5/5
July 15, 2011
Pretty cool
This chip certainly does seem to add a solid kick in throttle response above 2000 RPM on the Performance and Race tunes. On the Street tune, I'm not sure if I notice more power or not, but the engine does feel different. One thing I noticed right away is that when I put down the clutch pedal from a higher RPM, the engine hesitates at around 1200 for a few seconds before going back down to its normal 800-900 idle. I'm note sure if this is intentional to make shifting easier or feel more powerful, but it happens.
I was expecting more of an increase in MPG, but so far I've actually seen a reduction compared to the previous few months. However, I'm quite confident that this is because my car is more fun to drive now, so I'm more likely to use a heavier foot in the Performance setting. Even so, before the tune and UDP installation I had 19 MPG when driving aggressively in city settings. Now it's about 22-23 in the same, so I guess that's more improvement than I thought. I expect driving sensibly, shifting early, and using the Street tune would probably see more MPG gains. Maybe when I'm not having so much fun, I'll give it a try.
The Performance tune does see a good bit of pep in the step added, especially above 2k RPM. The Race tune for 93 octane almost had me thinking I had a V8 again. I'm not sure about actual numbers, and I don't think it's a 13 second car or anything, but it *feels* stronger and the car blasts through the gears a lot faster. RPM's shoot up quicker than on stock tune, and you feel more kick from the throttle for sure. You'll get a ticket if you aren't careful.
Installation took about an hour or two, counting preparation of the ECU contacts. Be careful with this! I used the included scratchie and a toothpick. Otherwise, not difficult in the slightest. The included instructions and the ones on this site will do you right.
I'm glad I got it. I like having the option of different setups according to how I feel like driving that day, and if I can afford 93 octane or not. ($4.00/gallon? GASP! Not this week...) It's also good to know that I can send it back for future tunes if I add mods.
Honestly, this is a cool addition and I'd buy it again. However, I'd stop short of calling it a game-changer or ultimate mod or anything. For the price, it does give you more flexibility, power and MPG gains and seems to free up some potential that might be wasted otherwise. If you've already done the basic bolt-on exhaust/intake/UDP upgrades, a tune like this one or another type seems like the next logical step to get those parts working together. It's a nice icing on a bolt-on only engine cake.
Year: 1998
Submodel: V6
Helpful (6)
Thanks for your input!
