The only 1/14 mile track I know of is Virginia Motorsports Park in Dinwiddie.... It's close to Petersburg. I have now idea how to get in touch with them. I'll go see if they have a web site.

 

Here's the web site for Va. Motorsports Park.
http://www.virginiamotorsportspk.com/

 

Typically the way a 1/4 mile track works, is they have test n tune nights. Usually falls on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon. It is probably off season up there this time of year. I believe they have em open down here in Tx.

Back on topic though. I'm really concerned on the process they use to "upgrade" your ecu. I've spent the last 5+ years tuning fuel systems for turbocharged vehicles with upgraded turbos as well as complete fuel systems. Every car I've tuned has had a different setup. No car is the same. I don't understand how they can "customize" one single chip to make "your" car run to its peak without having any ill effects.

The systems I've worked with were adjustable at any time your environment changed. Elevation, ambient temps, etc. I had to monitor egt, knock, timing advance, o2 voltage, water temps, the list goes on. I've had situations where I've added 93 octane gas from one of those single line gas dispensers. You know the kind (push the button for the grade you wish to select). Well let me tell you. If the last person pumping used regular unleaded, instead of premium, you are now dumping in a lower octane fuel for maybe 1/8 of a gallon.

Big deal?

It could lower your octane level in your fuel.


What does that mean?

Well lower octane fuel will now be out of the range the modified ecu "wants to operate" and could knock or detonate.


The stock ecu will already adjust for differnet fuel grades on its own. It does this by pulling back timing. Most cars have the ability to do this. When you start making fuel adjustments along with advancing timing, your ecu has now lost control over those features. It might make an advancement in timing when you shouldn't have so much. I had gauges and sensors to alert me if this happend. That way I could add a little fuel and turn the boost back a little until I had a better quality gas running through the lines. With this chip you have no control.

I'll get off my soap box. I'd just hate to see you guys kill a motor and be out lots of $$$ to fix it.

 

Sounds like you know a good deal about the process. To get your questions better answered you should contact Powerchip yourself and ask these questions.
So far I'm happy with the results and the fact that I have a 3 year warranty on any possible damage caused by the modification gives me peace of mind.


Thanks for the information about the 1/4 mile tracks. It turns out that Old Dominion Speedway is close by and I've heard that they open it up.

 

Any of you Tech.s have any thoughts on this thing? It makes sence to me that if you can trick the fuel management system into thinking the intake air is cooler than it is that it will scedule more fuel..... Ultimately making some extra hp. But I'm not convinced that this thing can do the trick. Checkout the Ebay add that follows and let us know what you think. Thanks.


CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE TIMING ADVANCE KIT +20 HP

ADD 15 - 20 HORSEPOWER TO YOUR ENGINE WITH OUR TIMING ADVANCE KIT

THIS KIT IS DESIGNED ONLY FOR THE SPECIFIC ENGINE LISTED IN THE TITLE OF THE AUCTION:

We have spent a lot of time researching the optimal amount of resistance that would add the most power to your specific engine.

Your engine has the potential to put out more power than it currently is. Most people say they have noticed that their car performs better on colder days. This is because the intake is receiving cooler air. This timing advance kit uses a resistor to �gtrick�h your engine into thinking that it is taking in cool air all the time. This allows it to put out more power. Simple and effective. This kit shows the same results as some other modifications that cost as much as $400.00. The kit includes a resistor, with resistance OPTIMIZED FOR YOUR ENGINE, and step by step installation instructions. ANYONE can do it and there are no tools or mechanical experience required. You will notice the difference right away. I have this mod installed on both of my cars and I can honestly tell you that it works great. It can be easily removed and reinstalled at any time. Shipping is ONLY $2.00 and lightning fast. International shipping to any country is 3.50. Watch out for similar items selling on eBay charging excessive shipping fees. We accept Paypal, cash and money orders. Thanks for looking and good luck.

 

When the air is cooler and heated up in the cylenders, it expands at a much larger rate. The ecu compensates for this and you get a little extra HP.

