Performance chip (Page 2/3)
chambe APR 19, 11:34 AM
Car was idling real high (2000) and when I take off it would stumble. That required me to slowly push in the clutch and accelerate to effectuate takeoff. After driving it would act normal. The car is in the shop and my mechanic replaced the MAP and he said it now idles around 975-1200. He checked all the vacuum lines, and they are good. As soon as he puts the plenum back on, he is going to check drivability. Can't be the clutch as the clutch, slave, flywheel have all been replaced approximately 2 years ago and I drive the car infrequently.
Backroadgee APR 19, 12:59 PM
You'll probably need the stock chip.
Brian A APR 19, 11:29 PM

quote
Originally posted by olejoedad:

If it does have a performance chip installed, it will affect performance - it will not run as well as it would with the stock chip.

Performance chips primarily hurt fuel mileage and hinder performance in the Fiero.

GM did an amazing job with the stock chip in our cars.




The chips I am familiar with remap the car (spark advance etc.) for 91 octane fuel.

I have a Dinan chip in my 1987 BMW 325i. It caused a small, but perceptible, increase in power.

I am surprised that the Fiero chips don't do this.
Dennis LaGrua APR 20, 10:26 AM

quote
Originally posted by Brian A:


The chips I am familiar with remap the car (spark advance etc.) for 91 octane fuel.

I have a Dinan chip in my 1987 BMW 325i. It caused a small, but perceptible, increase in power.

I am surprised that the Fiero chips don't do this.



When GM developed the stock ECM program they did everything possible to squeeze out 140 HP which at that time was the highest output for the 60* 2.8L V6 engine. Going back to the early years of Fieros, there was a racer by the name of Herb Adams ( a former GM engineer) who did many dyno runs testing various changes to the program. None produced any additional horsepower. The only mod tested that did produce extra power was the porting of the exhaust manifolds and that added a significant 7 horsepower.
Herb also wrote some great articles on improving handling and many can still be found online..
sleek fiero APR 20, 10:54 AM
When my 85 GT still was running 2.8 I installed the stage 2 Hyperteck chip,160 degree thermostat and lowered fan switch temp. I installed 19 lb Accell injectors. this was a fresh overhaul with flat top psitons and balanced rotating assembly. The package was noticeably quicker than when it was stock. I never dynoed that engine but it was very pleasing to drive. It was a sunny day only car never daily driven but it always started well , idled well and was well behaved in city traffic. I cannot say that for my new version of the car. Not pleasant in city traffic but awesome fun on open road. I would not hesitate to run the stock ecm with the same chip as it was flawless in my GT.
fierosound APR 21, 12:32 PM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

When GM developed the stock ECM program they did everything possible to squeeze out 140 HP which at that time was the highest output for the 60* 2.8L V6 engine. Going back to the early years of Fieros, there was a racer by the name of Herb Adams ( a former GM engineer) who did many dyno runs testing various changes to the program. None produced any additional horsepower. The only mod tested that did produce extra power was the porting of the exhaust manifolds and that added a significant 7 horsepower.
Herb also wrote some great articles on improving handling and many can still be found online..



Excerpts from the Herb Adams article on engine performance here:
https://www.fierofocus.com/...0-%20Lee%20Brown.htm

Another portion on Fiero handling here:
https://www.pontiacperforma...ams_ALL-FIRED-UP.pdf

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BillS APR 21, 02:16 PM
I tried a Hypertech 'power' chip and found very little difference, so I agree with the guys who said that the factory did a good job and don't bother using one, but having said that it probably doesn't do much but maybe use a tad more gas, so you may want to leave it alone.

When I built a stroker engine and added 10 psi of turbo boost I had a completely custom chip that worked really well, but on a stock engine it would be money wasted.
chambe MAY 10, 06:53 PM
Car runs good now. Left the chip in. Replaced a bunce of parts: Idle Air Control, Barometric Pressure Sensor, Idle Air Motor, Map Sensor and EGR Tube. Idles between 900 and 1200 after warm up. No More hesitation either.
hunter29 MAY 17, 05:05 PM
That article on handling said with a heaver sway bar on front the steering damper could be removed.

Has anyone installed the fiero store sway bars and removed the damper??
olejoedad MAY 17, 07:25 PM

quote
Originally posted by hunter29:

That article on handling said with a heaver sway bar on front the steering damper could be removed.

Has anyone installed the fiero store sway bars and removed the damper??



Sway bar stiffness has nothing to do with the need for a steering damper.

The scrub radius has not changed, and the scrub radius was the reason for the steering damper.

I had the front and rear Fiero Store sway bars on an 86 and left the damper in place, also installed the GT steering rack. I see no need to remove the damper, as it doesn't increase steering effort.

[This message has been edited by olejoedad (edited 05-17-2025).]