Chips.....

JungleJim · December 12, 2001

If Hypertech Power Tuning is so great, why didn't the factories do it that way?

The factory program is designed for the average driver and is set to take a wide variety of operating conditions and driving styles into consideration. Consequently, stock calibrations aren't set to provide maximum power because they have to accommodate drivers who may use poor quality gasoline. For a real hi-performance person, 93 octane is all they put in their vehicle. At Hypertech, we optimize the spark and fuel curves over the entire RPM band from just off idle right up to the red-line for maximum power and performance from the best gasoline.

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Can I run regular gasoline?

No. All tuning is designed and calibrated for 92 or 93 octane fuel.

I just got this info from Hypertech"s website FAQ........What happens if I want to run 87 octane and a 180 degree thermostat instead of the recommended 160? .......Would the detonation be cause by the low octane, higher temp or both?

Cause I'm trying it right now with no probs yet, although I've yet to hook my car and trailer (#5000) to it.

95Yukon · December 13, 2001

The chips are programmed to work with a 160 thermostat if it says to use one. I know the JET chips offer 2 or more different ones based on what gear you have and what thermostat and exhaust. If you don't use the gas they recommend, you are probably walking a fine line on the edge of pinging if you aren't using the 92 octane.

If that chip was designed to be used with a 160 stat, and you are using a 180 or 190, you probably aren't getting the full benefit of the design of the chip. It is probably set to run a little bit richer which may be what is saving it from pinging now, but hurting your mileage and potential HP gains.

JET makes chips which are programmed to run a stock stat. If you plan to run it that way, maybe you'll get more benefit from one of theirs.

I personally would stick with the combination Hypertech recommends, since it was designed for that and you won't get the full benefit otherwise.

Yes, a ping could occur due to either lower octane, higher temperature, the more agressive spark timing curve the chip provides, or any combination of those 3 things.

JungleJim · December 13, 2001

The truck feels more powerful. I wanted more low-end torque to get the truck and trailer moving quicker. I have no need for WOT, and would like to maintain close to the same mileage. Right now it's cooler(68 degrees) than summer (90's) Will hotter summer temps have an affect? more detonation?

I refuse to run 92 so maybe I should just remove it. I'm going to have to wait til it's not raining and run a couple of tanks of gas thru it before I decide.

Anyone have any other suggestions on getting more low-end torque (I'm not changing the gears) if I remove the chip?

bassdog · December 13, 2001

Little tidbit of info for you guys with chips and towing. Not sure if this applies to Chevy / GMC.

I used to own a 95 Dakota 4x4 with a 5.2L.Did some research on chips,I wanted one for the 318 for more power. I ended up emailing Dodge Performance(for their chip) with a question about chips and towing. They said absolutley not to tow anything while using a power chip. The changes made to the timing via the chip would eventually put holes in the top of my pistons, eventually destoying them!

This came right from Dodge on one of their own products.

Now I don't know how Chevy/GMC computers and aftermarket chips work differently than Dodge, but you guys may want to ask around or call some dealers. This could be potentially dangerous and costly.

I could be totally wrong about this, but thought I'd share this with you all.

bassdog

CMNTMXR81 · December 13, 2001

Little tidbit of info for you guys with chips and towing. Not sure if this applies to Chevy / GMC.

I used to own a 95 Dakota 4x4 with a 5.2L.Did some research on chips,I wanted one for the 318 for more power. I ended up emailing Dodge Performance(for their chip) with a question about chips and towing. They said absolutley not to tow anything while using a power chip. The changes made to the timing via the chip would eventually put holes in the top of my pistons, eventually destoying them!

This came right from Dodge on one of their own products.

Now I don't know how Chevy/GMC computers and aftermarket chips work differently than Dodge, but you guys may want to ask around or call some dealers. This could be potentially dangerous and costly.

I could be totally wrong about this, but thought I'd share this with you all.

bassdog

Sounds more like a scare tactic to me. The only way you'll burn holes in the top of your pistons is if the engine sounds like a diesel while towing. Pre-ignition is what actually chips away at the crown of a piston until it burns a hole through. And in order to do that, you'll need to have it run like a diesel for a long time.

I tow with my Tahoe which has a Jet stageII chip and I have had no problems to date.

bassdog · December 13, 2001

Sounds more like a scare tactic to me. The only way you'll burn holes in the top of your pistons is if the engine sounds like a diesel while towing. Pre-ignition is what actually chips away at the crown of a piston until it burns a hole through. And in order to do that, you'll need to have it run like a diesel for a long time.

May have been, but why would they tell me that about their own product? ???

Maybe it's just the Dodge controller...

bassdog

95Yukon · December 13, 2001

I have the jet stage 2 as well, and run 4 degrees base timing instead of straight up zero, and never had a ping. I also run the best gas I can find, and have a nice cool air inlet charge so that also keeps detonation away. I don't tow anything big though, just jetskis so as far as that I don't know. Gas is cheap, for the few cents a gallon more, you may as well run the good stuff. If you want more torque, I don't think the chip should be the first choice of modifications. Start with a K&N filter and a more free-flowing exhaust if you haven't already gotten them. TBI spacers give a little more as well. Although these are all relatively small gains, but they all add up to more power once you get them all working together, you'll feel the difference in power. Headers will give a nice boost and increase your mileage at the same time.

CMNTMXR81 · December 14, 2001

Sounds more like a scare tactic to me. The only way you'll burn holes in the top of your pistons is if the engine sounds like a diesel while towing. Pre-ignition is what actually chips away at the crown of a piston until it burns a hole through. And in order to do that, you'll need to have it run like a diesel for a long time.

May have been, but why would they tell me that about their own product? ???

