Thinking about chipping my '97 993 cab. Any feedback on which chip direction to go and is the $'s worth the difference??

 

Jim, I see this is your first post. Welcome! If you search the archives you will find many discussions on this topic.

 

I've actually tried a search. a bunch of info comes up on adding performance chips for '95 and '96 however I am have been told that the '97 is different. Requires reprogramming????
Any help would do...I'll continue to search as well.
thanks

 

Try this page from Rennsport systems:
http://www.rennsportsystems.com/1aa.html

The proprietor, Steve Weiner, seems like a very knowlegable and helpful guy as well as a frequent visitor here

 

The summary:
'95 can have a chip replaced
'96 can not be modified and require ECU change or a "piggy-back" add-on
'97+ can have the ECU removed and reprogrammed (but not a chip swap).

In reality any model can have a piggy-back computer like a uni-chip added. It just cost more than the simplest solution of a chip change for the '95 which is $500 or less. For the '97 and '98 a uni-chip or programming change are about the same price (roughly $1000) and for the '96 the replacement of the ECU is the most expensive option (same price as any other for a uni-chip).

 

I've heard that the actual performance gains with most chips/reprogramming are quite modest. I wonder if some suspension work, LWF, or even the RSR mufflers for the nicer sound are better bangs for the buck?

 

Steve,

These are a couple of the next items that we will be shaming you into getting....

 

oh...don't worry...already thinking about several others. Already did an air box mod and a short shift kit. Looking to upgrade from 17"s to 18" - shocks and spring overs to lower it - and thinking about the chip.
I see the addiction. Held off on my last one...'91 911 coupe. But don't think I will survive thru this one. Especially joining up with you guys and seeing your toys....oh boy. Doesn't help that one of my neighbors rides in a '02 turbo and has a 944 turbo for track and another neighbor rides in a '99 996. There's corruption in groups I guess. Thanks all for input.
Jim

 

ca993twin - I've heard that the actual performance gains with most chips/reprogramming are quite modest. I wonder if some suspension work, LWF, or even the RSR mufflers for the nicer sound are better bangs for the buck?

this is what I'm suspecting and looking for input on. Not that the cost (@$1000 as stated by Tom W) is that much....I'm just wondering if it is worth it.

Anyone with a '97 that has done it...feedback???

 

Sheesh you guys... leave an old geezer alone. BTW, I have the Gemaballa ECU, B&B tri-flow (wayyyy tooo quiet, even for an old guy), the front strut-tower brace, and the RS short shift kit already. I think my shocks have 55,000 miles on them, and have already started a conversation with Steve Weiner about suspension upgrades. Everywhere I look; slippery slopes. My simple shock question became a $5000 suspension upgrade.

And I don't dare talk to Viperbob. I'm leaving my credit cards at home when my son and I swing by his place for a drool... ah visit. Bob... hide all your stuff. I have absolutely no will power.

 

Jim,
I have a 97 ECU with a Rennsport Systems chip in my 96 cab. You can feel the increase torque and better power in the meat of the power band (3500-5000 RPMs) I think it is a worthy upgrade. It is not going to push you back in your seat but your car will feel more responsive. If the archive search works, there should be pages and pages of the pro/cons of chips

 

Great info. guys. Really glad I asked. More questions to come in the future... I'll probably "chip-it". If I want to be pinned back in the seat...I'll jump in my neighbors '02 turbo.
Thanks