Quote:
Originally Posted by MoparFan
Hi Folks
I have been looking into Chip tuning boxes.
I drive anywhere between 150 to 300Klm a day city driving for work,
and the fuel cost is about $200 to $350 a week, so i would like to reduce that if a can.
some of these devices claim a fuel saving of between 5 to 10%,
some claim 5 to 15%, the more expensive units claim up to 30% fuel saving.
so far i have found three main types that do not permanently remap your ECU,
you can revert to original setup by just removing them.
1) Peddle boxes= connects between the GO peddle sender and the ECU.
2) OBDII port connection= plugs into your OBDII port.
3) MAF sensor= connects between your MAF sensor and ECU.
they all have a learning period before you see any real change in performance and economy,
around 100 to 200 klm, or 1 to 2 weeks depending on the unit.
They range in price from around $50.00 to $900.00
My questions are as follows
1) have any of you used one?
2) Do they actually work?
3) Which one works best with our Jeeps?
Any input would be helpful folks
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Pedal boxes I assume you mean like the throttle controllers? If so they will do nothing for economy. Basically same as you just more slowly accelerating with your foot. Don't waste your money for what you are after.
MAF sensor ones have been around for years. I used one in my V6 commodore back in the day. Also will not change economy. They are basically a resistor in line that make the ECU think the MAF is reading colder air so it adjusts the tune accordingly. Not worth the money in wasted fuel.
I don't have much experience in the OBD hand controller tuners mainly used in the US but have heard they are ok. Basically only adjust basic paramaters like boost and if more expensive fuel rail pressure. Not the best but ok.
Spend the money on a proper ECU remap or Unichip. Unichip is a proper hardwired "piggy back" ECU but it opens up far more parameters and allows for timing adjustment along with boost and fuel rail etc. Had one on a R51 Pathfinder for years and worked great. This was before remaps became popular
ECU remap is the best in my opinion. It will give you the best results for what you are looking for. Will cost between $1200-2000 depending on who does it. Safely changes all factory ECU parameters. You will get better economy because the engine is making more power more efficiently. Usual gains are 20% power and 25% torque roughly and is generally what I have seen in every car I have remapped over the years. Catch is, if you begin to like power increase and use it, your economy will go down because you will be using more fuel to satisfy your right foot. Longer pay back time but with your amount of driving, won't be that long.
Poor man pays twice as they say. Hope this helps with your decision.