Performance chips have become a much hotter commodity in recent years, though that doesn’t mean they’re for everyone.  Still, there are bountiful advantages to installing a performance chip in a car, and below we’ll go over many of the facets of the chips and what results you can expect from using one.  We’ll also point out reasons to consider using other modifications instead.  This way, you can read all of the available information, and make an informed decision for yourself about how to upgrade your car most effectively.

Installation

Most performance boosting add-ons take hours to install, and generally involve the use of a wide range of complex tools.  A performance chip installation, however, is pretty much a breeze by comparison.  You can install a performance chip in under a half an hour even if you’re just fairly competent at automotive repairs and upgrades, and many are designed to be “plug and play.”  Even at most, you may just be making a few wire adaptations to get the chip to work.  Recent chip designs also have an advantage over older designs, as many nowadays can be installed without a forced reset of the vehicle’s stock ECU.

Horsepower Gains

If you’re focus is pure power, a performance chip is a good supplement but should not be the only add-on you rely on.  You can get an additional 60HP from using a performance chip, which is certainly worth noting, but it pales in comparison to the 400HP you would get by using a standard turbocharger add-on.  Performance chips should be used to supplement the horsepower gains you’re seeking, and are great as well for drivers who aren’t race-oriented.

Fuel Efficiency

As gas prices continue to fluctuate, it’s hard to tell when fuel’s going to be over $4/gallon or back under $3.  But for those who value saving money on gas, and who also want to promote a greener lifestyle, a simple performance chip can help.  Greater fuel efficiency is, after all, a big asset to you and your wallet.  You can save 4-7mpg just by installing the chip, and when paired with other modifications, such as the installation of a lightweight fiberglass hood, the fuel savings can be even greater.

Price

This is the one category where a performance chip just wrecks the competition.  You can get a high-powered performance chip for around $50, versus the thousands many spend on turbochargers and other physical performance modifications.  Many supercharger and turbocharger add-ons also require professional installation (except for those who are skilled enough to perform the installation themselves), versus the quick and easy plug-and-play required to install a performance chip.  If money’s on your mind and you’re looking for a significant upgrade to your vehicle, a performance chip is the way to go.