How effective are chips on na cars?

I've always thought of them more productive on turbos like GTIs and Audis. I don't remember anyone really using just chips in my 964/993 days and getting anything big out of them. How are they working in our 996s?

The jalapeno kettles still satisfy me just fine

I had the ECU flashed on my 996 C4S. Mine was from Evolution Motorsports. It did improve the low end torque a bit, but it wasn't dramatic. I don't think it is the best way to spend your upgrade dollars.

If you select a 'chip' be sure to get a written assurance that it will pass the California Smog Test. The Test Station computers are getting much smarter about detecting changes to the stock program. If it is a reversible change that uses a stand-alone substitute program, you have to switch back to stock a week or so before the Smog Test. If it is a permanent hardware change you may be SOL

I Doubt an engine will run at all on lays.

I think the baked Lays are the ones to stay away from, the others should be ok, but I'd confirm what oil they are cooked in before using them

Seriously speaking, I found my FVD brombacher flash to be very effective. You obviously get more out of them if you have other bolt-ons done prior to that. In my case: mufflers, headers, IPD plenum and evoms intake. All feedback is based on butt dyno but you can clearly notice a difference. I think it was worth it. Thanks

I thought doing something different from what the factory did was some JI abomination against Porsche nature. But anything for clicks, I guess.

JI + Anything aftermarket = Blasphemy The ECU will help out the most if you have bolt ons as it will actually TRIM fuel values most of the time as the factory ECU likes to dump more fuel(too much at times) when you start adding on a lot of bolt ons. Other than that, it can optimize ignition timing with a more aggressive map tailored to higher fuels like 93oct, adjust throttle mapping(spring booster effect), disable/bypass immobilizer(start car without pill/alarm box), lower cat efficiency trigger ratio(run cat bypass without cel light), alter PSM to allow for left foot braking, etc.

Just curious.

John raises a valid question. I have had experience with ECU tunes on Turbos in the pas and it made a dramatic difference in the usability of the power band. I'm also interested in feedback from those that have gone the ECU flash route on feedback. For reference, I have Fabspeed competition intake, Fabspeed Maxflo exhaust and 200 cell -pipe cats. Not expecting HP gains but more usability of the power curve, improved throttle response, etc... Anyone not chowing down on Lays or Pringles interested in your experience. Sent from my iPad using Rennlist

See my response above. To add to that, I noticed a clear difference in mid-range torque and an improved throttle response. Do not know about 6500+ rpm hp gains as I don't spend that much time there but my goal was to make the car feel stronger and more responsive in the mid range and I succeeded in that. Do not really know what else to say. We are obviously all different and our expectations differ as well but based on what Rhonda told me about my car's improved performance after the flash, everything was accurate. Did not expect to turn my car into a 996tt overnight but wanted a little something extra and that's what I got. Also, interestingly, my car gets better gas mileage now...

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Thanks. Very helpful! Sent from my iPad using Rennlist

I agree with the point a lot of others are making; ECU tunes (on all cars) work best with other mods. Even with simple bolt on's like intake & exhaust, a tune will make all the difference. I have the Vivid Racing flash and it's perfect with my setup.

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What's the difference in how the car responds with your mods?

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I say 10:1 that you are running slightly too rich with those mods. ECU will help you extract more power by trimming your fuel, advancing your ignition, and improving your throttle mapping at the very least. FVD and Softronic flashes are nice in that it is a DIY and you can flash back to stock at any time(for emissions or if you sell it, etc). They also come with an interface allowing you to run diagnostic software which is a plus as well. Sort of 2 for 1 deal. If you get your car on the dyno and find the fuel curve not as optimal, Softronics for example, can adjust your file and email it back to you to upload to your car.