to chip or not to chip?

[adztoy]

Hey guys
I got a Vt V6 ecotec, is it worth chippin it or is it just a waste of money.
Also if its not a waste of time where is the best place to get it done, how much will it cost and what sort of extra power and I lookin at.

your help will be much appreciated.

Thanx

Adz

[Fabio's CV8]

A chip on a V6 would probably give you around 5 rwkw.

Probably best to ring a few tuners.

[Gareth@Willall]

Powerchip.com.au quotes 14KW's increase. I had one on a hyundai accent a couple of years ago and it wasnt worth the exspense of premium unleaded fuel.
I would say its probably a waste of money. But at under $500 for a VT chip it might be tempting.

Gareth

[Mongy]

Yeh, the VT has the old memcal type setup and it is cheaper to buy so it would probably be worth it. Combine it with a good set of headers and a free flowing exhaust and the trusty V6 gets up and goes OK, there is no doubt about that. Check with a couple of the forum sponsors, they might be able to enlighten you further. If I had a V6 it would be on my shopping list.

[Danv8]

As others said
Decent headers and zorst system and if you want a different diff ratio say 3.46 would make an improvement with performance.

[Gaz101]

I was thinking of chipping my VY S/C 6 as www.holmart.com.au have the chip for $185 and claim to make it 190kw. Rang them and they said that was on premium, which seems ok. They also have the standard 6 for $150 and 160kw, which is more than powerchip. I already have a 3" from the cat back (no headers), think it would really make 20kw of difference? For under $200 you couldn't go wrong though...

[Gareth@Willall]

I was thinking of chipping my VY S/C 6 as www.holmart.com.au have the chip for $185 and claim to make it 190kw. Rang them and they said that was on premium, which seems ok. They also have the standard 6 for $150 and 160kw, which is more than powerchip. I already have a 3" from the cat back (no headers), think it would really make 20kw of difference? For under $200 you couldn't go wrong though...

Dude goto http://www.v6supercharged.com.au..... They do pulley wheels and other bits for the supercharged 6's. My old man has a 10 psi wheel on his caprice and it certainly makes a difference.

Gareth

[Gaz101]

Looked at that as an option, but would rather not. Insurance, warranty, etc. :(

[Redfox]

I was thinking of chipping my VY S/C 6 as www.holmart.com.au have the chip for $185 and claim to make it 190kw. Rang them and they said that was on premium, which seems ok. They also have the standard 6 for $150 and 160kw, which is more than powerchip. I already have a 3" from the cat back (no headers), think it would really make 20kw of difference? For under $200 you couldn't go wrong though...

Yeah I saw those memcals at holmart too, but it seems that in every parts list the stats for the Ecotec V6 they have different power output at the fly. I seem to recall in one that they said 190kw (no S/C!), but must've been a typo. Then some other parts lists say 150kw... which is not much of an upgrade from 147kw stock if you ask me. I have yet to see one advertising 160kw, but I might give them a call. Seems mighty cheap if you compare that to Power Chip which claims 157-161kw for about $500!

What is the chance that the Holmart memcals will damage my engine? The knock sensors should prevent any damage right? What if I use regular unleaded every so often? Would the knock sensors prevent damage from detonation? I don't wanna stick some dodgy $150 memcal in there if it's gonna root up my engine. That's why I would be more inclined to trust a genuine Power Chip setup. I'll give holmart a call some time and figure it out.

[yozza]

i currently have a holmart memcal, ahve had it in about 4 months or so. so far have had absolutly no problems and heaps better power, country driving get more to the tank, and city is about the same. give them a go, for the price what do you have to loose??!! :beer:

[Gaz101]

That is good to know Yozza, so you actually notice the difference??? Nothing really to loose as they are less than $200. Just good to get some reasurance ;)

[Redfox]

Yozza, how noticeable is the power difference? I don't suppose you got it dynoed before and after? Is there anyone on this forum that has, or is willing to dyno the before and after results of the holmart memcals? I would be very interested to see how this compares to the power chip memcal.

Btw can anyone give me some basic instructions on fitting the memcal?

