PERFORMANCE CHIPS

chevynut

Does anyone have a JET performance computer chip,
or any other model chip, installed on a 4.3L V-6
Chevy engine? If so, did it boost performance,
horsepower, efficiency(gas mileage), etc.? I am
interested in finding out more info. on these chips
and have been unsuccessful in finding any
elsewhere.

scape2

Try Superchips also

leathal02

about hypertech??

wilcox

trailer hitches, bumpers, wenches, fog lights, wheels and tires, bed liners, camper tops, gun racks, tool boxes, rearends, springs and shocks, etc.....can understand those accessories....but performance chips...aaahhh...that's kinda...aaaa...frivolous.

Spend your money on some cool stuff...don't worry about 1/4th a second 0-60 time. Those things won't help you pull your boat any better....

chevynut

I do fully agree with you wilcox about spending my money on cool stuff...I have a toolbox, fog lights, tinted windows, a K&N air filter, duel exhaust, and a trailer hitch. Unfortunately the trailer hitch has only been used once to pull a boat since I have no spare time to hunt or fish like I would love to be doing. I was just wondering about the chip because of improved fuel economy.

wilcox

fuel economy...I wonder why the factory dosen't put a chip in that maxiumizes this already.?

I don't know what to think about chips.. All I know is that an acquaintenance put a chip in their little contour. They said it would allow the duratech to rev over seven grand plus. The next thing I knew, their car was at the shop with a bent valve.

Me thinks that they probably got even less mileage while the thing was running because they were punching the gas even that much harder. JMO.

chevynut

That is a good point wilcox. I probably would be punching the gas even harder to show off that extra little bit of power. That would cause my mileage to suffer more than my normal driving now. You sound pretty wise.....any more suggestions on cheap but meaningful upgrades to my baby? I would love to put some wheels and tires on it, but that unfortunately is out of my budget.

chevynut

I am also in the market for new shocks because mine are shot. What is a good brand at a good price?

chadc777

The only reason to buy a chip is for performance, not mileage. Not only will you likely hit the gas harder (at least until the excitement wears off), but you have to run high octane, more expensive gasoline. Yes your MPG may improve when light on the throttle, but you may be paying an extra 10 to 20 cents a gallon for gasoline so the cost will stay about the same or be close to it. If you want that extra punch, though, and have already opened up the intake and exhause, a chip is a good accessory.

Chad

wilcox

If you want to do something nice to your truck, give it a real good bath, clean all the windows inside and out, clay it, put 2 coats of wax on it, rain-x the windows, thoroughly clean out the inside, do not use armor-all on anything (stick/greasey stuff), use wesleys tire cleaner and then mcguires tire black ointment (forget name but costs $7-8 per bottle. Cleanup your existing wheeles, and then go for a nice ride....

cthompson21

Performance chips run an override program, which is only meant to be used with high octane fuel. So, you are able to benefit from the longer, more powerful burn of high-test. Manufacturers program their computers to use low-test fuel. If you are light on the pedal, you'll probably see a 1mpg increase. You'll also pull 5-15hp and 5-15ft/lbs of torque. This depends on other mods in your system and what kind of engine you're looking at, as the chip will allow the engine to take advantage of better breathing (high-flow take & high-flow exhaust). Chips also reprogram the shift points of an electronically controlled automatic tranny. So, it will make for more positive shifts at a slightly higher rpm. Chips will also remove the speed limiter on a vehicle (should it have one, at least Superchips do). They may also increase the fuel shut-off rpm. In short, they're a worthwhile performance upgrade for both power and efficiency. But, you'll have to use high-test gas all of the time. Maybe that whole extra buck or so each time you fill up will be worth it...

m1685

I had a hypertech chip in my 95 350 z71, and for the money, it was not worth it at all. I noticed more power than the hypertech when I put a K+N filter and flipped over the top of my filter housing so i had 360 degrees of air intake. Eventually, after a year, I took the chip out and my engine ran better. Go figure.

mgdvhman

As I've said before...nothing looks dumber than two trucks racing.

Come on....don't waste the money on a chip for a truck...

