Chipping your car

[Mark lll]

Any have thoughts on installing a chip in your vehicle for better performance?

 

[Jacyte]

Only a matter of time before Livernois and 5 star have tunes for it. The hybrid likely will never have any tuners though due to the complexity of the eCVT programming. I'm hoping Lincoln revives some of its heritage and brings back the "hot rod" with some more GT variants with open tuning and aftermarket support. LSC/GTC versions of everything to counter the Caddi V.

 

[bbf2530]

Any have thoughts on installing a chip in your vehicle for better performance?

Hi Mark. I'm re-posting my reply from the other thread where you asked this question:

"Hi Mark III. What were commonly referred to in the past as “chips” do not work on modern vehicles. Even in older vehicles, they were often more snake oil than realistic performance enhancers.

On modern vehicles, you will need a “tune”, whether it be a “custom” tune or “canned” tune.

Either way, if your vehicle is still within the 4 year/50,000 mile New Vehicle Warranty, the 6 year/70,000 mile Powertrain Warranty, or an ESP plan, and if you care about your factory or ESP warranties, I would not recommend installing a tune until they have expired.

Short story: Auto manufacturers warranty our vehicles as they leave the factory. Any modification can lead to a warranty claim denial for any issues which can be linked to that modification. Even if only tangentially/remotely linked.
This is not a “voided warranty”. It is a claim denial.
And yes, if they want to look/investigate, auto manufacturers can tell if a tune has been previously installed, even if it is removed before we bring the vehicle in for service.

Not telling you what to do with your vehicle, only making the possible issues known ahead of time.

Let us know how you make out, and good luck with whatever you decide to do. "

 

[Action]

Chips?

The microchips in the PCM are not serviceable.
It is possible to change (alter) the software in the PCM. But there isn't going to be a lot of changes without making hardware changes too.

Performance changes are limited to physics.
A stock engine control system is designed to operate over a lot of different kind of situations.
Hot & cold, different driving habits and different load conditions.
Because the end users will have many different environments and use applications.

If one were to "change" the software to limit some of the variables, to say only warmer ambient temps, low vehicle loading conditions, changing the software to operate under these circumstances may be of benefit. In addition, to richening the air/fuel mixture some may gain some power might be had.

The down sides are initial cost, poorer running during times the engine is outside of the ideal condition. And potentially poorer fuel economy because more power can only come out of more fuel.

As side note on fuel economy. The manufacturer programs the engine to get the best fuel economy possible based on a number of variable environmental conditions and engine operating input from driver. Typically, this means controlling the engine operation to just this side of the line of being a too lean air/fuel mixture. That's OK when all of the sensors are new and in great condition. Because the PCM can make A/F and spark timing adjustments on less than a 1/4 revolution of the crankshaft no matter what RPM. Because of that ability, most drivers never feel a partial mis-fire. Or the better term would be a lesser completed combustion cycle. (Not all fuel is burned in any combustion cycle. Which is why cars have cat converters)

But to really achieve more power, one needs to move more air and fuel into (and out of) the combustion chamber. Then utilize that charge to it's fullest in the burn or combustion cycle. If the only change (by software) is to increase the fuel and advance spark, some improvement could be had. But I would suggest the increase would be rather minimal. The question becomes is that worth it? Without going into warranty or other drivability considerations.

The other point brought up above is the intended use of the vehicle.
Ford does not build Lincolns for "performance". If it did, then throttle bodies would be bigger, compression ratios would be higher and other engine designs would be used.
In this government regulated world where many consumers really seek long term driving from point A to point B in an urban setting at the lowest cost and greatest comfort, performance (as in acceleration) isn't the objective. (It is on some Mustangs) The consumer has the choice to buy performance. But that isn't what Lincoln builds or is their market niche. Cars are so limited to the market niche that they are focused on. One doesn't load up 4X8 sheets of anything at Home Depot with a MKX. That may be possible with a reinforced roof rack. But that isn't the target market for Lincoln.

As stated above, your vehicle, so you get to do you. No one is encouraging or discouraging any modifications. Just bringing out what is real.

Good luck.

Action

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[driller]

They are not 'chips' anymore, they are technically 'programmers'.

The EPA has cracked down on this market and eliminated a lot of 'performance' programmers, particularly diesel engine vehicles. Those remaining must certify their tunes are emission compliant.

Interestingly, Ford Performance now markets performance tunes for several Ford products.

