Installing Ecu Chip, Any Disadvantages?

[BMW-ATI]

OK i hear alot of people install ecu chips?

like what are some of the disadvantages,
ive heard it's harder on engine and life expenctancy is dropped a lot

any of these truths, tell me some more]


thx

[xsperf]

fuel milage goes down? i dont see why its harder on the engine, nad if it is, probably a very minute amount

[jshearer]

I just installed mine, but did my reasearch. There are very little to no disadvantages. First off you have to use 91 or higher octane gas - disadvantage i guess. As far as being harder on the engine, no not really, the reason it can be harder is that people will tend to drive faster and be harder on the engine, but that is regardless of the chip.

Edit: Oh yeha the positives. Better response and smoother engine. Plus a bit more pep and hp, no redline, and no electronically limited top speed.

So in conclusion if your car has like 250,000 miles i wouldn't do it. If your car has less than 150,000 miles, I don't see what harm it can really do.

[3serbmdubya]

i gots a dinnan in my car and fuel economy is great, and it seems the engine runs nicer because it manges the ratios better than the stock chip. only problem with dinan is you get your 22hp at higher rpms, meaning its mostly for track use. jc is very good for streat use. make sure you use 91+ octane

[BMW-ATI]

i use 91 anyways so i might get one

[bigred318]

Originally posted by BMW-ATI@Mar 10 2005, 08:45 PM
OK i hear alot of people install ecu chips?

like what are some of the disadvantages,
ive heard it's harder on engine and life expenctancy is dropped a lot

any of these truths, tell me some more]


thx

[snapback]308470[/snapback]

everyone worries about life expenctancy etc... as said before by a great forum member, if you dont want your cars life to go down dont drive it! other wise you have the car drive it. a chip is not going to kill your car haha it wont do shit, drive your car hard dont worry about killing it haha anyways i have a conforti and the only disadvatage is i speed a lot more and almost got reckless driving for it, other than that its great! 7g rev limit top speed governor gone, 22 and 20 hp/torque get it

David

[93 325i]

Fuel mileage does not go down. It actually gives you better fuel mileage. You'll be drving a lot more spirited after the install so therefore it may seem that it goes down, but when you calm down and start driving somewhat normal again you'll notice an increased mileage actually..

[danzee]

I put original Jim Conforti ECU chips in my E30 325, E30 318is, and E34 525i.
In all cases performance and smoothness was better. In the case of the 318is and 525i, it cured some flat spots. In my experience the gas mileage either marginally improved, or stayed the same in all cases. The chips have been in those cars for many years and miles.

[OldGuy]

Any issues with getting your car smogged? I know the Dinan chip says "50 state legal" but just like to be sure....Is it a chip swap or do they reprogram your existing unit?

And you're only gonna get 9 X 9 (hp, torque) with just the chip FYI.......

[tomctx]

Originally posted by OldGuy@Mar 11 2005, 10:44 AM
Any issues with getting your car smogged? I know the Dinan chip says "50 state legal" but just like to be sure....Is it a chip swap or do they reprogram your existing unit?

And you're only gonna get 9 X 9 (hp, torque) with just the chip FYI.......

[snapback]308758[/snapback]

before 1996 (OBD I), is a chip replacement. 1996 on (OBD II), program. I didn't have any issues, just had my emissions test last two weeks. MIne is OBD I.

OBD II reprogram will not give you as much hp as OBD I chip replacement.

[Deloriant]

Originally posted by jshearer@Mar 10 2005, 08:53 PM
I just installed mine, but did my reasearch. There are very little to no disadvantages. First off you have to use 91 or higher octane gas - disadvantage i guess. As far as being harder on the engine, no not really, the reason it can be harder is that people will tend to drive faster and be harder on the engine, but that is regardless of the chip.

Edit: Oh yeha the positives. Better response and smoother engine. Plus a bit more pep and hp, no redline, and no electronically limited top speed.

So in conclusion if your car has like 250,000 miles i wouldn't do it. If your car has less than 150,000 miles, I don't see what harm it can really do.

[snapback]308476[/snapback]

Just to be an attention whore, your redline limiter is not removed, it is heightened.

Disadvantages: You car can go over 140mph and it's quite tempting.

[kyle_baker]

i'm liking the idea of a 7g rev limit and no governed top speed! i have to get my clutch replaced first tho, then i'll do the chip mod. can't wait.

[jshearer]

Originally posted by OldGuy@Mar 11 2005, 08:44 AM
Any issues with getting your car smogged? I know the Dinan chip says "50 state legal" but just like to be sure....Is it a chip swap or do they reprogram your existing unit?

And you're only gonna get 9 X 9 (hp, torque) with just the chip FYI.......

[snapback]308758[/snapback]

The reason he said 22 and 20 was that the Conforti chip advertises these claims at 6000 rpm. It it true........who knows unless you dyno your car right before and right after. But yes the chipped cars are supposed to get a bigger boost from it than the OBDII "sharked" cars.

[bigred318]

Originally posted by kyle_baker@Mar 11 2005, 11:13 AM
i'm liking the idea of a 7g rev limit and no governed top speed! i have to get my clutch replaced first tho, then i'll do the chip mod. can't wait.

[snapback]308855[/snapback]

yeah that alone was worth it for me! the power was another plus

David

[BMW-ATI]

since mine is an AUTO is their any disadvantages