Questions regarding ECUs and "speed chips"

nist7 · Post by **nist7** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 5:20 pm

Do ECUs need to be replaced after a certain amount of time?

What are "speed chips" ? How do they work? Can they cause harm to the ECU and/or the engine?

Post by **GlassWolf** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 6:05 pm

an ECU doesn't generally go bad.
they will need to be reprogrammed for changes to the cam, fuel/air flow, etc.
the reprogramming essentially changes fuel air mix, shift points, and so forth to shift the engine from economy to performance timings.
they generally add horsepower and torque and sometimes even improve gas mileage at the same time.

ridr4lif · Post by **ridr4lif** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 7:00 pm

The "speed chips" you are talking about leave a "footprint" on some (maybe all ecu's). So if you dont want the dealer to know you had a chip on your car and u take it out, they can still see that you had one and void your warranty (if the car is in for work).

But yes, kiki is right. ECU's dont go bad (usually) and performance chips do add performance and can give u better milage.

nist7 · Post by **nist7** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 7:25 pm

sweetness

Warranty don't matter since I got a 10 year old car.

ridr4lif · Post by **ridr4lif** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 7:44 pm

Oh your in the clear then. Chip it up!!!

TEDD

Darthness · Post by **Darthness** » Fri May 13, 2005 8:34 pm

the problem with ECU chips is that some times kids with hondas think they're going to see a 300hp increase.

Post by **GlassWolf** » Fri May 13, 2005 8:45 pm

yeah. you'd be lucky if ya get 250HP gain from just the chip
you need a CAI and a fart can, too if ya wanna get 300HP over stock in a Honda, man.

Jonathan · Post by **Jonathan** » Fri May 13, 2005 9:14 pm

Don't forget a rear spoiler and underbody aerodynamics kit. If you get a custom billet underbody kit with a Type R logo engraved you could crack a 400hp gain at the wheels.

William from NOLA · Post by **William from NOLA** » Fri May 13, 2005 11:12 pm

lol

Actually, one of the largest gains I've seen is the chip for the VW/Audi 1.8T motor. 180HP stock, ~215HP chipped with no mods.

http://www.goapr.com/Audi/products/ecu_ ... a418t.html

Post by **GlassWolf** » Sat May 14, 2005 6:58 am

35HP. That's a gain of ~16%

probably do a lot more too by adding a CAI, exhaust, and new intercooler. Then drop in a larger turbo and program the ECU accordingly. new big brakes and suspension work, larger rims with lower profile tires and wider rubber for more contact area and to clear the brakes. The car would perform pretty well on a track, but you'd be spending a lot of money to pull that off.