The 7 Worst Ways to Mod Your Car
Thanks.
09-19-08 | 05:56 PM
#48
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From: Vancouver >> Hong Kong
09-20-08 | 09:44 AM
#51
Engineers know all about these chips. If they were actually good for the engine, and produced ideal power, gas mileage, and emissions, they would be put in at the factory....and given a warranty. But they are not....which tells you something. Many of them overboost the engine, put additional stresses on it, and shortens its life.
Of course, if the engine is out of warranty, like you say, then you're free to put in what you want.....but warranty or not, the engine still has to pass annual or bi-annual emissions tests in some areas.
Of course, if the engine is out of warranty, like you say, then you're free to put in what you want.....but warranty or not, the engine still has to pass annual or bi-annual emissions tests in some areas.
What the original post is intended for are mods that do not work and ECU upgrades are a proven modification whether you like them or not or the stresses they place on the motor. The old statement of ,"if it worked the car maker would have put it in there" has been disproven over and over. There are many factors that go into a vehicles design and though they could easily produce a 400hp Corolla right now doe not mean they should or would.
The same goes for larger wheels that place additional stress on the suspension components. It can go on and on that is what the owner needs to balance out before making the decision to modify the car.
Last edited by Pearlpower; 09-20-08 at 09:49 AM.
09-21-08 | 09:24 AM
#52
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From: Lou-Evil KY
09-21-08 | 03:52 PM
#53
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Simply not true. The Lexus GX produces a few more HP than the 4runner because of-ECU. Does that mean the Lexus is about to blow up? Is the engine overstressed? Now of course there ar ethose on FI vehicles that really push the limits of their cars but that is their choice.
What the original post is intended for are mods that do not work and ECU upgrades are a proven modification whether you like them or not or the stresses they place on the motor. The old statement of ,"if it worked the car maker would have put it in there" has been disproven over and over. There are many factors that go into a vehicles design and though they could easily produce a 400hp Corolla right now doe not mean they should or would.
The same goes for larger wheels that place additional stress on the suspension components. It can go on and on that is what the owner needs to balance out before making the decision to modify the car.
What the original post is intended for are mods that do not work and ECU upgrades are a proven modification whether you like them or not or the stresses they place on the motor. The old statement of ,"if it worked the car maker would have put it in there" has been disproven over and over. There are many factors that go into a vehicles design and though they could easily produce a 400hp Corolla right now doe not mean they should or would.
The same goes for larger wheels that place additional stress on the suspension components. It can go on and on that is what the owner needs to balance out before making the decision to modify the car.
Small engine blocks that DO produce large amounts of power, like Subaru's STi and Mitsubishi's Evo, have a lot more than simple computer and engine-management changes. Their entire blocks and all the moving parts (bearings, valves, cams, pistons, rods, etc) are specifically designed for it, along with cooling-system and lubrication modifications, and carry a factory warranty.
09-21-08 | 04:18 PM
#54
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09-21-08 | 06:35 PM
#56
You apparantly misunderstood what I was saying. I was talking about major power modifications with computer chips, not just small tweaks like in the GX-4Runner comparison you state. And the reason you will not see a 400 HP Corolla is not necessarily that it couldn't be done, but that the small engine block would be overstressed and you would have little engine life. The Corolla's 1.8L was designed primarily for everyday commuter use, not drag-racing.
Small engine blocks that DO produce large amounts of power, like Subaru's STi and Mitsubishi's Evo, have a lot more than simple computer and engine-management changes. Their entire blocks and all the moving parts (bearings, valves, cams, pistons, rods, etc) are specifically designed for it, along with cooling-system and lubrication modifications, and carry a factory warranty.
Small engine blocks that DO produce large amounts of power, like Subaru's STi and Mitsubishi's Evo, have a lot more than simple computer and engine-management changes. Their entire blocks and all the moving parts (bearings, valves, cams, pistons, rods, etc) are specifically designed for it, along with cooling-system and lubrication modifications, and carry a factory warranty.
09-22-08 | 07:16 AM
#57
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From: Lou-Evil KY
i also believe flashing/chipping/programming doesn't do much harm to an engine's longevity or durability. performance engines were designed and built to produce more power than what they come with. the are detuned for emissions and gas mileage and possiblity drivability depending on the maker. also for sales and marketing purposes; they can't have their entry level 4 cyl. car making close to or as much power as their v8 cars (audi for example).
i've seen many many flashed/chipped vehicles with tons of miles running as well as they did when new after 80k + miles.
in the diesel truck community, it' s common practice to add 100+hp and 250+ lb ft. torque by a simple programmer. some of these trucks have over 500k miles with that power level since mile 1and still have no issues and are worked hard every day towing and hauling.
i've seen many many flashed/chipped vehicles with tons of miles running as well as they did when new after 80k + miles.
in the diesel truck community, it' s common practice to add 100+hp and 250+ lb ft. torque by a simple programmer. some of these trucks have over 500k miles with that power level since mile 1and still have no issues and are worked hard every day towing and hauling.
02-18-09 | 02:43 PM
#60
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From: The Woodlands, TX