how do performance chip/modules work?

Question

Such as this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mitsubishi-Montero-Sport-88-99-00-01-02-06-Chip-Module_http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/97-04-Mitsubishi-Montero-Sport-Performance-Chip-Module_W0QQitemZ190048738669QQihZ009QQcategoryZ33597QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Are they just resistors tied into an electrical line of some sort?

What do they technically do? are they harmfull to a vehicle? Can on "brand" be better than another, regarding anything other than packaging?

Answer 1

This is not a performance chip. It is a RIP OFF!!! It may feel like your power has increased a bit, but your MPG will go down.

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!

Answer 2

An aftermarket chip or module is designed to change your engine management, things like how much fuel to burn at certain revs, feul map etc. The chip will directly effect the cars computer and change the engine settings. When a manufacturer produces a car they have to comply with things like emissions standards, a desired feul economy and a given engine lifespan. As a result the engine you get in a car from the manufacturer does not run at it's maximum potential in terms of brake horsepower. If the correct chip is chosen there may not be too many detrimental effects. They will in general reduce your miles per gallon and in some cases reduce the life span of the engine. However if performance and fun are what you are after then these things should not weigh too heavily on your mind. You have to accept that more power\fun means more cost.

Some brands can definately be better than others, many cars have chips especially designed for that particular model so it is a good idea to make sure you do your research before choosing a particular brand.

Answer 3

in case you like extra potential, get a chilly-air intake and a cat-decrease back exhaust from respected agencies. The $39 Pep boys muffler will do no longer something yet make your motor vehicle annoying; get some thing designed with some theory, like an intake from AEM, an exhaust from DC activities, or GReddy. The advantageous properties would be minimum, yet those are affordable enhancements which will do lots lots extra desirable than a "rapid chip".

Answer 4

depends on what you want your specific vehicle to do--a chip will allow your engine to blow up if you dont know what to listen for-they are designed to get more power etc out of your engine and a lil fuel milage --and increase your top speed

Answer 5

personally i wouldnt buy one of those because they are just a gimmick, they might increase h/p but ur mpg will go down,if you want honest h/p then put high performance parts on ur car,

Answer 6

Chipmunks don't work