Performance Chips

[Ninz30]

So Ive been researching Performance Chips for some time now. In an attempt to find the most suitable chip for my '91 325i convertible. So far I've looked at the Miller MAF WAR chip combo, Magasqurit, and Turner Motorsport Conforti chip.

Now my e30 is a DD, in fact I've gone on many road trips, do to work. Traveling 240 miles on a trip twice a week. She is bone stock. The car runs strong, but I feel some weakness in the pick-up and go.

Would a chip be good for my DD? If so does anyone have any recommendations , or experiences with any of these upgrades?

So far I've been leaning towards the TM JC chip. Any advice would be appreciated as I am still a newbie to the e30 world.

Thanks

[lennon]

Well you'll have to run 91 octane with most chips, if that's a problem for you. If not, go for it. Sounds like you just want a simple chip. The Miller MAF/WAR combo, and MegaSquirt are both a lot more than one chip you drop in. The "chip" in question is an EPROM chip on the board inside your DME (engine computer under the dash) that contains maps for fuel and spark and all that fun stuff. Instructions should come with any chip, and it's simple.

I'm sure the Conforti chip is good, never had one but lots of people do. Certainly reputable. I've used Mark D'Sylva's chips in the past (google his name for his site) and so have LOTS of other people. There are others. I would just go for the Mark D'Sylva, personally.

[Ninz30]

Well you'll have to run 91 octane with most chips, if that's a problem for you. If not, go for it. Sounds like you just want a simple chip. The Miller MAF/WAR combo, and MegaSquirt are both a lot more than one chip you drop in. The "chip" in question is an EPROM chip on the board inside your DME (engine computer under the dash) that contains maps for fuel and spark and all that fun stuff. Instructions should come with any chip, and it's simple.

I'm sure the Conforti chip is good, never had one but lots of people do. Certainly reputable. I've used Mark D'Sylva's chips in the past (google his name for his site) and so have LOTS of other people. There are others. I would just go for the Mark D'Sylva, personally.

i will do some research on Mark D'Sylva's chips. 91 octane isn't an issue. now I've heard with the TM JC chip and others like it, there will be no longer a need for my AFM. is this true with Mark D'Sylva's chips?

also would i need to upgrade injectors? or is it a good idea to do it anyway.

[jlevie]

i will do some research on Mark D'Sylva's chips. 91 octane isn't an issue. now I've heard with the TM JC chip and others like it, there will be no longer a need for my AFM. is this true with Mark D'Sylva's chips?

also would i need to upgrade injectors? or is it a good idea to do it anyway.

You will still need an AFM. For a daily driver with a stock engine there is no need to get a chip tuned for larger injectors.

[lennon]

i will do some research on Mark D'Sylva's chips. 91 octane isn't an issue. now I've heard with the TM JC chip and others like it, there will be no longer a need for my AFM. is this true with Mark D'Sylva's chips?

also would i need to upgrade injectors? or is it a good idea to do it anyway.

Yes the simple drop in chips will require you keep your AFM. The Miller MAF kit replaces your AFM with a MAF sensor. MegaSquirt is a stand-alone ECU that would allow you to use all sorts of different components. Do research on the difference between simply swapping a small chip, and what "standalone engine management" is. Quite a difference.

[Ninz30]

Yes the simple drop in chips will require you keep your AFM. The Miller MAF kit replaces your AFM with a MAF sensor. MegaSquirt is a stand-alone ECU that would allow you to use all sorts of different components. Do research on the difference between simply swapping a small chip, and what "standalone engine management" is. Quite a difference.

I'll do my homework.

[Ninz30]

You will still need an AFM. For a daily driver with a stock engine there is no need to get a chip tuned for larger injectors.

Now Jim I understand chips modify your timing and fuel supply which is why you must use 91 octane because of its combustion rate.

will adding a m30 afm for better air flow and upgrading headers give me more power out of my performance chip?

[smooth]

will adding a m30 afm for better air flow and upgrading headers give me more power out of my performance chip?

No, in fact the only reason I would consider changing out the stock AFM for anything would be if it was broken or if changing out the whole system.

But even if you swapped out the AFM, larger injectors, honed intake mani, headers, and the electronics to take advantage of it all, you'd only get marginal returns so still no.

[325ix]

You will still need an AFM. For a daily driver with a stock engine there is no need to get a chip tuned for larger injectors.

I would highly recommend against a chip for bigger injectors as well. My occasionally runs rough due to them.

[ForcedFirebird]

I would highly recommend against a chip for bigger injectors as well. My occasionally runs rough due to them.

Who's tune is it?

I run 25lb/hr injectors from a late model Checy TrailBlazer (inline 6, rated at 28lb/hr@55psi) in my car with zero issues after making my own chip for it. Starts easier, has a better cold start and am getting better mileage. They are a 4 pintle design and have an awesome misting spray pattern compared to the stock single pintle "squirt" pattern of the old injectors. Had to change the connectors and was involved to make a chip for it (not for everyone) but I had them on the shelf and decided to try them.

To the OP, Mark D is a good chip and he goes through all of the maps, not just full throttle. BavAuto chips also have all the maps corrected.

[jlevie]

No, in fact the only reason I would consider changing out the stock AFM for anything would be if it was broken or if changing out the whole system.

But even if you swapped out the AFM, larger injectors, honed intake mani, headers, and the electronics to take advantage of it all, you'd only get marginal returns so still no.

The AFM, throttle body, intake, head, and headers are a system with flow through the head being the major limiting factor. You can fiddle with stuff on either side of the head, and spend a fair bit of money in the process, without having a substantial effect on performance. You can spend even more money on the head, but the gains won't be large. Out of the box an M20B25 engine is in a pretty high state of tune. It can make a bit more power, but not a lot more.

[smooth]

That's my understanding, as well.

And I could be wrong, but I think the electronic fuel injection pretty much controls the fuel regardless of the air going in. Well poor explanation, but unlike the carb'ed systems I used to tune as a kid where we could run rich/lean/whatever and manually fiddle with timing, it doesn't really matter how much air we shove down the throat of our e30's because the ECU is just going to adjust accordingly.

That's why I suggested swapping AFM for a MAF (vs. MAF, injectors, and new brain) would do nothing unless the AFM isn't working correctly. I could be wrong.

The second portion of my post is that even changing everything out there's still not much gains to be had because our system is already engineered tightly.

[jlevie]

It is even more complex than that. The DME is programmed to do its best, by adjusting fuel trim, to achieve a 14:1 AFR based on the data from the O2 sensor.

[ForcedFirebird]

It is even more complex than that. The DME is programmed to do its best, by adjusting fuel trim, to achieve a 14:1 AFR based on the data from the O2 sensor.

Unless the o2 is unplugged.

[smooth]

I forgot to add I'm thinking of taking my chip out because premium is between 3.70-4.00 over here in So Cal. I can't remember if I felt much difference so I guess if I get around to taking it out I'll try to rememeber posting to the thread.

I believe I have the TMS chip. I put it in years and years ago.