I am considering getting an after-market PROM chip for my ECU.
However, I have heard mixed reviews about whether these chips actually create a noticeable power increase? My L98 is stock (except K&N, V-Force muffler, 180 degree thermo). Has anyone observed a noticeable difference with any after-market chips? Thanks.

 

Off-the-shelf PROMs are junk, plain and simple. Some may say they had gains, but the general consensus about Hypertech, ADS, JET, etc, is they dont do anything except turn your fans on a bit earlier and maybe advance the timing a bit. Id say that your money is better spent elsewhere until you have the mods to necessitate a custom-burn.

 

What he said may be difficult to swallow, but it is absolutely true.
Guys on the board are so adamant about NOT buying off the shelf chips because they are totally not worth the money, and they don't want fellow members wasting their money.

If you don't plan on ever doing any major performance upgrades, buying a JET or Hypertech chip MAY gain you a couple HP. But that purchase is made worthless as soon as you want to change the cam, intake, heads, injectors, or displacement.

You have three good options:

1) Don't order the chip and save the money (if you don't plan to upgrade engine parts)

2) Buy some chip burning equipment and learn to do it yourself from the PROM board and tech articles (this is the BEST long term decision)

3) Decide on the engine upgrades you want to do, then install them together and have the chip dyno-tuned by a professional (like Ed Wright in Tulsa)

Of course, you could also determine that the board doesnt know what they are talking about and take your chances!

A lot of guys get angry at this kind of news, but we're really just trying to help.

If you're absolutely set on buying an off-the-shelf kind of chip, talk to Ed Wright at www.fastchip.com and he'll make his best guess at a good chip for your current setup.

Hope you make a good decision!

 

Sounds like I should spend my money on something else... Thank you both for the information!