And K/N..oh boy..an oily sponge...what a concept...real good filter there man...

You want better performance and at least something that will add something all the time?....get a better Exhaust. 10 Times the power Increase of a chip and it sounds good all the time.

Better shifting?....Install a Shift kit for much less.

And a speed Limiter?....well..Stock shut off is 98 for my truck. Anyone who needs to go any faster in one ...well....I gotta pull over...why?....to laugh my [non-permissible content removed] off at you.

Now a car...yeah..it should go faster.

I had a Power chip in my Hurst/Olds.....

...Guess which one I put back in?...(Hint - stock)

Perhaps we can Louver the hood of a Pinto?
Flames on a Yugo?
Chop Top a Mini Van?
Lead Sled an Escort Wagon?

Perhaps you could weld the doors shut..paint a flag on top..and get a Horn that plays Dixie too?

..(do you see where I am going here?)

Trucks are well.....trucks

Cars are for performance.

Maybe we can remove all the handles and mirrors for better aerodynamic performance too?

Chips go with Beer.....Not trucks

Good luck

(I'm sure my fans will be typing on this one)

- Tim

Rocles

I'd like to add to Tim's wrath......: Instead of a chip, how about selling your six and getting a truck with an eight? More proven to increase power..............

andy_jordan

remove handles and mirrors to reduce drag - yeah, sounds like that'd work - can't think of a down side either.........

mgdvhman

How about selling the 8 and getting a 10?!

DOHHHH!!

Didn't work for Dodge...their 10 has less power than Chevy's 8.

Ford too I believe?

The secret has gotta be in the chip!

- Tim

chevynut

Thanks guys! I will definately not be buying a chip now. I am not interested in going faster or getting a super increase in power (although power is nice). I was only wondering about the fuel economy and that seems to be negligible with a chip. I do wish I could sell my 6 and get an 8, but being a full time college student I don't have that much $$$ and can't afford to pick up another truck note at the moment. However, when I graduate and land that great paying job I will be at the Chevy dealer to purchace the biggest, baddest Z71 they have to offer at the time. Oh, and come to think of it, my truck could use a good wash job. Thanks for the washing tips wilcox!

chadc777

mgdvhman, seeing as how I originally posted I would not by a chip for fuel mileage improvements alone (answering the original question), I can't say I totally disagree with you that most people use a truck as a truck and are not interested in acceleration, etc. But the way you went on and on about it in multiple posts was a little tiring.

If two people want to race there truck, so what? If you think that looks dumb, that is your opinion. Face it, acceleration is fun.

While a chip is not right for me and apparently not the original poster, I see nothing wrong with adding a chip if the purpose is improved acceleration and I see no reason that wanting quick acceleration in a truck is a bad thing. People tend to buy what they need or can afford, but still enjoy kickin it down every now and then.

Settle down and let people do what they want with their vehicles. Thats what individuality is all about. So what if they want to put split exhaust and flames on a Geo. Do you think the world would be better if everyone was exactly the same and had the same tastes? How bland. Maybe everyone should drive optionless flat black pickups that are tuned at the factory to perform and accelerate exactly the same.

Answering a question if you have an opinion or answer is fine, but lighten up on the criticism. Intolerance and demeaning comments against any opinion that differs from yours is annoying.
Chad

cthompson21

Gee, what a backlash. And for just posting what a performance chip will do for your truck. Did you also notice that it will increase torque output and adjust your shift points? Don't you think that might help with towing and just plain, old around town driving??? Do you think everybody is ready to rip out their tranny just to install a shift improver kit. Uh, no. But, anyone with a little mechanical ability could add a chip to their on-board computer.

One is far better off to mod the exhaust and intake first, as these are the places with the biggest gains for the lowest costs. A chip which will adjust the engine management will allow the engine to benefit from better breathing.

Instead of swapping engines, why not get a supercharger. You've got V8 performance with V6 efficiency. To run a supercharger w/o a chip would be greatly underutilizing it. Why do you think BBK includes a Superchip with all of their supercharger kits?

