really stupid stock chip question:
 

does the functionality/performance of a motronic chip deteriorate over time? given all the controversy over the dme relay, i was wondering the same thing about chips. i've been thinking about getting a performance chip for my car, but i'm more hesitant after searching through the archives. i was curious to know if a 'newer or cleaner' stock chip would make any difference in how a motronic 15 year old porsche runs.

You are comparing mechanical parts (relay) to a solid state electronics.

I doubt solid state electronics would degrade over time. I think they would fail completely.

More likely, (like the rest of us) you have vaccum leaks at the intake cylinder gaskets or the misc. rubber boots.

Solid state devices (like DME microprocesssors) either work or they don't. If they don't fail in the first few hours of service (infant mortality), they will be good for a long time. When they fail, they fail catastrophically.

thanks. i figured a chip was an 'all or nothing' part, but i wanted to make sure. in any case, my car is running really well now. i'm just looking for some more low end torque.

try replaceing the fuel pump relay it made a drivabilty differance in
my 87 carrera.
keith