computer chip

So anyone got the Hypertech chip in their car. If not then which one are most guys running and do they really help? I'm not drag racing, just cruising and enjoying the car. Would I be better off spending money somewhere else?

quote Originally posted by racingfortheson: 1. So anyone got the Hypertech chip in their car. If not then which one are most guys running and do they really help? I'm not drag racing, just cruising and enjoying the car. 2. Would I be better off spending money somewhere else?

1. Most all are junk. Worse, Many eats fuel. Use search.
2. Yes.

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Somebody in an old thread once figured out exactly what the differences were between Hypertech and stock. I don't remember the list but I remember it was very few changes and nothing that's worthwhile.
GM optimized their chips to make fuel mileage under moderate conditions, and power when the driver is pushing it. If you compare them at wide open throttle, the aftermarket chips aren't going to find any power that GM didn't.
The most that aftermarket chips like Hypertech can do, is attempt to make the car feel more responsive at lighter throttle. I don't know if they even succeed at this, but in the attempt, they are likely to use more fuel in everyday driving.

I don't really believe in mass marketed aftermarket chips. However, a chip that's custom tuned for one specific vehicle can serve a purpose. If an engine has been significantly modified, then a custom tuned chip becomes more necessary.

There can be various reasons people make custom chips. Examples would include calibrating for a different cam, different injectors, or maybe you just want to make personal preference adjustments like the behavior of the lockup TCC, idle speed, etc. Some people (including myself) enjoy messing with this stuff. This does require doing a lot of reading and learning though.
If you have the interest, for around the price of a Hypertech you can get the equipment to make your own chips. This lets you customize things exactly how you want them. If you don't have the interest, just save your money because the mass market chips are a gimmick.

Thanx guys