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Date:         Thu, 3 Aug 2000 09:51:28 -0700
Reply-To:     Daniel Schmitz <djs@gene.com>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Daniel Schmitz <djs@gene.com>
Organization: Genentech, Inc.
Subject:      ECU chip: mileage, more user experiences with it?...
Comments: To: Wolfvan88@aol.com
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

I have what I think is a relevant question:

Will installing this chip negatively affect gas mileage? Gas mileage on Vanagon wasserboxers is already nothing to write home about, and I note that the new chip is supposed to start the engine out richer and then lean it out. Generally, without changing anything else about the engine, more power from a mod like this may mean less gas mileage overall (though I could be wrong), and if the mixture is richer at the beginning, as stated, I would think gas mileage during stop-and-go city driving would be particularly affected.

Also, does anyone have any "real world" experience using this chip in their vans, in terms of overall performance, mileage, side effects (if any), etc. Can any accidental damage be done to the ECU?

Not to diminish Robert's experience with this mod, but I think I'm looking for anecdotal experience from those who HAVEN'T modified their engines with rockers, etc., which may be more representative of vanagon owners in general. The chip is a "bolt-in" mod, and the approximately 10% power increase seems attractive, but again, has this really been the case for people who have installed this chip and done nothing else? I ask this question because I'm not in a position to modify my engine at the moment (as I'm sure most van owners are not), and this chip appears to be a relatively easy, inexpensive way to wring some extra power of the wbx.

I am interested in upgrading my '87 Westfalia to this chip, but before I commit $200+, I would be interested in more actual user experiences (testimonials?)

Thanks for the info so far, though. I'm definitely thinking about it.

Dan

Robert Lilley wrote:

> ...Chip is socketed (not soldered), so swap should not be any problem. Just > make sure precautions are taken to guard against ESD (electrostatic > discharge). I think he mentioned there may be some sort of foil shielding > to clip through to get to the chip... > > ...****Your ECU module part number _must_ end in "022D". The chip will not > work otherwise. > > The chip can be run without rockers for about a 10% power boost, but they > _strongly_ recommended against running rockers without the chip. Yes, you > get a larger power boost but you will end will end up with a _very_ rich > exhaust mixture. Apparently the airbox is 'overstimulated' with the ratio > rockers, and the _stock_ ECU cannot accurately process/calculate the proper > fuel ratios. The engine with the new chip (with/without ratio rockers) > should still pass the sniff test (!). The chip should have sufficient > capacity to handle additional headwork, cam changes and exhaust work (but > to what degree I did not fully explore). Even a three angle valve job > would be a worthwhile improvement. Richard did wisely recommend a valve > spring upgrade if one departs from the profile of the stock cam. They > faxed me a dyno printout (actually, the exact same one scanned in at Kyle > Wade's website) which shows an increase of rear wheel horsepower from about > 58 horsepower (stock) to about 62 horsepower (new chip only). The chip > with ratio rockers (1.4:1 I believe) gives about 85 horsepower at the > wheel. This chip was originally designed to add to their Vanagon Truck > used to tow their race car with tools, spares, etc, with their 'goal' being > a total increase of 10-15%. I guess they made it... > > I edited the text of Lawrence Dongilli post in July 1998. > > http://gerry.vanagon.com/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=ind9807e&L=vanagon&D=1&O=T&P=11626 > > If you want to run the chip and have an older DF ECU, you could buy a > new/used correct model ECU put the chip in it and have the old as a spare. > That is what I did. > > The chip can also be run without rockers. Add the chip and then see if you > want more power. Then add the ratio rockers. > > Robert


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