How to Install Performance Chips
by Simon Breedon
The creation of performance chips started with advancements in space exploration technology and eventually became an accessible additive for the automobile industry. The function of a performance chip is to give the driver more control over the vehicle. A performance chip is an aftermarket modification that can be put in your vehicle to work as a mediator between the engine and the ECU (Engine Control Unit) to enhance control of the rate of acceleration, through adjustments in how the torque and gas mileage relate to one another. There are a number of ways you can go about installing one of these in your vehicle.
Step 1
Install a performance chip directly into the dashboard. Open up the glove compartment and unscrew the screws that hold the panel in place. You will now have access to the ECU box. Replace the stock chip with the upgrade by unclipping one and then fastening the other in its place. This is a very simple procedure that usually takes no more than 30 minutes. A more complex upgrade might require the assistance of a mechanic.
Step 2
Install performance chips meant to upgrade the vehicle through a direct modification of the ECU box and engine. These modifications usually come in two- part adjustments. First lift the hood and plug in the fuel injection adjustor chip to the engine as specified by the particular brand of chip you are installing. Second take the programmer plug-in chip and connect it to the wiring harness of the vehicle through the same method that you accessed the ECU box in the previous step. You must be careful when installing one of these, not to bend any of the pins which connect into the chip. Also, do not touch any of the connections, as oils from your hand could interfere with the signal. Other than that, for the most part, this process is self explanatory. There should be one black clip to connect to the wiring harness and one black clip coming from the plug-in and they should both fasten very easily to one another, if not you may need the assistance of a mechanic, as the brand of modification you have chosen is not directly compatible with your vehicle type.
Step 3
The third type of chip is not actually an add-on, but an adjustment done to the computer system in your car. Disconnect your computer in your vehicle and mail it to the company, where they will tune the computer's specifications for you. If you rely on your car as a daily driver, this is not the most convenient method. It may take up to two weeks for you to receive your modified system.
References
Writer Bio
Simon Breedon has been freelance writing for Newspapers for the past 8 years. He has written for The Washington Informer, Edge Magazine, The Yeti, The FSView and Florida Flambeau Newspaper. He has a BA from Florida State University in Creative non-fiction/ Journalism and a Masters Certification in Editing and Publishing. He is currently attending Law School and studying for a computers science degree.
