Performance chips

[Down2Earth]

Being the subject is kind of being talked about. I own a 2007 GMC Sierra 5.3L. It does everything I need. I don't really need more power but fuel economy is always appreciated. IS a performance chip going to do me any good? I also checked on that online bidding site and seen this chip called a Jawbreaker. Is this just another scam? It claims horsepower and fuel mileage increases and take 5-10 minutes to install.

[Scott K]

A power chip in a gas powered vehicle isn't going to give you anywhere near the results that a diesel will. In my opinion, save your money and spend it towards a couple tanks of gas, you will be further ahead. JMO though!

[Down2Earth]

Thanks. I thought as much.

P.S. I wish a couple tanks of gas only cost $25 though.

[ec30_06]

I had one, and would not buy another one for a gas motor.

[Down2Earth]

Thanks ec for the reply. Did you have the Jawbreaker that is currently on the online bidding site for $25?

[ec30_06]

No I had a super chip that was about $400 for a 6.0L chevy v8. A K&N air filter and new exhaust did way more than the chip did.

[Scott K]

I had the Edge chip in a F150, I never noticed anything at all.

[Down2Earth]

No I had a super chip that was about $400 for a 6.0L chevy v8. A K&N air filter and new exhaust did way more than the chip did.

What type of exhaust for improved gas mileage? I'm currently getting 21-22 on the highway which I'm not complaining at all about, but hey 23-24 would even be better if the cost to get it isn't too much.

[Valv]

I have some 1/2 tons Chevy with 5.3 at work, 2007 and 2008 and I was impressed with the fuel mileage they get, 19 to 21 mpg

I am positive a chip or programmer will not help much any gas engine, and I believe the money you spend toward any "enhancement" will never justify the gain in mileage.

I would be VERY happy to get a pickup that does the mileage your do, and would refrain to spend money unless you really want to add some accessories.

[Whoaru99]

I "chipped" my 1991 5.7L Z-28 and didn't really notice much, if any, difference.

I think gas engine chips can be an improvement, but mainly if custom programmed to enhance/match other performance products already added...i.e. cam, heads, headers, fuel injectors, etc. Icing on the cake, if you will.

[crappiebuster]

In my opinion for mods. The bigger the engine the more gains. The older the engine the more gains. Do the mods in this order

1. F.i.p.k and or cold air kit. Helps you breathe better. Most kits move your iat sensor further from your engine and gives your computer a better more accurate read of incoming air temperature/mass.250-350+ and 1-2 mpg and that depends on the stock airbox design restrictivness.

2. Exhaust since your breathing in more airflow through your air kit you need to exhaust it better. Go with a cat-back system or a less restrictive muffler at the least. Depending on the type of growl you like.

3. Chips. Now your ready to be chipped. With your vehicle running more effecient. You can expect to see gains and mileage improvements. Some systems can really wake up a truck.

And then after that you can play with different throttle bodies.. Tps mods etc etc etc. Hydrogen on demand injection even. e3 sparkplugs, Map sensor mods the skys the limit.

[slurpie]

Chips dont do much for gas engine. But i used to work selling and installing chips and accesories. The Bullydog power programmer was the best for chevy gas i noticed it in all trucks it went in. Mileage usually dont go up because you drive the truck harder. But for sure added power on a gas put exhaust headers on 10% guaranteed power. But if your getting that good of mileage you wont be happy with anyhting you do to try and get better.

[deadeye]

Idk. I had a pretty solid gain with my blazer, however I have many supporting mods that complemented that. I love performance car/truck stuff so I guess its another fun thing for me too.

IMHO, I would do like the others said and spend the money on exhuast and intake first. You will notice more with that right out of the box.

The key thing is to keep your foot off the gas though. When the truck sounds better with that stuff its fun to hear it (which means more time on the throttle and harder on it using more gas).