Since 1980 almost any vehicle in the USA has a computer chip installed. The introduction of those chips has a positive and negative impact on the automotive industry.
One of the Negative effects of having a chip is that engines don’t perform at their full potential. You get a pre-established limit on your car in order to be more friendly to all kind of customers.
The good news is that the car can be reprogrammed with the help of a Performance Chip.
Eliminating all the factory limits and boosting the vehicle capabilities. This Computer reprogramming doesn’t take a lot of time and doesn’t require to replace any part of your vehicle.
The only thing you need is a simple chip to start increasing your engine performance and better fuel efficiency.
The improvement ratio you’ll get depends on the particular chip you install on your vehicle. Some Performance Chip offers more Power while other mainly focus on getting better mileage.
BOOSTING YOUR ENGINE:
The Performance Chip eliminates any restriction from manufacturer to get the most out of your vehicle’s engine. You can get more Horsepower and extra torque. Final results will depend on the particular Chip you have installed and also your Car Model as well. Some makes are more compatible with such upgrades and others like on turbocharged engines you’ll not notice a huge performance boost after installing a Performance Chip.
ACCELERATION:
Performance Chip allows shortening acceleration times by improving the air/fuel ratio inside the engine, the result provides a quicker response and a rapid acceleration. Performance Chip not only controls engine, but also control vehicle transmission, stabilization systems, and the ignition. As a result, having a Performance Chip can improve and solve many performance-related problems at once.
SPEED:
Have you seen the Impressive speed numbers on your vehicle dashboard? Vehicle installed ECU “speed governor” limits your maximum speed and will not let you accelerate after you reach a pre-established speed limit. With the help of a Performance Chip, you can tweak those settings to get the real Speed your vehicle can get.
FUEL SAVING:
One of the most noticeable side effects when you reprogram your Vehicle ECU. “Increase Fuel efficiency”. Therefore the use of a Performance Chip can help you to gain as much as 4 MPG. After the engine reprogramming has made. This significant save on Fuel helps you have a return of your investment in just a couple of months.
Good morning ,
I have 2012 Camry with a 2.5 4 cylinder which is our daily driver. We own a truck and a Chevelle so we wanted something super reliable and decent on fuel . On a recent road trip through the Rockies mountains the Camry was very comfortable and handled surprisingly well but the power was lacking even with a tank of super unleaded fuel. I want more power and torque without effecting the cars reliability.
Is a chip the way to go and what else can be done to improve power. I have checked with local Toyota dealers here in lower mainland British Columbia and I am greeted with blank stares and no solutions.
Thank you in advance.
Hello,
I would recommend the stage 2 performance chip and a cold air intake to help with that issue.
See the chip here:
https://www.performancechiptuning.com/stage-2-performance-chip-module-obd2-for-toyota/
See the intake here:
https://www.performancechiptuning.com/performance-air-intake-for-toyota-camry-2012-2017-2-5l-i4/
This combination will offer 15-25 Horsepower gain, 13-14 Extra Ft. Lbs. of Torque, 2-4 MPG Increase, Faster Acceleration, Better Throttle Response, Smoother Engine Idling.
Hi, thanks for this post. I have a short question, do you think that using ECU file will effectively increase my car performance?
thanks in advance for any support
regards, Kenny
Hi, the chip’s processor on the performance chip is better on the stage 3 performance chip on most of the chips we’ve tested. That’s the one to go with. It increases the power and smoother acceleration while burning fuel more effectively and efficiently. You gain at lease 1 or 2 MPG increase in fuel.
I’m looking for a chip for my Hyundai Genesis 80 sedan 5.0 L v 8 . I was told put in a cold air intake would not help I was wondering if you have a chip for my vehicle
Hi, we recommend the SMARTTUNE performance chip and a cold air intake. That’s the best combo you can get for the most HP, Torque and fuel efficiency. Smarttune here: https://www.performancechiptuning.com/stage-2-performance-chip-module-obd2-for-hyundai/
A cold air intake at knfilters.
Hi, We recommend the Stage 3 Performance Chip from PCT, see it here, they got it on sale and free shipping:
https://www.performancechiptuning.com/stage-3-performance-chip-obdii-module-for-hyundai/
Hi! I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude. I would like to increase the horsepower and fuel range with a Grade 3 chip. Which chip would you suggest, and where can I send for it? Thank you kindly for any help in advance.
Sorry for the late response. We recommend the Stage 3 Performance Chip for Jeeps, Chrysler and Dodge models if you’re looking for the most horsepower gain. A cold air intake will also make sense to combine with it to increase the performance even more. Head over to PerformanceChipTuning.com those guys are currently offering a coupon for $20 off, free shipping and 60 day money back guarantee on the performance chips to help folks out during these difficult times as we understand a vehicle these days if highly essential to go to work, errands and grocery shopping. Stay safe.
