Jet Chip Or Trifecta Tune
Senior Member
Joined: 09-08-06
Posts: 3,511
Likes: 2
From: *
Most of the Jet "chips" simply modify/alter stock sensor readings going to the computer in order to get the computer to react differently and alter the fueling and/or timing. For example on a lot of the speed-density cars that rely on a MAP sensor to calculate airflow the Jet chip will function similarly to a fixed MAP clamp or alter other sensors like changing the intake temps. About the only thing nice is they are a plug-and-play device even though many times you could simulate the same functionality they provide by wiring in a couple dollars discrete component (resistor/potentiometer, Zener diode, etc.).
That's not to say it's dangerous or won't work or won't provide some types of gains, but they are expensive for what you get and there is a potential the car could be running too lean, for example, if you use the chip with other modifications (but that goes for any tuning device that wasn't custom set up for your car). Without some extensive testing it's hard to say what exactly the Cobalt/Ecotec version is doing and I'd want to see some verified independent gains which they never provide. I'd personally stay away from them if you have another tuning option (since the Jet chip really isn't a tuning product).
That's not to say it's dangerous or won't work or won't provide some types of gains, but they are expensive for what you get and there is a potential the car could be running too lean, for example, if you use the chip with other modifications (but that goes for any tuning device that wasn't custom set up for your car). Without some extensive testing it's hard to say what exactly the Cobalt/Ecotec version is doing and I'd want to see some verified independent gains which they never provide. I'd personally stay away from them if you have another tuning option (since the Jet chip really isn't a tuning product).
The Stage 1 module on my car gave me a noticeable increase in low-end performance -- anyone with a 2.4 can tell you the <4K RPM performance is rediculous. You couldn't even hear the GMPP intake in my 2.4 at WOT because the engine seemed to be struggling to accelerate.
I don't know anybody with HPTuners and simply put I wouldn't trust someone that just purchased one to know what to do with my ECM....and the idea of either sending my ECM out or having someone send me a PDA and alter the factory settings doesn't sit well with me either. If we are going to get into the one-time I saw something bad -- do a search and you can find people that had someone tune their car with HPTuners and they ended up towing the car to the dealer to get it reflashed.....makes you confident how?
Senior Member
Joined: 05-18-05
Posts: 1,070
Likes: 1
From: Boston & SoCal
Yep, if you're happy with it and want something simple with an easy install and feel it provided gains for the price then go for it. And you're right that you can blow up a car in more ways than one. The biggest problem I have with their current lineup is how the modules work and what you're getting for the money. If it works great on the 2.4's that's outstanding but most other cars I've even seen running their recent products in the last ten years or so haven't been that impressive and many times you could duplicate the functionality fairly easily for a fraction of the price. I'd also be a lot more comfortable with some basic monitoring equipment on the car to ensure everything is kosher.
Their actual chips and flash re-programmers are one thing, but the chip modules like what's used on the Cobalt don't inspire much confidence that they're doing anything other than tweaking a couple factory sensor readings going to the PCM. If you had access to a multimeter and a scope it would be interesting to pull the module off your car and pin it out to see what gets altered and what is passed directly through to the PCM. It wouldn't take much time and would provide a lot of info on what exactly its changing.
Their actual chips and flash re-programmers are one thing, but the chip modules like what's used on the Cobalt don't inspire much confidence that they're doing anything other than tweaking a couple factory sensor readings going to the PCM. If you had access to a multimeter and a scope it would be interesting to pull the module off your car and pin it out to see what gets altered and what is passed directly through to the PCM. It wouldn't take much time and would provide a lot of info on what exactly its changing.
Senior Member
Joined: 06-28-06
Posts: 12,577
Likes: 2
From: Canada
What you've written is mostly correct. One fact stands out that no one admits too....Jet Chip has been around for more than 20 years making proms and modules for computer controlled cars. I've had experience in the past with their proms on GNs and T-Types and even discussed the proms with Buick ignition/electrical engineers.
The Stage 1 module on my car gave me a noticeable increase in low-end performance -- anyone with a 2.4 can tell you the <4K RPM performance is rediculous. You couldn't even hear the GMPP intake in my 2.4 at WOT because the engine seemed to be struggling to accelerate.
I don't know anybody with HPTuners and simply put I wouldn't trust someone that just purchased one to know what to do with my ECM....and the idea of either sending my ECM out or having someone send me a PDA and alter the factory settings doesn't sit well with me either. If we are going to get into the one-time I saw something bad -- do a search and you can find people that had someone tune their car with HPTuners and they ended up towing the car to the dealer to get it reflashed.....makes you confident how?
The Stage 1 module on my car gave me a noticeable increase in low-end performance -- anyone with a 2.4 can tell you the <4K RPM performance is rediculous. You couldn't even hear the GMPP intake in my 2.4 at WOT because the engine seemed to be struggling to accelerate.
I don't know anybody with HPTuners and simply put I wouldn't trust someone that just purchased one to know what to do with my ECM....and the idea of either sending my ECM out or having someone send me a PDA and alter the factory settings doesn't sit well with me either. If we are going to get into the one-time I saw something bad -- do a search and you can find people that had someone tune their car with HPTuners and they ended up towing the car to the dealer to get it reflashed.....makes you confident how?
All valid points, though the points are moot.
this thread is about the jet chip vs the trifecta tune.
HPtuners in the wrong hands can be 100 times worse than the jet chip.
no argument there.
but the question here is about the jet chip itself, and from what ive seen of it, id be very worried about the long term reliability of my motor running with that tune.
If i had the option of sketchy or no real tuners, vs a jet chip.....
id stick with the stock tune.
do you have a wideband? a way to monitor knock?
I think those would be important for you to be able to comment intelligently on the quality of a tune
Senior Member
Joined: 09-08-06
Posts: 3,511
Likes: 2
From: *
All valid points, though the points are moot.
this thread is about the jet chip vs the trifecta tune.
HPtuners in the wrong hands can be 100 times worse than the jet chip.
no argument there.
but the question here is about the jet chip itself, and from what ive seen of it, id be very worried about the long term reliability of my motor running with that tune.
If i had the option of sketchy or no real tuners, vs a jet chip.....
id stick with the stock tune.
do you have a wideband? a way to monitor knock?
I think those would be important for you to be able to comment intelligently on the quality of a tune
this thread is about the jet chip vs the trifecta tune.
HPtuners in the wrong hands can be 100 times worse than the jet chip.
no argument there.
but the question here is about the jet chip itself, and from what ive seen of it, id be very worried about the long term reliability of my motor running with that tune.
If i had the option of sketchy or no real tuners, vs a jet chip.....
id stick with the stock tune.
do you have a wideband? a way to monitor knock?
I think those would be important for you to be able to comment intelligently on the quality of a tune
I can monitor the knock sensor -- besides when the knock sensor kicks in you know it. I run strictly 93 octane also. And again...there is no way to know if any tune will or won't be detrimental to your engine...or warranty.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post