[Wavey]

I'm hardly an expert, just a guy who has tried both chips. I've run Steve's chip for maybe 5 years?, and Russell's for only a week. I was thoroughly happy with Steve's chip and only decided to try Russell's because of the sale price and the reviews I've read. This is completely subjective and seat-of-the-pants, but Steve's chip just feels more aggressive to me, and always feels like it's making a bit more torque than Russell's. But let me stress that the difference isn't a lot, just enough to be noticeable, and they both provide a definite bump over stock. I just returned from a 45 minute drive and I noticed that, while Russell's power delivery is very linear, if I'm cruising at say 3500 in 4th, and punch it, the power is there with both chips but Steve's pushes you into the seat a bit more, and it just feels like it can't wait for more throttle. I guess I'd say that Russell's is a bit more civilized, and Steve's is a bit more aggressive.

I don't think you'd be unhappy with either, it's just a matter of which is more suited to the kind of driving you primarily do. Hope that helps.

All that being said, here's what I posted on Rennlist:

Got my new chip from Russell earlier this week and installed it yesterday. Interesting differences from the Steve Wong chip, not sure which one I prefer yet.

Let me first say I need go through my AFM and adjust the wiper path, then I need to check the WOT switch, set the base AFR, idle speed, etc. So those corrections could change how either of these chips performs. My O2 sensor and CHT sensor both have less than 3K on them. I'm running a Dansk premuffler and a custom M&K GT3-style muffler. Also recently did a valve adjustment and plugs. I use 93 octane all the time.

Russell's chip immediately provided a smoother, more stable idle, and a little more pleasant driveablity in "normal" driving. Less exhaust smell wafting around too. It also takes a few more cranks to start (like less than a second longer). All of those point to a leaner condition, at least in the lower half of the RPM range, than the Wong chip.

In comparison, Steve's chip definitely seems richer at idle and lower speeds. The engine fires the instant you hit the switch, but it wants to load up a bit around town and needs it's throat cleared occasionally. Plus I get a definite rich smell blowing forward at stops. Idle hunts up and down a bit too. However it should be possible to adjust most of this out by resetting the AFR.

But from the midrange up, Steve's chip definitely pulls harder. At 3500 and up, it feels like more torque is there, right at a crack of the throttle, and it pulls stronger all the way to redline. Of course this is seat-of-the-pants, but I'd be surprised if a dyno didn't confirm it.

I'd definitely prefer Steve's chip for a track day. But I sure like Russell's for normal driving.

I think the next sensible step would be to reinstall Steve's chip and go through the AFR, then see if it's any better around town. Unless someone has a better idea Got a DE in 3 weeks so I'll try to find time to do that before, and report back.