As far as modifying vehicles, to each his own. I'm not gonna throw some roll bars in my bed and put on a dual exhaust because it doesn't suit my tastes. But, I'm not going to chastize someone because of their tastes and call them a redneck or something stupid like that.

If you think everyone should be running their trucks/cars bone stock, why are you posting messages on a string about performance modifications?

Finally, I think you might be in an ever-decreasing group of truck owners who believe trucks to be only utilitarian. Ever hear of a Ford Lightning or a Dodge Dakota R/T??? Why stop with just hauling tools, lumber, etc... when you can haul [non-permissible content removed] too? By the way, I don't race/drag my truck. I've got a little product from the Special Vehicle Team for that. However, I will add mods that will aid it in performing the tasks which I assign it.

mgdvhman

Ahhh....

I feel alive now.

The Pro -chippers have spoken...and they are pissed.

Who else can I annoy?

....and for the record...I'm never upset here...or in any kind of rage..

I have been thru this before with many past victims....and all seem to think I'm upset...not really.

I have strong points...and if they come across as upset...so be it.

While yeah power is fun...Hot rodding trucks is too dumb for me...that's my opinion...and an Opinion is not wrong.

Did I say we should all drive blah trucks that are detuned and flat black?.....hell no.

But after all the effort you truckers put into making it fast....A simply modified performance car..or maybe a stock one?....will blow the doors off...and look good to boot.

Trucks Racing and talking performance just doesn't compute for many....including me.

I know they do it professional...but on the street...too silly.

So chip on boys....I'll be laughing my [non-permissible content removed] off.

- Tim

Rocles

Tim,

You are now the Unabomber to performance chips!!

Hey!! Race you for Dunkel! (only one catch--I'm on one of my bikes and you're in that dog Chevy!)

LOL!

Roc

wilcox

better than a good lookin truck....cool exhausts notes or wheels or tool boxes or covers or other visual mods.
Even better is a cleaned and waxed (well cared for/non abused) full sized pickup towing a good looking shiny 20' bass boat.
A chip....well..a..duh..."You might be a redneck if you have installed a chip in your 4x4 and peel rubber in front of the general public.."..
How about a confederate flag plate on the front bumper...? Terriffic mod..there all over the place around here.

mgdvhman

Love the redneck thing.

Roc,

Well if I put a chip in my chevy...I'm sure I could waste any bike on the road!!

Maybe I could put some cut outs in the floor for my feet for that extra push??

You know..Like Fred Flintstone!!

YABBAA DAABBBAA DOOOOOOOOO!!!

- Tim

andy_jordan

to be alive - Tim is under attack again and all is right with the world.

cthompson21 - Dakota R/T - bring it on. My stock Dakota 4.7 4x4 will blow it away on the strip for one simple reason - I can stick shift, R/T comes only with an automatic.

Course before Tim and Roc fall over themselves to post this - we have to assume that they will both make it to the end of the strip - after all they are both Dodge - right guys.

mgdvhman

Zactly!

But remember....Trucks racing is dumb...

shhhhhhh

The Pro-chippers are watching!

Glad to know that thru all the fog of my Critics...that some people agree on some of my points some of the time..

- Tim

andy_jordan

There is a certain truck that I don't like (in fact most don't like). Apparently that makes me dumb. Of course I also bought a truck that will fall apart after 5 miles and that makes me dumb.

Geez throw us some Dunkel, I need a drink to come to terms with how dumb I am.

mgdvhman

Dumb we are.

Dumb it is.

...and I'm keeping all the dunkel for my dumb [non-permissible content removed].

( I do need more though....)

- Dumb Tim

andy_jordan

I'd pick some up and drop it off so we could shoot the breeze (that was clean wasn't it), but.....

all together now.....

the Dodge would never make it.

chadc777

Guys, please start your own topic called "miscellaneous gibberish" since that is all that has been contributed for more than half the posts on this topic. You've given your opinion and the reasons behind it and now you are rambling off topic to slam people. So sorry your ego needs to stomp.

>>>The Pro -chippers have spoken...and they are pissed.
>>>>Who else can I annoy?