I have a ’17 Nissan Pathfinder. Looking to do some mods. Your site has helped me narrow my chip search down TREMENDOUSLY. I have been told that cold air intakes and chips are a waste of money and don’t make a real difference. Just got a k&n CAI. Plan on pairing that with a Jet MAF sensor and either the smart tune stage 2 or the jdm stage 3. Based on your research, which would you suggest?
The stage 2 is the best to go with if you want good fuel efficiency combined with decent horsepower and torque gains, if you want more aggressive gains, go with the stage 3 Performance chip.
Regards.
Sorry for the late response, we were out for a little while due to Covid, limited staff. We recommend to try out the Smarttune Stage 2 since you already have a high end, quality K&N CAI, plus the SMARTTUNE recently got a new look and design and software update, so it responds better, works and looks better.
I have a 2014 pathfinder SL, I assume the engines are the same no matter what level of trim. My Question is, I drive low miles to work and still looking for the best performance, more mileage than anything else. The vehicle runs and drives almost perfect. Will it effect my warranty? Also will it burn my engine out Quicker? Thanks
Hi, no it won’t affect it, because the engineers we were lucky enough to talk with before, informed us that their software is designed so that when you unplug the chip from the OBD2 port on any compatible vehicle model, the ECU automatically resets back to factory settings within seconds after unplugging leaving no trace or footprint. This helps car owners with dealership warranty if they need to visit the dealer, for mechanical work, for emissions testing with the state etc. You want to have the vehicle’s computer back to factory settings for engine checkups so this chip’s feature of unplugging is great for that. They focus on plug n play chips, unlike other companies that you’re more involved in with manual settings making the chip a handheld tuner which you might leave a footprint that can fail emissions testing, state inspections or warranty with the dealership.
Vehicle application: 2000 Honda CRV LX AWD, 105,804 Odometer, OEM City/Hwy mpg: 19/23.
Looking to improve gas mileage first, initial acceleration second.
On one trip about 150-miles, averaging 68-70-mph in California, mpg calculated at 29-mpg.
Request effective, safe, reliable performance chip.
Yes, we recommend the stage 1 chip for better performance in fuel gains.
Have a 2016 mini cooper S 2.0 turbo 4 door hatchback. What would you suggest. like to have a fun. Better fuel MPH would help
We recommend the stage 1 performance chip GTE. Offers up to 4 MPG increase, come people have received 5-6 MPG increase with them, but it varies from car to car.
The stage 2 performance chip oughtta do. Would probably get you 15HP or less, since it’s a smaller engine and turbo charged, already tuned from factory, you wont get too much increase.
I have a 2018 Honda CR-V 1.5L, I4 DOHC, 16V, Turbo.
What chip do you believe would be best for my Honda in terms of low end torque and HP increase. I always use Shell Premium gas (93 octane) only.
Thank you for your professional time, professional input, and recommendation.
Sincerely,
Patrick Dorr
Hi, the stage 2 SMARTTUNE would be best recommended for it. The company updated the software on it late 2020 as well as the chip’s design. Give that one a shot, should see results as Honda models respond pretty well with it.
You can try the SMARTTUNE Stage 2 chip, it reads Honda ECUs pretty well.
I have a 1997 Lincoln Mark 8 LSC.
Might you have a chip recommendation and any possible improvements from it for the car’s performance?
Hi, the SMARTTUNE performance chip should suit your vehicle well. It works well on Lincolns and Cadillac models. Not sure how well it will perform with the 97 Mark 8, a classic, but it is very safe to use. Gets you 20+ HP, 14-16 ft lbs of Torque 2 MPG increase, acceleration and throttle response improvement as well as smoother engine idling.
Hello I have a 2013 Dodge Dart 1.4 turbo (manual) I have installed Injen cai, intercooler pipes, dv go fast bits and forge blow off valve. These cars are notoriously slow on the acceleration. I just recently purchased the JDM stage 3 performance chip because it came highly recommended through your review. Does the chip work with pre existing upgrades? Do they factor into the performance with after market parts?
Yes, many aftermarket add-ons work well with that chip. We know that many JDM stage 3 performance chip users have cold air intakes or headers, or new exhausts, pedal commander etc. and have no errors or issues.
I have 2012 Dodge Avenger 2.4L with K&N intake just installed, what chip recommendation, etc. would you have for me to pair with that? thanks in advance
We recommend the SMARTTUNE Stage 2 Performance Chip. It has currently been updated. It should respond very well.
I am looking at the F150 STX or FX4 5.0 32 valve Coyote 365 hp V8 with 6 speed transmission. What chip do you recommend better mileage and pick up. Stage 2
Yes, Stage 2 offers the best of both worlds. Extra fuel efficiency 2MPG increase, 20-25 HP, 15-18 Ft lbs of torque
Hi! I have a 2010 Nissan versa 1.8 S and I’m using a performance filter afe power dry filter. I would like to increase the horsepower and fuel range but which chip would you suggest, Thank you kindly for the help .
Hi. We recommend the SMARTTUNE Stage 2 Performance Chip Module. It will increase fuel economy by 2MPG increase, 15+ HP, 8-10 Foot lbs. of torque.