[yozza]

no chance of getting it dyno'd before and after, i am not that excited and it is only a v6!!! installation was really easy, i did it myself, basically acess your computer by removing kick panel (i also removed glove box), disconnect computer, on the back is a plate which is held on by 2 #5 (i think) torx screws. remove the plate and you can see the memcal, squezze the tabs on either end and remove the memcal, reverse to install, it is idiot proof, it will only fit in one way!!. connect everything again and start car and let it idle for 5 minutes with ac off etc and not accelerating or anything. this is what holmart recomended to do. surprisingly the gregories manual i have doesn't mention disconnecting battery before removing memcal. hope this helps.

as far as how it goes, the shift points are firmer and about 10 - 15km higher, revs faster and cleaner, idles smoother, and for some strange reason sounds a whole lot better!!! any questions feel free to ask.

p.s. i got a couple off mates onto them one with a vt and the other a vp and they both love them.

[Redfox]

Cheers, thanks for the help yozza. I will look into it further. Actually one of the mods over at justcommodores has organised someone to re-flash memcals for apparently a pretty reasonable price, and they will do their best to accomodate for any mods etc etc already on the car.

Btw yozza, one more thing mate... did holmart by any chance confirm what kw at the flywheel they estimated with their memcal? Also, what fuel are you using? Do they say that you have to use PULP or Optimax, or is it cool to use regular unleaded?

[IIV8II]

Some words of wisdom for teh youngsters: If you're gunna be a cheap-skate and skimp 8 cents per litre on petrol, don't bother spending the $500 for a chip...

[Redfox]

Some words of wisdom for teh youngsters: If you're gunna be a cheap-skate and skimp 8 cents per litre on petrol, don't bother spending the $500 for a chip...
Point taken, but i was just wondering if you get any decent power gains with regular. Unlike some people, a lot of us do actually try and save money where possible. I wouldn't call it being a cheap skate, but rather being smart. However, if the benefit is far better with optimax for instance, then i'll use it. I just wanted to know if regular would damage my engine.

[Gaz101]

Point taken, but i was just wondering if you get any decent power gains with regular. Unlike some people, a lot of us do actually try and save money where possible. I wouldn't call it being a cheap skate, but rather being smart.

Good point, ya 'cheap skate' :rolleyes:

[Redfox]

Good point, ya 'cheap skate' :rolleyes:
Eh? Whatcha mean?

[IIV8II]

I think he means run PULP all the time. Like I hinted... It's the cheapest performance you can buy. And if you can't pay an extra coupla bucks per tank for go-juice, you shouldn't be considering buying a chip!

[HRT Stroker]

In order of preference:

1. New K and N Filter, NGK Plugs, Top Gun 8.8mm leads
2. Headers and good twin cat exhaust system
3. 3.73 diff ratio for an auto
4. Custom tune and memcal (NOT Powercrap)

The tune will bring all the previous mods together and maximise your power and more importantly torque. Cost for a remap is around $700 - $900.

Without the headers and exhaust your wasting your time.

Hope this helps,


HRT Stroker

[Redfox]

Thanks HRT STroker... that list makes good sense. Does a K&N filter really make much difference? I've got a 3.8L ecotec, what diff ratio do you think would be best to upgrade to for better off the line performance? I can't really afford extractors and exhaust right now unfortunately :(

[Redfox]

One more thing tho... if that Holmart chip really does give approx 160kw at the fly without any other mods on a stock V6, that's pretty good for only $150. Very tempting I must say!

Oh, and also do you really think those new plugs and leads will make a noticeable difference on the ecotec? How much do plugs really affect performance when it comes to a difference between brands...

[Mongy]

One more thing tho... if that Holmart chip really does give approx 160kw at the fly without any other mods on a stock V6, that's pretty good for only $150. Very tempting I must say!

Oh, and also do you really think those new plugs and leads will make a noticeable difference on the ecotec? How much do plugs really affect performance when it comes to a difference between brands...
I remember reading a promo for NGK Iridium and they were claiming a 7 horsepower increase. I know a guy that put bigger leads on his VX and he had a bit of difficulty running them in the same spot but he said changing the leads and putting in Iridium plugs made a lot of difference. He said it performed like a different car. His had extractors, full exhaust system, K&N and it went pretty well, he used to spin the wheels changing to 3rd in a 5m.

