Performance Chips, ...what the hell is it??? Options

[jaq1967]

Hi,

New to this still, but somebody mentioned I could upgrade the performance of my car with a chip! (I think he's been playing Grand Tourismo on his PS2).

My car is a recent import from Japan to the UK. As far as I am aware it has been 'chipped' to convert the milometer from KMS to MILES - something that is needed for the SVA rule I guess over here! I need to find out more from my dealer as I am now VERY interested! lol...

It is a ST-202 (3S-GE). The speedo I did notice only reads up to 120 MPH max! I know in Japan they do put limiters on their cars so:

1) How do I know if my car has or has not been chipped and what to look for? (...where is the damn thing kept on the motor and where do I find out what it does?)
2) If a new chip is available to replace this one what kind of gain could I expect from it? Is it speed or BHP or what???
3) If I do put a new chip in the car (performance one!) what is the cost and where do you get them (Net or UK). Is it easy to do and will I need to change the speedo dash so it reads properly?

Possibly all daft questions as I do not intend on racing my baby! The laws in the UK are strick anyway... so even at 120 MPH I'd have a heavy fine!

Come on guys...give us your brains on this one as I am not sure if my mate is on another palnet and the cars I used to muck about with didn't have computers (late 70's - yeap...old bugger!).

Hope this isn't such a stupid question.

Thanks

Jaq1967

[jaq1967]

QUOTE (west_minist @ May 8, 2003 - 3:33 PM)

The chip is in the ECU near your cobby hole or way underneath your car radio You can keep the chip and call autronics.com for a new programeable computer with a 3sge harness adapter. This comupter comes with an auto tune feature. Better than a chip and cost less in the long run You can order a replacement ecu from japan.

Cobby Hole - I take it you mean near my steering column on the side?

Checked out that link and not a good one sadly. Does that PC you mention come with all the software or is it best left to a pro?

At the end of the day is it all worth it as I am not racing her? OK...would like it to 'take-off' and rock, but won't be doing top speeds.

What does THIS chip control exactly? Is there only ONE on this babe?

When ordering one from Japan will the have different types for different countries do you know as each country has different rules? Do you think they have one with no holds barred - not fcuked about with?

Tx

Jaq