Question: increase HP

[dannykelley]

I don't see it right now, but there has been advertized on this site, a I guess modual or chip for $69 that increases HP and performance...just plugs in to (can't just where now, short term memory thing)..and wondering if anyone has added and actually works, or could really mess up regular performance. thanks danny

 

[dadaroo]

Chips are just a scam for the C5. You could put the chip under your pillow and get the same results.

You can do mods to increase performance and then do some PCM reprogramming to maximize the benefits and achieve real improvements.

 

[Toms007]

Having the PCM re-programmed can do a little. Not sure what the "chip" thing does but a good tuner can liven things up a bit by changing shift points and the like. I had a CAI and an aftermarket cat back exhaust then had the PCM re-programmed which gave it some additional pep.

 

[dadaroo]

You might this funny and tells you what to expect with a chip. If anyone orders a chip they may want to also get an Electric Supercharger.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGtImIP6j3A

 

[Hib Halverson]

First of all there are no "chips" for a C5. Changes in ECM programming have to be done by either connecting a reprogrammer to the car's DLC and reflashing the ECM or you remove the car's ECM and send it to a programmer who does it on the bench.

As for performance increases with a stock LS1 or LS6, depending on who does the calibration, there may or may not be an incremental change in the car's performance but there won't be much of a change in a practical sense.

That said, a good calibrator can make some improvements in drivability which you may feel. He/she can also changes shift points for automatics, eliminated skip shift on manuals and change fan-on strategy.

Once you begin to modify the car, then reprogramming can become more valuable. For instance, there are some intake kits which work best of the ECM is reprogrammed. I put higher ratio rocker arms on my 2004 and they worked better with a calibration change.

 

[kpic]

Our pricing is simple, and it varies based on the modifications you've performed to your vehicle.

Factory Stock or Modified with Simple Bolt-ons: $300.00
Modified with Aftermarket Camshaft, Cylinder Heads, etc: $400.00
Extremely Modified with Supercharger, Turbocharger, Nitrous: $500.00

A quick search online shows a variety of handhelds or tunes in a box for $300 and often more $$. Before I'd spent 300 on a handheld tuner; I'd pay $300 for a dyno tune. That being said, neither will add that much power to an otherwise stock engine.

Bottom line, if it was my money, I'd spend it on something else.