The sacrifice is normally a LOSS of power under other conditions, usually having adverse effects on drivability.

Drivability – There are relatively simple tricks that an “engine chip” can pull to increase power at WOT (Wide Open Throttle) and high RPM conditions.

Any engine chip that claims to be able to drastically change the output of your car’s engine by tearing open the computer box is probably bogus. It’s also important to note that your car’s engine computer is designed to perform specific functions, and it wasn’t necessarily built with the capacity to change in any really significant way.

As a general rule, opening the ECU will immediately void the warranty. Warranty – If your car is still under any type of factory or extended warranty, you should be wary of installing any type of chip that requires you to open your car’s ECU case.

Any chip which deactivates your vehicle’s stock emissions controls isn’t doing your car any good and is probably illegal. Sometimes an “engine chip” will disable these systems, which can result in a failed emissions test as well as the “check engine” light coming on. Emissions – One of the most important functions that your car’s ECU fulfills is regulation of the emissions functions on the car.If you are shopping for an engine chip, here are 4 things you should keep in mind before you make your purchase: That being said, ECU tuning is an effective tool for gaining usable, drivable horsepower if you do it right. The truth is that most “engine chips” are just junk. The reality is that even the most sophisticated ECU adjustment can’t do much to increase power output without modifications to other systems on the car.

It’s easy to be suckered into the idea that your car’s performance can be drastically changed by installing a simple “chip” that will do wonders for your engine. The engine chip is one of the most misunderstood modifications in amateur performance tuning today.

Performance chips for horsepower