Author Topic: Hack your car (Read 621 times)

AKcurly · « **on:** February 14, 2004, 01:30:46 AM »

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/13/automobiles/13CHIP.html

WHEN Scott Farrell, a Coast Guard instructor in Newport News, Va., wanted a big power boost for his 1998 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, he didn't lower the suspension, install a hot camshaft or add a free-flow exhaust. Instead, he had a business-card size electronic part installed — a so-called "performance chip" designed to reprogram the car's engine control module to provide more horsepower. "It was a night-and-day difference," he said.

Long story, go read if interested.

curly

AKS\/\/ulfe · « **Reply #1 on:** February 14, 2004, 01:36:24 AM »

Those dirty bastards want me to register.

As far as chips go, they can add very little (unless there is a huge gas expense) without a cold air intake and voltage input change (spark plug upgrade with electronics upgrade to accomdate the voltage/current). Even then, you really don't need to upgrade the MCU (its that or some other lettering I can't remember) because by resetting that chip (with the new upgrades) and running it the car again will acquire new settings and adjust for the new power and fuel economy.
-SW

Tuomio · « **Reply #2 on:** February 14, 2004, 03:53:32 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by AKS\/\/ulfe
MCU (its that or some other lettering I can't remember)
-SW

Yes, MCU = microcontroller unit.

SunTracker · « **Reply #3 on:** February 14, 2004, 03:54:29 AM »

My engine shuts off in my truck if I exceed 100mph.

AKcurly · « **Reply #4 on:** February 14, 2004, 03:58:32 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by AKS\/\/ulfe
Those dirty bastards want me to register.

It's free, wulfie

curly

Dingbat · « **Reply #5 on:** February 14, 2004, 07:55:18 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by SunTracker
My engine shuts off in my truck if I exceed 100mph.

GMC?

TPIguy · « **Reply #6 on:** February 14, 2004, 08:12:34 AM »

In most cars an off the shelf chip is a waste of money. A chip needs to be tuned for your car, to take advandage of your mods and make it run like you want to.

I know lots of people who burn thier own. They are constantly tweaking them and testing. Its like tuning a carb, only 10x more complex.

That said, if your car has a computer controlled turbocharger you can gain ALOT from just a chip. As it can be programed to allow higher levels of boost. The same also applied to turbo diesel trucks.

http://www.theclashofthetitans.com/images/videos/vids/Diesel1.mpg

TPIguy · « **Reply #7 on:** February 14, 2004, 08:13:00 AM »

In most cars an off the shelf chip is a waste of money. A chip needs to be tuned for your car, to take advandage of your mods and make it run like you want to.

I know lots of people who burn thier own. They are constantly tweaking them and testing. Its like tuning a carb, only 10x more complex.

That said, if your car has a computer controlled turbocharger you can gain ALOT from just a chip. As it can be programed to allow higher levels of boost. The same also applied to turbo diesel trucks.

http://www.theclashofthetitans.com/images/videos/vids/Diesel1.mpg

TPIguy · « **Reply #8 on:** February 14, 2004, 08:13:12 AM »

In most cars an off the shelf chip is a waste of money. A chip needs to be tuned for your car, to take advandage of your mods and make it run like you want to.

I know lots of people who burn thier own. They are constantly tweaking them and testing. Its like tuning a carb, only 10x more complex.

That said, if your car has a computer controlled turbocharger you can gain ALOT from just a chip. As it can be programed to allow higher levels of boost. The same also applied to turbo diesel trucks.

http://www.theclashofthetitans.com/images/videos/vids/Diesel1.mpg

Ripsnort · « **Reply #9 on:** February 14, 2004, 08:24:06 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by TPIguy
In most cars an off the shelf chip is a waste of money. A chip needs to be tuned for your car, to take advandage of your mods and make it run like you want to.

I know lots of people who burn thier own. They are constantly tweaking them and testing. Its like tuning a carb, only 10x more complex.

That said, if your car has a computer controlled turbocharger you can gain ALOT from just a chip. As it can be programed to allow higher levels of boost. The same also applied to turbo diesel trucks.

http://www.theclashofthetitans.com/images/videos/vids/Diesel1.mpg

WHOA! 12 secs in a diesel? My Cod!

TPIguy · « **Reply #10 on:** February 14, 2004, 10:06:52 AM »

damn, triple post.

Rip theres faster ones out there. Who needs AWD when you got a dually?

lazs2 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 14, 2004, 10:17:20 AM »

tpi guys is correct... not enough to repeat it three times but.... correct... A chip might add 10 hp in a few ranges in most cars but you need to program the puter if you do any mods. way past my expertise or interest.

lazs

FUNKED1 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 14, 2004, 12:22:58 PM »

In the WRX community we have the ability to do a total reflash of the ECU. No need for a chip or installing anything permanently on the car. There is about 35 hp available just by doing this with no other mods.

Nilsen · « **Reply #13 on:** February 14, 2004, 04:48:58 PM »

Ehm... Tina (my gf) got 50 or something more hp out of her/our 530d Touring diesel by "hacking" it

Dont feel bad about it either, cars are EXPENSIVE in norway (they add tax to every HP you get

BB Gun · « **Reply #14 on:** February 14, 2004, 06:34:33 PM »

A guy at work went from 150 (?) to 210 - I think, I'll have to ask him - by getting a chip put in his Audi A4. I'll see if I can't get more details monday.

BB