Which 325i chip yields the highest dyno-proven gains?

[Joey Link]

I'm looking for a chip for my car but I'm a show me type guy, I'd like to see proof that I'm getting the best chip on the market. Should I wait and look for a Dinan? Jim C.? Who's that other guy that I've heard good things about now? I'd like to know which is the best *proven* chip.

[Jarvis]

Jim Conforti > Dinan, both of which can be found 'cheap' used since they've been around so long. There's a few other popular chips, I think BavAuto and AA make M20 chips. They're all pretty similar.

But if you can get 93-octane, Mark D > Jim C > Dinan according to everyone who has one. You'd most likely have to buy a Mark D chip brand new though, since they're new there aren't too many used ones for sale.

One dyno proven differences I've seen have been on M42s, but it seems like everyone who has tried both Jim C and Mark D chips on the same engine have been more impressed by the M20 Mark D.

[Joey Link]

I wish I could gather a bunch of chips with a dyno and do a shoot out to see which one performs the best according to numbers. Butt dyno's aren't very accurate :(

I think here in Oregon the highest octane at the pump is 91. What kind of gains can a chip provide for a 325i?

[T.Dot E30]

This a rebranded MarkD chip.
Gary Derian.

[Joey Link]

That's awesome! Why didn't the TMS/JC Chip produce much gain over the stock chip? Does MarkD make a chip that will work with 91 octane? Those numbers are awefully low for all those mods. Seem the only way to get decent power out of the M20 is the turbo route.

[motorprestige]

165hp at the wheels is not awful for those modifacations at all... most of those mods are to the exhaust system where there is little improvement to be made. Look at the torque nembers and there is plenty gain there. the mark d chipped car is putting down close to 200crank hp and over 200crank foot pounds. With that kind of power an e30 is no slouch.

[motorprestige]

ehh, it depends on the mileage/condition of the engine, i have seen many of them pull around 135-140 hp at the wheels completely stock.

[Joey Link]

So what are our chip options for 91 octane?

[motorprestige]

So what are our chip options for 91 octane?

get the jim c chip. It's what i have and i noticed the gains instantly, it even makes it sound a bit crisper and more agressive. PLUS more revs is always a good thing :) probly the best power adder modifacation you can to do the m20 apart from cam/stroker.

[Joey Link]

Even though the JC didn't do nearly as well as the MarkD on the dyno? Does MarkD have any plans of a 91 octane chip?

[motorprestige]

Even though the JC didn't do nearly as well as the MarkD on the dyno? Does MarkD have any plans of a 91 octane chip?

you have to realize that the chips were designed for stock engines, and with considerable modifacation to the intake/exhaust systems it will have less of an effect on the peak horsepower levels. The improvments are definetly there but when the engine is in that state of tune they will be more apparent in the torque levels. Also notice the powerband of the engine, it is a much more broad spectrum wich will net better driveability, low end torque/power, and much sharper response. You have to look past just gains of peak horsepower, as you are not always driving at the redline. As for mark d making a 91 octane chip, i have no clue. and part of the reason the mark d did so well is that it was designed specifically for 93 octane gasoline.

[Jordan325iC]

Mmmm, there is no 91 octane fuel around where I live so I only use 93, and I'm using a JC chip.

I like the performance of the JC chip, but I don't want to be undercutting my performace by using a chip designed for lower octances. What would I gain if I switched from JC to MD?

[Joey Link]

you have to realize that the chips were designed for stock engines, and with considerable modifacation to the intake/exhaust systems it will have less of an effect on the peak horsepower levels. The improvments are definetly there but when the engine is in that state of tune they will be more apparent in the torque levels. Also notice the powerband of the engine, it is a much more broad spectrum wich will net better driveability, low end torque/power, and much sharper response. You have to look past just gains of peak horsepower, as you are not always driving at the redline. As for mark d making a 91 octane chip, i have no clue. and part of the reason the mark d did so well is that it was designed specifically for 93 octane gasoline.

I think I understand what you're saying. I do need to work on my dyno reading skills cause like most people, I do look mostly at the end result. It's just hard to ignore that extra 10 hp and 14ft. lbs. to the rear wheels.

[DarkWing6]

Mmmm, there is no 91 octane fuel around where I live so I only use 93, and I'm using a JC chip.

I like the performance of the JC chip, but I don't want to be undercutting my performace by using a chip designed for lower octances. What would I gain if I switched from JC to MD?

If you wanna sell PM me.

[motorprestige]

Mmmm, there is no 91 octane fuel around where I live so I only use 93, and I'm using a JC chip.

I like the performance of the JC chip, but I don't want to be undercutting my performace by using a chip designed for lower octances. What would I gain if I switched from JC to MD?

eh, im not quite sure on that one... the above chart should give you an estimate.