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

[jas142]

There are performance chips for many cars. Usually, they replace the stock ECU. I'm not sure if they make them for the 6th gen celica, though. Common companies that produce them are JET and Superchip. Good luck

[hi_rider]

In Quebec, many people chip their cars. I did change the chip on my gti vr6 for 200$canadian. This took my rpm cutoff from 6200 to 6800 and eliminated the speed cut-off. It also modified my power range on the engine cause before the engine didn't do any good past 5800, and after, it had good power till 6500.
Those were the mains differences on my vr6.
Let say I gained around 5-6 cars length on a 0-160km/h.
The chip on my vr6 was underneath the wiper section under the hood, celica, I don't know!

All the cars are different !!! On other models of car, you may not even feel the difference....on other you get good gain, hard to say about celicas ! As long as I know, you can get the celicas ecu to get reprogrammed for 700$ us, for a gain of 12 hp ? I think...
For me, at this price, too expansive.

[west_minist]

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.

[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

[KAMiX]

jaq - From my personal knowledge, addon chips mess with your air and fuel mixtures, and a variety of other internal timing that effects your engines performance, basically they are used to "reprogram" your stock EFI settings, to gain more performance from your hardware. Your car was configured in the factory for better economy and low engine noise etc, losing out on performance.


I've never tinkered with them, but from what I've read the celica has a sealed ECU - So the only aftermarket chips are addon units, unless you decide to go for a standalone engine management system, which isn't worth it unless you have a serious engine.

btw, you probably shouldn't get ur chip from japan, try to find one produced for your regions fuel types and driving conditions.

This post has been edited by kamixZR: May 9, 2003 - 1:33 AM

[west_minist]

He cannot get one from the usa if he live there.

If in the UK, order a replacement.

He has a 3sge from the ST202 SII/SIII.

You have New Zealand, Australia, Japan and so forth.

THe chip would just remap the car for more HP, remove the speed limit and may increase the rev limit

The chip is easy to install one you follow the instructions. You must not touch the chip or put it in an environment that have alot of static charge. eg, like on a towel or mat.

If you are not looking for any hp or better performance, just contact toyota in your area and get a replace ecu for the ST202 SII/SIII for your car.

[jaq1967]

Found out the cost is about £900-£1000 if ordered from Toyota UK, so a lot for perhaps little gain! lol...

It can be 'messed-about-with' using a computer and cable (like suggested) but only by somebody who knows what they are doing!

I think I will leave that for now and think about it later maybe?

lol

Cheers folk.

Jaq1967

[seth042280]

what about for the ST model ? any chips ? or any company that reprograms