Performance

[Dulac]

Seeing that kevinb has installed the Racechip and it has improved performance I am tempted to look further into this for myself now that the car is over 3 years old. If performance and fuel consumption are improved by re-chipping a standard engine - on the understanding that the engine/transmission/brakes can take the enhancement without detriment - why doesn't government insist that the chip is installed in the factory? A 10% improvement in fuel consumption (i.e. saving) is a remarkable reduction in imports, refining, distribution and emissions when applied across the country, if not the world. I know that insurers might take the opportunity to rob you of a few quid for no worthwhile increase in risk and that there is a fear that manufacturers will wash their hands of any claim, but where's the catch - or perhaps there isn't one? Interestingly the Antara was offered with a higher output engine and I wonder if this was simply a standard engine with an upgraded chip installed by GM?

[victor]

Must say that I'm not a fan of tuning chips. I'm no expert on them but from what I understand they fool the ECU into supplying more fuel and can also cause it to modify the injection pulses (and timing?). I've no doubt they can get an increase in engine power but I don't necessarily believe they improve economy since they're supplying false data to the ECU about fuel flow therefore the instant MPG figures will be wrong as will the overall figure.

[kevinb]

Sept 2, 2018 11:47:34 GMT Dulac said:

Seeing that kevinb has installed the Racechip and it has improved performance I am tempted to look further into this for myself now that the car is over 3 years old. If performance and fuel consumption are improved by re-chipping a standard engine - on the understanding that the engine/transmission/brakes can take the enhancement without detriment - why doesn't government insist that the chip is installed in the factory? A 10% improvement in fuel consumption (i.e. saving) is a remarkable reduction in imports, refining, distribution and emissions when applied across the country, if not the world. I know that insurers might take the opportunity to rob you of a few quid for no worthwhile increase in risk and that there is a fear that manufacturers will wash their hands of any claim, but where's the catch - or perhaps there isn't one? Interestingly the Antara was offered with a higher output engine and I wonder if this was simply a standard engine with an upgraded chip installed by GM?

I have left it at factory settings & there is a very noticeable improvement on torque, smoother power delivery & mpg improvement. The time to tell is this week when towing my caravan which is the main reason for fitting it to see the performance of it. I was previously getting 20mpg towing so hope to see this rise.

The chip only took 5 minutes to fit so can easily be put back to normal which is different to getting a remap done.

[Dulac]

Do keep us posted kevinb, it is very interesting and we might all learn something from it.

[TonyM]

As the previous owner of Kevins chip I can put quite honestly say "it works" I was a doubter and unsure what to do, but I bought it as I could take it off with no trace, for services whilst under warranty. The performance is a big lift as it puts the BHP around 200 maybe a couple over. The acceleration was as good as my daughters XF RS Sport, I kid you not!! I didnt use it for performance I was more interested in the economy and over the time I had the car I was getting around 40 to 42 the earlier EGR valve caused the long term (16k miles) to show 38.4 mpg. It works on the basis of giving the fuel when its needed, it wont make the car go faster re overall top speed but will sharpen acceleration and improve mid range pull 50 to 70 etc, I had EGR issues before I put the box on and once that was cured I had no problems until the recent regs due to the loss of the long distance runs I used to do every week.
The Antara engine is a quick beast at the best of times but the race pro chip box brings it on re power with a lot less pedal pushing. I ran it without the box being on for a while (a week) just to see if I could feel the difference as you tend to get used to it. Yes I did notice, even more so when I put it back on and forgot to ease up on the amount of throttle I needed to pull away!!
I will be getting a similar one for the Freelander after I have had it for a year and got used to it as the Freelander economy (early days) does not match the Anatara with the chip fitted.
So cut a long story short, get a reputable make and all will be good. Why dont manufacturers fit them as standard? Besides cost issues they may I assume think its harder to get through the emissions numbers and push up the road tax (theft) charges. But as they are easy to bypass (the one I had even had a plug that bridged the unit so it was in normal mode) I guess they wont be an issue on MOT's not that I have heard of any issues.
Victor open that wallet and treat yourself to power and mpg

[bigjohnsparky]

Hi Kevin
Yep mines a auto as well and only get 20mpg when towing but will be watching your out come but I do think Victor does have a point as I have the same views on chipping or remapping but that’s my own view 😉

[mratk]

I have re ,mapped both my Astra and Antara bought through bluefin Superchips has been great fun!! it’s not like the race chip where you have to keep something plugged in. You can just plug in put on and take off when you like! Passes an mot on! Gives about 210bhp for 163bhp. And plus 98T. My Astra had very much better mpg with the bluefin went from 35 to 50-60mpg but the Antara is only to 30-35mpg county driving BUT I WOULD RECCOMEND FOR ANYONE WITH A TURBO ENGINE:) AND OFC THE MEAN MECHINE ANTARA ENGINESWITHOUT A DOUT

[screwball]

I've been looking at the Bluefin due to it being an ECU remap rather than a plug in chip. Still have 9 months Warranty so will probably have another look once it has expired

[mratk]

Hi screwball, I would defo wait until warranty finished as it will show up on there system if you had a crash and didn’t have it on insurance but I kno there are many ways around blocking information what people see eg police garages but it’s like corrupting the system so it’s crashes so it’s unreadable lol. But I’m only 24 and my insurance is about 1800 with the bluefin and 1650-1700 so defo worth getting the insurance and going to the local Vauxhall’s just to warranty all your parts(if anyone didn’t kno about warranty on Vauxhall’s parts YOU HAVE TOO DO IT EVERY YEAR) but that may be your way around it if you didnt want to wait, but I have had it on my 15 pate Astra since brand new and it’s still running a dream and no problems at mot or parts breaking etc 50000 miles later 👌