After some of the recent forum activity regarding OBD2 chip tuners, I did some research and began to ask some questions. I got the information, answers, and opinions I was looking for and was confident enough to have a go at one of these OBD2 chips. I know, I know "...its a resistor scam chip, it could do harm, its just a set of blinking lights...". Believe me, I am uber-sceptical as well. But there are now a handful of different companies that are using this "new" technique of adjusting air/fuel mix and advancing the ignition timing, via their ODB2 chips.
Here is forum member Loren and his initial take:
"Did a little more research. Volo sounds like the real deal. Again, not a full "custom tuning" solution. But, for $129, all indications are that it is capable of doing what it claims".
"I went ahead and pulled the trigger and ordered one. Will do a new thread and review at some point. This could be just the thing to help me get more out of the header and exhaust that I put on my Mirage".
I was going to try the Volo VP15 as well, but decided to try the ST8PRO instead. They essentially do the same thing and seem to share some of the same "hardware architecture". Though, the Volo has some "tuning" customization capability that the ST8PRO does not. I had a good back and forth with the Sawyer Tuning rep and he assured me of his guarantee of viability:
"Yes, we support the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage in the ST8PRO chip. Yes, all our products come with a lifetime warranty and can be returned if not happy with the results. However, we are sure you will be impressed with the gains. The chip does detect mods and fuel grade changes and adds them into the tune".
The price is also $130, which is very reasonable. I figured I had nothing to lose after being assured that the chip would not have any negative effects on the engine. The $130 will pay for itself in about a year for me, if i can get a couple MPG's.
I am going to leave the technical descriptions for Loren, I am just a novice "modder" having fun while getting the most out of our little platform we love so much. That said, this thing actually works! Throttle response is quicker, smoother, and more even as well. The power increase is noticeable as the engine feels "more free" and responsive. The "low-end" torque is really there when you ask for it and the engine revs up to speed quicker now. The engine runs to redline more evenly. Acceleration is improved. It feels as though the "power band" has been expanded by a few 100 RPM's. High-speed engine response is improved and cruising is effortless. The idle is smoother, even reverse seems "less jumpy."
I consistently saw higher initial peak numbers on my MPG's. At the end of my 1st set of runs (approx 220+ miles), I was up over +1 point MPG (with fairly aggressive driving). This may improve, as eluded to by the time table (a week or two) given for intelligent learning to adjust to personal driving habits over a period of time. Later...after a reset of the chip and a test of more than 300 miles, im up 2+ full points MPG. Ill report back again, should any changes occur after an extended period of time.
Is this a technical analysis with dyno runs and graphs...no (maybe later). But I can tell you that this chip worked for me, much to my surprise. This is a "ground floor" tune that actually works and if you let the MPG's happen, you will get a couple. The chip can (MPG's) pay for itself in as little as a year and has a money back guarantee from Sawyer Tuning. Is it as good as a re-flash...maybe not. But I cant imagine it being far off. This will get me by until an accessible path to a "proper" tune is made available. Heres a link to our progress there: https://mirageforum.com/forum/showth...ere-are-we-now
Last edited by Qrush; 08-05-2018 at 04:57 AM.
The Following User Says Thank You to Qrush For This Useful Post:
Gloria