There is a "reason" why timing is pulled back in hotter temps. The air is thicker, which means once it is heated up it will not expand as much as cooler air. Which manes spark must come at a different time. Sitting in 100 degree traffic vs 40 degrees on the highway use different fuel maps. Fooling the ecu to thinking its 40 all the time will result in a very short lifespan of the motor. You will be doing damage to the motor and not even know it until its gone.

I do not suggest doing any of these ECU modifications alone. Any modifications are not covered under the factory warranty. That includes the one mentioned above. That is just a warranty to cover the "chip". If your motor goes, DCX will void your complete warranty and you will be out parts / labor on a new motor.

Want a faster crossfire? Purchase the SRT6 next year. It's cheaper than replacing a motor.

 

DFWSBR:
I take it you've contacted Powerchip to ask your questions? In case you haven't, I have sent them an email with your questions/issues to see if they will address them.
When I get the email from them I will post it here.

 

sounds good to me

 

Now that you've had the PowerChip installed for a while-what do you think about it? Have you experienced any pinging/knock? Did it change the rev limiter point? Would you recommend it? Thanks, Chuck.

 

I definitely noted an improvement in acceleration from a stop and in passing. I always use 93 octane fuel but I did fuel a couple times at a station that uses the same hose for Premium and 87 and didn't note any problems. I have heard no pinging and have had no problems. BUT NOTE...I do not drive my car to the limits, I just enjoy an occasional quick start and use the acceleration to pass Grandma and Grandpa. :-)

 

I just got off the phone with Joel at Powerchip, and got a pretty good deal for any members here interested in the Powerchip. They are offering any members of the forum a $50 discount on the Powerchip for the Crossfire, which would bring the price down from $690.00 to $640.00. All you need to do is give them your member name on the forum. If you are interested in the Powerchip, or have an questions just give them a call at 1-800-495-0777.

 

bump

Has anyone else bought a PowerChip? I think I'll be picking one up sometime before the summer... I know a lot of people who have put chips in their cars; BMWs, Honda's, MB, etc, etc, and have had no problems long term, so I don't see why anyone would have a problem putting one into the Crossfire. Swapping out the chip to get more power is a pretty common practice, imo. I'll also get some K&N air filters when they are available.

Bryan

 

If for some reason, the dealer has to re-flash your ECU due to some TSB, what will happen to the powerchip upgrade? or is the ECU something that would NEVER be re-flashed?

 

I've been talking to Powerchip...They'll re-flash your ECU if need be, and will return the ECU back to OEM specs at end of lease...free of charge...and even said will give discount on your next powerchip purchase. I am thinking about doing this. It's the most bang for the buck. You'll spend at least this much for exhaust and intake system and not notice the performance gain in the low rpms. Best thing...the spouse won't notice this expenditure... :wink: :wink:

Any reason why I should not get the powerchip :?: Anyone had a bad experience with this?

 

I would sure like to see what the difference is between the Pwerchip and the Upsolute Chip Mod. My bet is it's about the same. I'll bet when you send your ECU in to powerchip they desolder the eprom read it then flash it with the same file that they use for the SLK 320 Powerchip. That's what Upsolute does and Upsolute only charges $400.00 and they have distributers all over the world. You don't have to send them your ECU.

 

That alone was my biggest determining factor. I'm going to the Upsolute guy today, but Powerchip and Rennetch require me to be three days without my car. No f-ing way :!:

 

That's why I did Upsolute too.

I wanted to have someone to go get face to face with if this thing goes south for some reason. So far (about 400 miles now) all is great!!! You're going to like it!

 

Freakin' rain all night last night and still this morning. So much for doing any timings, but so far it just 'feels' more responsive. Though most of the driving since was a slow crawl down I-95 out of Alexandria at rush hour.

 

It's raining here today too.

Did you get any stock times before the Chipping?

 

Yes, right in line best I could measure with what you posted.