Chip for 1996 993

[mnhead11]

I'm told that the ECU in the 1996 993's cannot be reprogrammed or upgraded. I've been advised that I need to get a 1997-1998 chip and then (and only then) that new chip can be reprogrammed. Does anybody know where I can get a 1997 to 1998 ECU and how much it will cost? In addition, a company called Powerchip (I've used them on my M5 with good results) claims to be able to reprogram a 1996 99 ECU. Does anybody have any thoughts or comments regarding the Powerchip claims or on they would go about upgrading a 1996 ECU? Thanks

Mark in VA

[Craig 930 RS]

Skip it and go to Rennsportsystems and Steve Weiner - he built a GREAT chip for my '97 - talk about throttle response!!!

[adscab]

Steve also gets 97 ECU's from time to time.

[Bill Verburg]

I'm told that the ECU in the 1996 993's cannot be reprogrammed or upgraded

True, the '96 used a non socketed chip.

There are some that do a piggy back system that merely interrupts the DME output.

I agree call Steve for excelllent advice in this matter.

[OldGuy]

This is my own humble opinion but I dont think chips for worth the expense for NA cars. Remember brain is scrambled by two hair blowers,
and .8bar of boost. There are other things you can do to make you faster. Suspension being the 1st thing. Better brakes all kinds of things
better than a new 97 ECU THEN the reprogramming costs. Turbos get
40-80 and on up in reprogramming and thats worth it. But man look at the whole picture before going to that mod. When we do runs some of the NA cars are hard to keep up in the twisties becasue the other drivers have spent money on
1. suspension
2. Driving classes
I would go there first before a 15-30 hp gain on a NA chip.
But thats my forced air opinion

[AGRO1]

Old Guy - Nice to see ya here But remember, a good driver, that already has a well setup suspension, upgraded brakes, etc - will be that much harder to keep up with in the twisties with another 15-30hp

[Craig 930 RS]

What I like best about the Steve Weiner 'chip' in my 1997 engine brain.....the throttle response! It is unbelievable!

[AGRO1]

I've spoken to Steve about doing this to my '96 C2, and it sounds promising. However my only reservation is with the long-term reliability and what adverse affects it might have on the motor. Has anyone had any experience with this or heard anything that might lead you to believe the extra hp will reduce the life of the motor ?

[Craig 930 RS]

You MUST use a 50/50 mix of 92/100 unleaded at the track - timing has been changed and youneed the insurance of higher octane when running hard for longer periods.

[AGRO1]

Craig - Interesting, cause Steve said nothing to me about needing to use higher octane. I'm already at a disadvantage too being in CA we can only get 91 octane Plus, I drive my car very hard on the street, probably as hard as some people drive theirs on the track...Thanks for the tip man - I'll ask Steve what he says about it...

[Craig 930 RS]

Well, here is what Steve told me:

Our WA State 92 is fine for street driving with the chip flash he did - & I specifically asked about hard street driving (which I do a TON of) and he said drive away, will be no problems.

He did say to use that 50/50 mix for track use.

I could not be happier with it - the throttle response is HUGE.
Did I say I liked it? ;-)

[OldGuy]

Agro you gonna be a buttonwillow??

[AGRO1]

OG - Wish I could, but I'm not gonna be able to make it. When's the next event at Willow Springs ?