I have a 22 Kona n looking for more performance
Any recommendations on a tuner
Recommend the Smarttune Stage 2 Performance Chip OBD2 Module. It has recently been updated with a new, smaller design and software for more modern ECUs. Not sure if it is available for your vehicle yet, but you can send the company an email or give them a call.
I have a 2020 toyota tundra what’s the best chip for fuel mileage
The stage 1 GTE Performance Chip module can offer you 4MPG increase at the most. 10-15 HP 14-16 ft lbs of torque. Acceleration improvement, better throttle response, smoother engine idling.
The Stage 1 GTE Performance Chip Module can offer you 4MPG increase at the most. 10-15 HP 14-16 ft lbs of torque. Acceleration improvement, better throttle response, smoother engine idling. Add a cold air intake to go along with that and increase the fuel economy to another 2-3 MPG.
I have a 2017 Honda accord sport se, what chip would work best for my car in regards of acceleration and hp?
If it has a turbo engine and it has a 4 cylinder engine, you could try the Stage 3 JDM PRO chip or the PLP+ Stage 4 chip, but you may only receive a few horses and torque gains due to being turbocharged from factory and it’s a smaller engine size.
But if it’s naturally aspirated you can gain a lot more, you can try the SMARTTUNE if you’re not looking for too much power and better fuel efficiency.
I have a 2012 GMC Sierra 5.3 . I’m looking for more torque and horsepower for towing.
Go with the Stage 3 Performance JDM PRO M chip that engine could get 35-40 extra horses, 30+ ft lbs of torque, better town and hauling assistance, acceleration and throttle response improved.
Looking for two recommendations.
1) 2022 Equinox 1.5 liter turbo, better hp/tq & mpg.
2) 1998 Camaro 5.7 liter, stock w/6-spd manual, better hp/tq.
Recommend to start off with 1 vehicle. I would try out the Camaro first since it’s naturally aspirated and a bigger engine size, it may benefit more with a performance chip. If you’re looking for a balance of HP, Torque and fuel efficiency, I’d go with the SMARTTUNE Stage 2 Performance chip module. If you want more aggressive performance, then the Stage 3 module is for you.
I just bought a 2024 Toyota Tundra limited. Just wondering if there is a performance chip out for it yet and which one you would recommend? Thanks
Hi,
We recommend to check if the stage 2 performance chip is ready for that 2024 model.
We understand that some Toyota models are having success gaining performance, but not sure if yours is ready yet, you’ll have to contact SMARTTUNE performance chip staff on their site see if they confirm your model is rolled out and ready to use their chip. I say SMARTTUNE stage 2 because it’s the one that’s been recently updated in design and firmware/software and it’s the one working with 2024 models currently as far as we understand.
I’ve just read your reviews on plug in performance chips. I have a 2019 Hyundai Sonata sport with the 2.4l 4cyl motor. At the moment I have installed a K&N cold air intake and a complete custom including Magnaflow highflow header/manifold, Vibrant resonator, secondary cat delete and dual Magnaflow mufflers. Was wondering if you would have a recommendation for a specific chip for my car and would it be worth it for the install.
Hi, recommend the SMARTTUNE Stage 2 performance chip. That’s been very effective with Hyundai models, especially if you have other aftermarket performance add-ons. Could help you gain 20+ HP, 16-18 ft. lbs. of Torque and better throttle response with faster acceleration and improve smoothness of tighter shift points.
I have a 2021 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack / 1320 with the 6.4 engine. At this time Dodge does not offer a tuner for the N/A engine. Do you think the Performance Chip Tuner Stage 3 would help me with a little more HP. Only add on I have is the cold air induction. The net HP on the engine stock is 485… Thanks..
Hi, Absolutely, the stage 3 chip will help. Many Challenger, Charger, Mustang, Camaro and Magnum owners use stage 3, it’s great for sporty cars like that. I’d say at least 35 HP and 28+ ft lbs of torque, perhaps better.
I have a ’10 Nissan Versa 1.8L Hatchback and I’m looking to do some mods. Your site has helped me to narrow down my chip search. I have been told that cold air intakes and chips are a waste of money and don’t make a real difference. I just got a Takeda Stage-2 Cold Air Intake System w/Pro DRY S Filter. Plan on pairing that with a DC Sports 4-2-1 Ceramic Header, DC Sports Single Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust, High Performance Fuel Injectors with Flow Matched to 370cc, AEM 340 LPH High Flow In-Tank Fuel Pump, Ported and polished head, JETPowr-Flo Mass Airflow Sensors, and a fast road custom camshaft with either the smart tune stage 2 or the jdm stage 3. Based on your research, which would you suggest?
Yes, we recommend the stage 2 SMARTTUNE, since it’s less powerful than the Stage 3 JDM, because you already have several aftermarket performance add-ons on your engine, there may not be much room left to extract more performance like HP, Torque or even fuel efficiency. The SMARTTUNE should extract 20 HP or less.