through the fluids, checked everything over, got the recalls done and now ready to work on a little HP increase. I'm looking at a new air system, Blackwing or Vararam but need some advice on other ways to boost the HP. Would a racing chip be worth the money and if so what kind? I really don't want to get into a new cam/heads if I don't have to. Just want about 40-50 HP increase.
Thanks for helping a newb!
Tim
Thanks for helping a newb!
Tim
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
From: Va. Beach VA
Congrats on the new Vette purchase! 
I'm sure others will chime in here, but C5's don't have "chips" per sey like the older models. Re-tuning is done via an aftermarket programmer, i.e. DiabloSport Predator Vinci/Crane Tuner, Hypertech, Superchips, etc. Personally, I bought the Predator. It's really a matter of preference. There's lots of info (and opinions) on the forum about them. Just do a search on programmers, handhelds or the names and read up on them.
HTH!
k
I'm sure others will chime in here, but C5's don't have "chips" per sey like the older models. Re-tuning is done via an aftermarket programmer, i.e. DiabloSport Predator Vinci/Crane Tuner, Hypertech, Superchips, etc. Personally, I bought the Predator. It's really a matter of preference. There's lots of info (and opinions) on the forum about them. Just do a search on programmers, handhelds or the names and read up on them. HTH!
k
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 581
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte North Carolina
Congrats on your purchase.
Your vette is not a chip car. The last chip vette was 1992-93, I think.
Your car has a programable computer, PCM. Software that is out there that makes minor changes to the PCM includes HP Tuner, LS1 Edit, Hypertech Power Programer.
The programs provided as noted above don't give much horsepower. Something you not likely feel.
They do however provide the following base changes:
1. Turns the cooling fans on sooner, say 180 degress vs 220. Cooler engines do generate a little more hp.
2. Automatic transmissions cars are provided with options to change shift points which feels good.
The air intake systems help a little, but will not give you a big increase in HP.
HP gains of 40-50 HP comes from mods such as long tube headers, cam bump, and then tuning.
My opinion, don't waste your money on bolt ons!
Also, mods generally speaking, do not add value to the car.
Your vette is not a chip car. The last chip vette was 1992-93, I think.
Your car has a programable computer, PCM. Software that is out there that makes minor changes to the PCM includes HP Tuner, LS1 Edit, Hypertech Power Programer.
The programs provided as noted above don't give much horsepower. Something you not likely feel.
They do however provide the following base changes:
1. Turns the cooling fans on sooner, say 180 degress vs 220. Cooler engines do generate a little more hp.
2. Automatic transmissions cars are provided with options to change shift points which feels good.
The air intake systems help a little, but will not give you a big increase in HP.
HP gains of 40-50 HP comes from mods such as long tube headers, cam bump, and then tuning.
My opinion, don't waste your money on bolt ons!
Also, mods generally speaking, do not add value to the car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,903
Likes: 0
From: I finished a Marathon, did you? Michigan
CI 6-7, 9-10 Veteran
Originally Posted by game on
Congrats on your purchase.
Your vette is not a chip car. The last chip vette was 1992-93, I think.
Your car has a programable computer, PCM. Software that is out there that makes minor changes to the PCM includes HP Tuner, LS1 Edit, Hypertech Power Programer.
The programs provided as noted above don't give much horsepower. Something you not likely feel.
They do however provide the following base changes:
1. Turns the cooling fans on sooner, say 180 degress vs 220. Cooler engines do generate a little more hp.
2. Automatic transmissions cars are provided with options to change shift points which feels good.
The air intake systems help a little, but will not give you a big increase in HP.
HP gains of 40-50 HP comes from mods such as long tube headers, cam bump, and then tuning.
My opinion, don't waste your money on bolt ons!
Also, mods generally speaking, do not add value to the car.
Your vette is not a chip car. The last chip vette was 1992-93, I think.
Your car has a programable computer, PCM. Software that is out there that makes minor changes to the PCM includes HP Tuner, LS1 Edit, Hypertech Power Programer.
The programs provided as noted above don't give much horsepower. Something you not likely feel.
They do however provide the following base changes:
1. Turns the cooling fans on sooner, say 180 degress vs 220. Cooler engines do generate a little more hp.
2. Automatic transmissions cars are provided with options to change shift points which feels good.
The air intake systems help a little, but will not give you a big increase in HP.
HP gains of 40-50 HP comes from mods such as long tube headers, cam bump, and then tuning.
My opinion, don't waste your money on bolt ons!
Also, mods generally speaking, do not add value to the car.
except the bolt on statement, I consider my Header/exhaust upgrade a bolt on. Good luck
Last edited by yelloyello; Mar 9, 2006 at 09:41 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
From: Va. Beach VA
with the above. 40-50 hp is gonna set you back $1500-$2000 or more depending on how you buy the parts (new or used) and whether or not you do the wrenching yourself. Welcome to the world of Vette modding. 
