performance chips. Do they really increase MPG?

[regor]

I've seen these ads regarding performance chips. Herer's one that staes a MPG increase-
SLR Motorsports

I'm curious if they really do increase MPG and if so, how hard are they to install?

Thanks

[Duffman]

They do on the diesels, I dont have one on a gas engine to tell you about that. My guess is yes but you might need higher octane to do it.

[cfg83]

regor -

This is ... fascinating (say it like Spock). I never heard of a chip for a Saturn (everything is soldered to the ECU/PCM). ... wait a minute ... Google google google :

SLR motorsports chip

Check the "chip" and see what plug it has. Most likly you need to plug it into the harness and cover the sensor''s connector. If not then you got ripped off. Most of those so called "chips" are nothing but a resitor that gives the computer a predetermined value. It most likely will not do you any good installing that "chip". I would return it and try to get your money back.

If you are trying to get more power from your engine then have the PCM retuned (reprogrammed) it is the ONLY WAY to get what you want from the PCM.

It's an IAT resistor-mod chip. It would only boost horsepower (more fuel injected) under WOT/open loop conditions. Nothing to do with MPG. The pictures on the site are misleading because they imply that it is a real computer chip.

CarloSW2

[garys_1k]

IF the chip increased (advanced) spark timing, and IF the fuel you used (or added water/ethanol injection) could handle it without pinging, then a different calibration could improve fuel efficiency. Some cars have knock sensors and will automatically add spark if you're using higher octane fuel (the EPA tests are all run with 98 RON gas -- very good premium).

Personally, unless I knew exactly what these chips did I'd stay away from them. Too great a chance they could damage the engine.