Maybe it's just the Dodge controller...

bassdog

Just like they tell you that if you modify your vehicle that they'll void your warranty. They just don't want you going out, installing one of these chips, going and towing 6,000lbs then burn holes in the top of your pistons. Then you slap them with a lawsuit (for damages to vehicle) because they said installing said aftermarket chip won't hurt the engine.

Once again though, the only way you'll burn through the tops of your pistons will be for a MASSIVE and successive amount of "pinging." A slight pinging is normal, especially on throttle tip in until the EGR system corrects for the temprary leanness. This MASSIVE and successive amount of pinging would be sufficient for you to hear over normal conversation or radio playing in the cab. IF you hear that, then something is definetly wrong.

To put your mind at ease, until I got my 2500HD, I used my Tahoe to pull my Camaro. The Camaro weighs 3,460lbs and the trailer in the 1,300-1,500lb range. That's nearly 5,000lbs it was pulling. When I'd pull my 66 Pontiac Catalina, that car weighs about 4,500lbs (of memory serves me correct) bringing the total to 6,000lbs. The mods I have on the Tahoe were a DynoMax exhaust, 180 degree thermostat, and a Jet Power module. Never once did I hear it pinging and at 51,000 miles it runs as strong as it did new.

Another key is keeping it running cool enough alongside the chip to in order to eliminate pre-ignition.

JungleJim · December 14, 2001

To put your mind at ease, until I got my 2500HD, I used my Tahoe to pull my Camaro. The Camaro weighs 3,460lbs and the trailer in the 1,300-1,500lb range. That's nearly 5,000lbs it was pulling. When I'd pull my 66 Pontiac Catalina, that car weighs about 4,500lbs (of memory serves me correct) bringing the total to 6,000lbs. The mods I have on the Tahoe were a DynoMax exhaust, 180 degree thermostat, and a Jet Power module. Never once did I hear it pinging and at 51,000 miles it runs as strong as it did new.

What octane fuel did you use?

JungleJim · December 16, 2001

form Hypertech's site: ThermoMasters contain special programming that allows the use of a 160-degree or 180-degree thermostat.

Well I found this little tidbit today so, my only issue now will be octane?

BTW, I've been watching the tailpipes also and they show no signs of running rich. I guess I'll pull the plugs next. Also, the loss of gas mileage seems to be "directly proportional the the weight of my foot"

95Yukon · December 16, 2001

Quote from hypertech:

"Hypertech has two types of tuning available for some vehicles depending on the thermostat in the vehicle. Vehicles with a 160 degree thermostat will use the Thermo Master Power Tuning. Vechicles with a 180 degree thermostat will use the Street Runner Power tuning. All programming changes have been made to successfully use a 160 or 180 degree thermostat. If you are going to change to a Powerstat use the Thermo Master, otherwise for stock thermostats, use the Street Runner.

At Hypertech, we optimize the spark and fuel curves over the entire RPM band from just off idle right up to the red-line for maximum power and performance from the best gasoline.

Can I run regular gasoline.

No. All tuning is designed and calibrated for 92 or 93 octane fuel."

It seems they make two different chips, one for 160 and one for 180 degree. If you are using the one designed for 160 degree and don't want to use the high octane gas and thermostat they recommend, you are probably risking damage. If you have a chip designed for 160 deree operation, you should use the thermostat recommended. If you want to use the stock thermostat, get the 180 degree chip. Either way, use the good gas and it will result in better running and less future problems.

Polaris Man · December 16, 2001

I just put a Hypertech chip in my truck and thermostat. YOu can get a 180degree t-stat from them for your chip. Your factory t-stat should be 195. It does say to run premium fuel. You should anyways. I can tell a difference. I gains speed a lot faster, i feels more compareable to a Vortec now.

95Yukon · December 17, 2001

If you want to use lower octane gas, use the stock chip. If you want to get the stage one hypertech, get the 180 degree thermostat. If you want to run the stage 2, get a 160 and use high octane. That is my recommendation. Otherwise it's just not going to get the full benefit and could damage the engine.

If 93 octane gas were 10 cents more per gallon, (which its usually not) and you had a 30 gallon tank, (to push the limit, here) thats 3 bucks difference to fill it. If you filled it once a week, that's a little over $150 a year. If you spend $160-$200 for a chip, may as well run the right gas and thermostat it was designed for. I guess I'm confused. I think when the warmer weather comes around, you will probably get some pinging, and in the meantime, the air/fuel mixture is probably off, so it can be doing damage to that engine in the long run. Just pop a 180 stat in and run at least mid grade and you can probably minimize potential problems, splitting the difference. I guess I'm the kind of person that would rather spend a few bucks now and save a few hundred in the long run. I would recommend using the suggested combination for that chip, as it was designed for, or otherwise run the stock chip.

It's like running 39 inch tires with stock gearing..just because it seems to drive okay, and looks cool, doesn't mean it's properly geared. Will it be functional or last very long without some consequences is the question.

JungleJim · December 17, 2001

95 Yukon, obviously you haven't read what I posted so here it is uncut from Hypertech's website........

Hypertech Power Chips are direct replacements for the stock chips in 1981 - 1995 GM vehicles. The Power Chip contains the Hypertech Power Tuning data that controls the engine's air/fuel ratio and spark advance. Power Chips can be installed in less than 30 minutes using only hand tools. No wiring or soldering is required - just plug in and go!
Street Runner and ThermoMasterchips both contain Hypertech Power Tuning programs. ThermoMasters contain special programming that allows the use of a 160-degree or 180-degree thermostat. If you can't or don't want to change the thermostat, then use the Street Runner.

Like I said before, according to this the only thing I need to be concerned with is my octane rating.........

95Yukon · December 17, 2001

I did read it, but it is different from what I found. Maybe you should give Hypertech a call to be sure, oterwise it appears you have found your answer.