Performance 'piggy-back' chips - how does it work?

[BadBong]

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/15BHP-Power-Mod-Chip-MX5-MX-5-MX6-Pulsar-Primera-GT_W0QQitemZ160369985230QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Car_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2556cbc6ce

Now I know that these things might not work and that if you're keen on boosting your car's performance, then you should do it properly.

I'm just wondering how these things work and whether it actually damages the car in any way? (maybe it'll run hotter than usual?)

*Have searched the forum but found nothing on this so far... thanks

[Jeo]

Vast majority of the cheaper ones will tirck the ecu into thinking the car is running leaner than it is, therefore causing it to throw more fuel in. All they will do is increase your fuel consumption.

[Benny]

Some of these chips will also adjust your timing, but the results are usually far less than what they cost.
If you have some mods to your engine, like exhaust and intakes etc, then they may bring out a bit more power, but on a standard engine, they are just a waste of money IMHO.

I have a piggyback computer on my SP, but that is now controlling the boost and fuel etc., and on a tubocharged engine, they can ramp up the boost etc., as well as ad more fuel.

[CT]

Piggybacks work by interupting the Fuel and Timing signals coming from your stock ECU and adjusting them up or down via a map. The map is an optimised map for your car and it's setup and is designed to only work for that particular setup. As Benny has said some piggys also do boost - again, by reading the OEM ECU and sending an altered signal to a boost controller to alter the boost curve.

Piggys can work well for mildly modified cars but standalone ECUs will always be the best for ultimate control over your car.

[daffyflyer]

Yeah, those ebay ones will work about as well as randomly cutting some wires in the engine bay and soldering in some resistors.

Most likely just make it run richer or some shite.


If you want a free power boost just advance the timing to 14 yourself