
Frequently
Asked Questions
Will
a chip invalidate the manufacturer's warranty?
May seem odd putting this one first but we've had too much
time wasted due to this question recently. The answer is yes!
We advise you ask your dealer if you are worried.
How
much Power?
You can get up to 10% more power for non-turbo engines and
up to 40% for turbo diesels! Torque is increased throughout
the rev range especially in the mid range. This makes the
car more driveable, removing flat spots, hesitations and jerkiness
at low speed.
Disadvantage
- Is there one?
Not really, unless you are not keen on servicing your
car at the recommended service intervals. This is the main
recommendation after fitting.
Why
haven't the manufacturers done it?
Manufacturers must allow for fuel economy, exhaust emissions
regulations, the very worst grades of fuel being used and
for the car going months without proper servicing. The programming
of the standard chip is therefore compromised to ensure reliable
operation of the engine under adverse conditions.
How
is it done?
All modern fuel injected cars (whether non-turbo, turbo or
turbo-diesel) use an on-board computer called an ECU (Electronic
Control Unit) to control the fuel delivery and/or ignition
timing over a range of driving conditions. Powerchips are
programmed to adjust the timing and fuelling maps to optimise
performance without compromising fuel economy.
Why
are your prices so low compared to the opposition?
We do not need expensive fitting facilities, so our overheads
are much lower. We want to pass this benefit onto our customers.
Will
my fuel economy be affected?
Yes, and its often for the better! The improved torque (especially
in trbo diesels) will mean that you do not need to use as
much throttle as before for the same level of performance.
So generally, you will find that mpg increases. However, if
you are keen to use the new release of power then it takes
more fuel to realise that......
Will
a chip damage my engine?
No. Powerchips are designed to work within the limits of an
engine's design. However, we recommend that you ensure that
the car is regularly serviced so that it is in tip-top condition.
Will
my engine wear more quickly as a result of fitting a chip?
Well, it will if you use all the extra performance all the
time! But if you accelerate just the same as before, the wear
rate will be no different. When you use the extra torque,
the wear rate will be the same as it would be with a standard
chip using more throttle to gain the same acceleration.
What
guarantee do you offer?
If you are not satisfied with the chip, we will reinstall
your old chip and only ask that you cover the postal cost.
|