I already said I agreed that a chip in a truck is not right for me and perhaps others and the reasons for that opinion. I do find it amusing that mgdvhman has to post derogatory comments and thinks its fun to annoy people. Pretty bad when you annoy the people who agreed with you. It would have been interesting to see how much of an idiot I would have thought you were if I had actually disagreed with you. I can't even imagine.

I'm sure there will be another frenzy of off topic posts (since you like to have the last word) but I won't contribute to it in this post so anyone with ideas on the topic can take back over this thread. Feel free to continue demonstrating your personality traits as you see fit, however.

Enjoy,
Chad

mgdvhman

I didn't say that...you did!

..And it seems Chad has a problem understanding this forum?

You must learn all topics stray from time to time...some even turn into a whole different talk!

I too have even started topics that turned south...but you don't see my crying..

Lighten up man...relax and have fun...while learning at the same time..


"Pretty bad when you annoy the people who agreed with you."

Did you agree?....Am I even talking to you?

Relax.

- Tim The Ego Man

chevynut

If (m1685) is still reading these posts, what did you mean in post #11 when you said you "flipped over the top of my filter housing so I had 360 degrees of air intake"? Did you have to modify anything or is as simple as it sounds and you just took the filter housing off the two bolts and flipped it and stuck it back on. Did that twist the intake hose any or did you take it off before you did that and reattach it when you were done? I am curious.

andy_jordan

In fact many:

for Tim - an I love Dodge chip
for Chad - a sense of humor chip
for Tundra fans - no, I can't say - I can't take the abuse
for me - a must stay on topic chip

Doh, done it again - oh well

mgdvhman

the chips.....I'm going for beer.

Flip means to take the cover off a round air cleaner...and flip it over....now there is air all around....it's the lid..nothing else.

An old trick from yesteryears.

- Tim

chevynut

Thank you mgdvhman. That is easy. You're not such a bad guy afterall! Ha-Ha!

chevynut

Are there anymore tricks from yesteryears that anyone could share with me? My interest in automobiles and performance is still fairly new and I welcome any and all advice.

mgdvhman

are not that way anymore....they are a box of some type that is burried under the hood.

But if you have an old round one....flip it over...it even sounds better when accelerating. It made my buddys old 350 2BBl carb. sound like a 4 BBL...but then again...in todays world.."what's a carb?"

There is the old trick of putting a nice blue bottle in the trunk and making it gain 125HP...I still have the kit..remote shut off..and safety switches I'll sell to anyone?

Dumb tricks...more air in tires made dogs seem like they could roll them over better...less air for better take off....

Of course the yellow accel spark plug wires were a must in high school....must have added 10 HP?...hehehheeee

- Tim

cthompson21

You can actually increase performance on a vehicle for non-racing applications (i.e. towing, 4-wheeling, etc...) You gonna do that too with your "hot-rod"???

It's great to have opinions, but shoving them down people's throats just makes them want to throw up.

mgdvhman

BBBLLLAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!

Yeah..me too.

- Tim

m1685

On the old 350 (95 and older, non vortec) it has the circular air filter on top of the engine. There are 2 screws that u can undo to get to the air filter. All i did was undo the 2 screws, take off the top of the filter housing, put it back on upside down, put the 2 screws back on and i had 360 degrees of air going into the filter. This plus the K an N helped out a lot.

andy_jordan

This is my opinion, it is offered for consumption - it is not being rammed anywhere.

People are prepared to spend a small, or not so small, fortune to increase the power and efficiency of their truck. An exhaust here, a chip there, an air filter somewhere else.

I can get better fuel economy than most people with the same truck as me, and I can get better performance than most people with the same truck as me. My truck is stock. And incidentally cheaper than most people's trucks of the same trim level.

How do I achieve this seemingly impossible feat - simple - I didn't pay for an automatic gearbox which would rob me of both performance and fuel economy and cost me hundreds of dollars into the bargain. Now I know automatics have a lot of convenience appeal to a lot of people, but if performance is such an issue it seems a ridiculous option. Perhaps the most ridiculous example is the Dakota R/T which doesn't even have a standard option. I believe that the Lightning can be mated with a stick shift.