[Redfox]

Hrmmmm i'll look into it. How much will a new set of plugs and leads set me back? How much are the K&N filters? I might go and try getting one of them first.

[IIV8II]

Start by getting your injectors serviced - all to within one or two percent

If you do the diff gears, you will also need speedo correction - and FWIW, I reckon 3.7s is too deep (that's like 25 percent!) for a standard-tyred 3.8 if you do any regular freeway work. Fuel consumption will increase considerably (like around 25 percent...) not something that I think you want... See if you can get a run in a car with 3.45s and see what it feels like

[Gaz101]

Eh? Whatcha mean?

Sarcastic smiley. But yeah, PULP is a good idea. The S/C V6 doesn't run ULP very well, so that is an incentive in itself! Well, they don't have a chip for the VY yet, so I will have to wait. Ordered one for a mates VR and my girls VT today, will let everyone know how they go once installed. *Excited* :cool:

[Redfox]

Start by getting your injectors serviced - all to within one or two percent

If you do the diff gears, you will also need speedo correction - and FWIW, I reckon 3.7s is too deep (that's like 25 percent!) for a standard-tyred 3.8 if you do any regular freeway work. Fuel consumption will increase considerably (like around 25 percent...) not something that I think you want... See if you can get a run in a car with 3.45s and see what it feels like
Ok thanks for the advice, i'll ask around. I don't suppose any forum members in here have a 3.8L commie with a 3.45 that can give me a good idea of performance? I suppose that since I drive so much every day, fuel economy does mean quite a bit to me.

Oh, any one had any good experiences with the Holmart chip yet? Still haven't got around to calling them...

[Gaz101]

Redfox, got the chips today and put them in. The VR is MUCH smoother putting into and out of gear. Changes under WOT are much cleaner too. The car idles better and sounds a little better too. Power increase is marginal, there, but not amazing. Overall worth the $$$. I did the VT too, about the same changes, but still a bit clunky going in and out of park. Just waiting for a VY chip to come in now :(

[Redfox]

Gaz, thanks for the info! What do you mean about the VR being smoother putting in and out of gear. I didn't realise that the chip would affect that. The only reason I could think of is if the idle has been reduced so that you don't get the clunk and jolt from putting into gear. Btw you are talking about an auto tranny right?

I am still not sure whether I should get it or not. If you speak to them soon, could you ask them what power rating the VT one is for the ecotec? $150 seems like a great deal, but if the power increase is hardly noticeable, maybe this $150 would be better spent if it contributed to a $500 Powerchip memcal where they claim almost 161kw...

It's such a hard choice when you want to do so much to your car! I wanted to upgrade the stereo too...

Actually now that you mention the tranny clunk and jolt, it is starting to tick me off a little in the VT. That's why I wish I had a manual... they are just so much more pleasant to drive... *sigh*

[IIV8II]

That's why I wish I had a manual... they are just so much more pleasant to drive... *sigh*
Um... you're joakin', right?!

[Gaz101]

The tranny clunk is the worst thing. The VR didnt clunk putting it into P and clunks less putting it into D. Where as before hand, it was VERY noticable. The VT is from 147 to 160. The girlfriends car seems to notice the difference. 13kw is hard to tell, but the overall smoothness in WOT gear changes is a welcome change. And they are both autos. Just got to wait for them to get the VY S/C chip in now :(

I personally would do the stereo first, as that would be more 'noticable' ;)

[Redfox]

Um... you're joakin', right?!
Nope, not jokin at all! They are generally much nicer to drive, unless you are stuck in traffic all the time.... that really sh1ts me... but otherwise you can control how smoothly you want your shifts to be etc.... and it doesn't clunk when you go to put it in and out of gear.

[Redfox]

The tranny clunk is the worst thing. The VR didnt clunk putting it into P and clunks less putting it into D. Where as before hand, it was VERY noticable. The VT is from 147 to 160. The girlfriends car seems to notice the difference. 13kw is hard to tell, but the overall smoothness in WOT gear changes is a welcome change. And they are both autos. Just got to wait for them to get the VY S/C chip in now :(

I personally would do the stereo first, as that would be more 'noticable' ;)
Ok thanks for the tip gaz, I'll look into that... so you reckon 13kw from the holmart chip eh? That's pretty decent for $150! I better start saving!