What are the pros and cons of performance chips for a car?

Performance chips have been a hot topic for car enthusiasts for years now. These small electronic devices are designed to alter the ECU, or engine control unit, of your vehicle. They have the ability to change a variety of parameters in your car, such as fuel-air ratio, ignition timing, and more, in order to increase performance. However, as with anything, there are pros and cons to installing a performance chip in your car.

One of the biggest pros of performance chips is the increased horsepower and torque. With a performance chip installed, you can expect to see a significant boost in power. This is especially true with turbocharged or supercharged engines. A chip can allow for more boost, which will offer a bigger increase in power.

Another pro of performance chips is that they are generally easy to install. Most chips for cars do not come in the form of a chip these days. The ECU is usually reprogrammed via the OBD2 port on every car. This means that you don't have to do any physical modifications to your engine or wiring, making installation a breeze.

However, there are also cons to consider before installing a performance chip. The first is that they can be an investment. The cost of a performance chip can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. This cost may be worth it for some, but others may not see the benefit in spending that much money for a relatively modest performance gain.

Another potential con is increased fuel consumption. When you increase the performance of your car, you're likely to gas your car more to feel the enhancement. This is especially true if you have a heavy foot! The more power you want, the more fuel you'll need. It's a simple tradeoff, and one that you should consider before installing a performance chip.

It's also important to remember that not all performance chips are created equal. Some are better than others, and some may not work at all with your particular vehicle. It's important to do your research and make sure you're buying a chip that is designed to work with your car. Stage 1, Stage 2 or Stage 3. 

Do they work?

Personal experience has confirmed that tuning devices do, indeed, enhance a vehicle's performance. I have witnessed the positive effects on multiple cars, one of which is my own 2008 BMW M3. While I have kept my BMW relatively stock, with the exception of adding an intake, high flow catalytic converter, and exhaust, I recently received a custom tune which resulted in a significant improvement in throttle response. Furthermore, dyno tests revealed a notable increase of 24 horsepower to the wheels, highlighting the effectiveness of the tune. Theoretically, this also should have led to a boost in fuel efficiency due to adjustments in the stock map that decreased overly rich areas and enhanced low-end torque. However, due to my own aggressive driving style post-tune, I have yet to observe any notable changes in fuel consumption. All in all, it is clear that tuning devices can elevate a vehicle's performance, as I have experienced firsthand with my BMW M3.

So, what's the bottom line? Performance chips can be a great way to increase the performance of your car. They're generally easy to install and can offer a significant boost in horsepower and torque. However, they can also be expensive, may cost you more gas because of your heavy foot.