The chips I want to talk about aren’t the kind of chips that are made from taters or corn, and they don't smell like Nacho Cheese. They are performance chips/modules/programmers for your vehicle’s computer.  Although they are not edible, they are available in different flavors (Stage I/Streetmaster--Stage II/Thermomaster) for almost any taste (GM-Ford-Dodge-Imports).

So, what does a chip for your vehicle do?  The chip contains programming that replaces the stock computer programming to give maximum power and torque.  The chip contains tuning information that controls your engine's characteristics, such as spark advance, air-fuel ratio, shift points, firmness of shifts, rev limiters, axle ratio and top speed. All of this information is delivered to the computer by sensors that monitor your vehicle’s engine coolant temperature, air intake temperature, RPM, manifold air pressure and many more. The computer uses this information along with the programming stored in the chip to deliver the optimum timing, firmness of shift, air-fuel mixture, etc. for the set operating conditions at that point in time.  The type of  tuning device used depends on the make and year model of your vehicle (the type of computer in your vehicle). This can be accomplished in different ways.  Some simply replace the stock computer chip, some run piggy-back with the stock chip, others plug into the back of your computer or plug inline between the computer and wiring harness to modify the signals to the computer.  Many newer vehicles have computers that can be reprogrammed through the diagnostic plug by simply answering a few simple questions.  Regardless of which device is used, most manufacturers claim horsepower gains from 10 and up to 50 (on turbo or supercharged engines) can be had.

Any of the manufacturers selected programs, whether it is the Stage I/Streetmaster or Stage II/Thermomaster, is ideal for a basic stock engine.  Custom programs would be required for radical modifications.  These modifications include the use of nitrous oxide, any type of supercharger, large camshafts, large mass-flow sensors, and sometimes even headers or an intake manifold.

Now you are thinking, if all this is so great, why didn't the maker of my vehicle do this?  Well, the answer is that the manufacturer programs a computer for everybody, not  for you (a performance enthusiast!).  The average driver probably will not use premium fuel (92-up on the octane) which is a must with any computer device, or change to a lower engine thermostat.  The average driver probably would not use a high flow air filter such as a K&N or a performance exhaust such as Flowmaster and most of the average drivers wouldn't think about underdrive pulleys, but you would. Your engine should run at peak efficiency with an aftermarket chip installed, therefore it “will” have an increase in power and probably have better gas mileage than with a stock chip.

The computer devices we have discussed so far are a good value for increasing horsepower and engine torque.  Not only do they do this, but they also keep your vehicle 50-state emission legal.  They do not change the emissions at all from stock tuning.  C.A.R.B. (California Air Resources Board) has issued Executive Order numbers D-234 through D-234-4 covering most of the major manufacturers of these computer chips.  Since C.A.R.B. has such high standards concerning exhaust emissions, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accepts C.A.R.B. approval as evidence that an aftermarket part is clean and suitable for use in all other states.

 One of the great things about these chips is they don't void your warranty.  Federal law prohibits a dealer from voiding your warranty just because you are using aftermarket performance equipment, with two exceptions:  the warranty can be voided if the aftermarket part causes damage or adversely affects the emissions or the emissions system.  The following quotes are excerpted from recent documents produced by  SEMA (Specialty Equipment Marketing Association), a trade association representing automotive parts manufacturers:

 "The vehicle manufacturer is not allowed to void the vehicle warranty just because aftermarket equipment is installed on the vehicle.  This protection for consumers is the result of a parts self-certification program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA).

 "Under the program, if a parts maker completes the EPA process of self-certifying its parts, the vehicle manufacturer cannot void the warranty even if the certified part has failed and is directly responsible for the warranty claim.  In cases where such a failed aftermarket part is responsible for a warranty claim, the manufacturer must arrange a settlement with the part manufacturer, but the new vehicle warranty is not void under the law.

"If the failure to honor a claim involves the new-vehicle warranty, and it appears that the manufacturer is improperly denying a claim, the incident should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).  The FTC is responsible for monitoring compliance with the warranty law; the agency's telephone number is 202/326-3128."

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