Take it or leave it, that's my opinion.

chevynut

I agree with the opinion that a stick shift can flat outrun an automatic if you know how to properly drive one. My truck is a five speed standard shift 1992 4.3L V-6 Chevy. I already had pipes put on it because the muffler fell off of it about a month after I bought it (used in Nov.'96). I can honestly say that I felt a big boost in performance from doing that and it sounded 100% better. Now that I installed a K&N air filter and flipped the top housing on it my truck has even more noticeable power and sounds even more awsome. I bet just from listening to me go down the road you couldn't even tell I only had a wimpy 6 under the hood instead of an 8. I love the tricks I am learning from you truck guru's out there!

andy_jordan

You are right - I certainly wouldn't rule out upgrades to my truck for performance reasons, though not a chip for me. I am looking at flowmaster and K&N as possibles. I just think its kinda funny that people spend so much money reducing their real performance by putting an automatic in, and then spend even more trying to get the performance back to the level where it can compete with my stick shift.

Your point about knowing how to shift is well made. The increase in 'convenience' driving has almost made shifting a lost art. I have driven stick all my driving life and have done a little road course racing, so I guess I have learn't through experience to maximize performance, but I think it should be fairly easy to beat an automatic regardless of skill level.

I guess in my first post I should have noted that performance and fuel improvements are kinda mutually exclusive with a stick shift - you can get great fuel economy by short shifting, or great performance by delayed shifting, hard to get both. As already noted on this topic however that is also true of chips as they tend to leave to lead foot syndrome.

bigsnag

It is only in auto. Too bad, huh. Althhough, it can still get up and go, big time.

powerisfun

I'm planning on ordering a performance chip replacement from JCWhitney (ADS Superchips brand) for my '98 GMC 5.7L vortec. With the 15% discount catalog it costs $204 + S&H.
If I don't think the chip is giving any benefit, I'll return it for full refund (JCWhitney is great in that respect. I've returned several things in the past...flawless service!). If I do like it, great! I'll keep it and enjoy the added power. I really have nothing to lose except shipping costs (both ways) and a little bit of time. I figure if nothing else, it will satisfy my curiosity. I'll keep you all updated on the results.

-powerisfun

P.S. In regards to two trucks racing looking "stupid", that's really not the only reason to want performance in a truck. I've added headers, cat-back, K&N filter, and cold-air induction, all with great benefit, but I've still never raced another car or truck, even at a stoplight. Just as with a good car, it's great to have quick acceleration and it's reassuring (it can be a safety feature if it's not abused).

chevynut

The last two items I ordered from JC Whitney I included discount coupons and never got my discount. Yesterday I emailed them a complaint with respect to that and have not yet heard a reply from them. They are good in good in that they usually take back any item no questions asked, but getting gipped twice out of savings I thought I would get is kind of disheartening.

powerisfun

Sorry to hear about the discount problems. I always phone in my orders to JCW, and I've never had a problem (and I don't think I've ever ordered without a discount coupon). For the discount, you just give them the number on the coupon. I calculate everything in advance and then I ask them for the total with discount and S&H. So far, they've always matched up to within a penny. If they don't, you have the person right there on the phone to correct it (or else you cancel your order).
-powerisfun

P.S. Is it possible that your items were already on sale and you didn't get the discount because of that (the discount doesn't apply to sale items)?

obyone

when ordering from jcwhitney, how did they ship to you? was it parcel post, priority mail, or ups and how long did it take for you to receive it?Was the s/h in your opinion reasonable?

chevynut

I believe they've shipped all of my items by ups and it only took about a week each time. Hope this answers your questions.

powerisfun

UPS is the way that JCWhitney sends stuff, and it
usually takes about a week like chevynut says.
The shipping and handling cost is reasonable if you're ordering over $200 or so. If you have a small order, it's very UNreasonable. If you order over $200 the shipping stops increasing so the max is about $19.00 which isn't bad.
-powerisfun

meredith

As a result of 30 or more days of inactivity....

this topic is being "frozen." It will be archived or deleted in the next 10 days or so.

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