So I've been reading up on these a bit. And I was surprised at what I saw- people say they work. One thing I read said that they work more with modified cars because the ECUs need to change. With what little modification I've done to my car I'm wondering what to do. I notice that with the CAI and performance exhaust theres a loss in low end torque and raise in high end- if I have correlated what I've read on them correctly to how my car has behaved.
Anyone have suggestions for inexpensive performance chips? I'm not looking for something to race with and I have no money for a chipped ECU. Just something to help the timing a bit and perhaps give back that low end torque.

 

Please know that your 97 doesn't have a "chip"/prom. You would have to go for a "chipped ecu" and then a tune from someone to see any gain......then you also need to be sure it will pass the inspection laws in your state.

 

There's some "chips" that are actually a resistor that spoofs your engine-coolant-temperature sensor. If the ECU thinks the engine is cold, it'll make the mixture richer. Some people fall for this, but it probably just works by making your wallet lighter.

 

Yeah I did look into a lot of that and I see that I could just buy a resistor and throw it on the IAT sensor wire. But I know thatll give me issues come winter when the car is a lot colder right?
But I'm looking to get something that will help with my mods. Thats what I've been reading which I suppose it makes sense- since I have aftermarket parts the ECU is not tuned for them, as minor as they may be. So I found someone who does tune the chips but I do know I will need an OBD1 converter.
Whats my best bet for this? Some performance chips claim better MPGs along with HP and I've seen many positive reviews. Even on other car forums.
I'm just on the eternal search for better performance with better gas mileage. I know it exists...

Just a little post script...
I've been looking more and more and read my old posts. I'm gonna pursue a chipped ECU. I buy a p28 ECU, a conversion harness and then have a tuner tune a chip? Can the chip be retuned with mods? And if so (although its a bit early) could I always go back to stock while I'm waiting for the chip to be retuned?

 

Found a P28 chipped ECU with a converter harness for $199. The tuner tunes it according to my car.
I'm thinking about going into tuning myself though. I can buy a programmer for pretty cheap but I'm not sure how complex it is. But anyways...

Is this my best option? The P28 ECU?
And how do I install it? Does it replace the stock ecu?

 

Jet use to "reflash" stock ecus. You would send in a list of your mods (ie. I/H/E cam ect) and they would make a personalized map and send your ecu back. I heard it takes about a week and people were seeing dyno increases of 10-20whp depending on the existing mods.

IMO i dont think it's worth it. it cost around 400 U$ and is only of real benifit after you mod out your car and engine. Weight reduction, lighter wheels, lighter fly wheel and freer breathing exhaust and intake will net more gain.

Even then the f22 and f23 are pretty optimized for what they were designed for. There is no "magic bullet" here. A cam would get good results but needs a tune to run properly.

 

Ok, I find my mods aren't giving me what I want though so Im thinking a chipped ECU will help with the aftermarket exhaust and air intake. My best bet is a tuned P28 ECU?
And do I take the old ECU out and put the new one in with the conversion harness?