Chip tuning the 451?

**jwight** · 10-30-2007, 08:11 AM

I've seen lots of sites that offer chip tuning for the first generation smarts, and a few that offer it for the new diesel 451s. Does anyone know if chip tuning is available for the 451 with 71 hp gas engine we're getting in the US? Thanks!

dbwill · 10-30-2007, 08:34 AM

Have not heard of one yet, but you can bet there will be one. Just a matter of time

SmartBob · 11-02-2007, 03:37 PM

When I modded my Neon...a chip upgrade would also involve high octane gas and worse mileage. There would be more horsepower but probably decrease the longevity of the engine/drivetrain. It's all about your desires and how fat your wallet is I guess, eh?

dbwill · 11-02-2007, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartBob

When I modded my Neon...a chip upgrade would also involve high octane gas and worse mileage. There would be more horsepower but probably decrease the longevity of the engine/drivetrain. It's all about your desires and how fat your wallet is I guess, eh?

I chipped my 95 BMW(22 HP gain). It did require High Octane gas but I couldn't ever determine that the mileage was lower. In addition I put 150000 mi on the car and it was still running strong but I was run off the road and the car was totaled. Additionally many "experts" told me that it would not shorten engine life. My neighbor had a 735i BMW that was chipped (40 HP gain) and ran for over 250000 mi. he was rear ended and the car was totaled or I'm sure it would still be running.

In short If there is a good chip I will use it without fear

cains10 · 11-02-2007, 04:45 PM

Except of having your car totaled after 200,000 miles

dbwill · 11-02-2007, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cains10

Except of having your car totaled after 200,000 miles

At my age the car will outlive me

SmartBob · 11-03-2007, 02:11 AM

I was only saying that a 3 cylinder engine with 70 hp and drivetrain designed for that hp with additonal boosts and demands would wear faster. It depends on what you add and how hard you push the car. Logic dictates that if you design a car to run with 70 hp and then squeeze 95 out of it aren't you straining the metal of everything about it? You're going to push the car harder....quicker launches...pushing high revs etc. thats all I'm saying.

lhoboy · 11-03-2007, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartBob

I was only saying that a 3 cylinder engine with 70 hp and drivetrain designed for that hp with additonal boosts and demands would wear faster. It depends on what you add and how hard you push the car. Logic dictates that if you design a car to run with 70 hp and then squeeze 95 out of it aren't you straining the metal of everything about it? You're going to push the car harder....quicker launches...pushing high revs etc. thats all I'm saying.

I suspect, as with the older model, the bottom end was designed to be eventually coupled with forced induction (turbo) and is quite capable of withstanding up to 84hp, or even 118 hp without significantly reducing life expectancy.