It is my opinion that most stock vehicles have very little gains to be had from a 'tune'. When you start modifying your drivetrain, tunes are beneficial to increase performance even though most marketing claims are over-hyped.

Some exceptions... I have modified vehicles that 'require' a tune due to their performance drivetrain. I have had past stock vehicles (pickups) tuned for performance and/or towing that required premium fuel. The increase in fuel costs were offset by fuel economy AND performance. And I have had 'performance' vehicles that I have tried and removed tunes from.

Coming back to the question from the OP, I would need to know the drivetrain to assert any valid opinion but there may very well be reasonable performance gains on a premium fuel tune.

 

[G-84311]

There is a company called Race Chip which makes downloadable tunes for the 2.0L EB. They have 3 tunes that can be down loaded to the ECM, I think 22HP, 25HP and 29HP. My wife loves her non hybrid 24 Nautilus, however it is grossly underpowered but a fine riding car. Reading this forum, people say there is about a 20 HP gain switching from 87 to 93 octane. I have done that and I can barely feel the difference. So if I was able to add another 25 HP above the 250 HP rating, I doubt it would make a noticeable difference. I did notice that the 310 HP Hybrid was a bit faster (mostly torque for acceleration), so I doubt I would feel 275 HP. My 5.0 F150 is also a very slow vehicle but significantly quicker than the Nautilus, but it can't come close to the smooth, quiet, comfortable ride that the Nautilus provides.

 

[olderbudweiser]

one of these guys Any have thoughts on installing a chip in your vehicle for better performance?

Go to the Maverick Truck Forum. I think the 2.0L engines are the same. Some of these guys have put tunes in their Mavericks and are running 13 second quarter mile times. There are a variety of choices 87 octane, 91, 93 octane. One member there is selling kits with the 2.3L Turbo and higher capacity intercooler.
As in most cases buyer beware, no doubt your selling dealer would frown on this.

 

[Mark lll]

Hi Mark. I'm re-posting my reply from the other thread where you asked this question:

"Hi Mark III. What were commonly referred to in the past as “chips” do not work on modern vehicles. Even in older vehicles, they were often more snake oil than realistic performance enhancers.

On modern vehicles, you will need a “tune”, whether it be a “custom” tune or “canned” tune.

Either way, if your vehicle is still within the 4 year/50,000 mile New Vehicle Warranty, the 6 year/70,000 mile Powertrain Warranty, or an ESP plan, and if you care about your factory or ESP warranties, I would not recommend installing a tune until they have expired.

Short story: Auto manufacturers warranty our vehicles as they leave the factory. Any modification can lead to a warranty claim denial for any issues which can be linked to that modification. Even if only tangentially/remotely linked.
This is not a “voided warranty”. It is a claim denial.
And yes, if they want to look/investigate, auto manufacturers can tell if a tune has been previously installed, even if it is removed before we bring the vehicle in for service.

Not telling you what to do with your vehicle, only making the possible issues known ahead of time.

Let us know how you make out, and good luck with whatever you decide to do. "

Good to know and thanks for your input. I asked about it because I received a Email about Chipping vehicles in which they claim boosts the HP and refines the transmission or something to that effect. They make it sound like a great option for added HP for a couple of hundred dollars. After reading your reply I think you made my decision for me. There is no way I would jeopardize my car or its warranty in any way. Again, thanks for your advice.

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[Action]

Go to the Maverick Truck Forum. I think the 2.0L engines are the same. Some of these guys have put tunes in their Mavericks and are running 13 second quarter mile times. There are a variety of choices 87 octane, 91, 93 octane. One member there is selling kits with the 2.3L Turbo and higher capacity intercooler.
As in most cases buyer beware, no doubt your selling dealer would frown on this.

It isn't about the software (Chip) only. That software change is accommodating or taking advantage of something else.
Higher octane fuel.
Greater forced induction.
Or pick something else.

Getting more power (performance) out of a given engine, means pumping more air and fuel into it. Or compressing that mixture to a greater degree.
Playing with when the spark happens or increasing the fuel mixture by a longer injector squirt time may yield a little more power. (At a sacrifice of something. Fuel economy or drivability) But the way to get more power is to spend dollars on some physical thing on the engine and then change the engine controls to take advantage of the physical thing about the engine.

Action

 

[Jacyte]

It isn't about the software (Chip) only. That software change is accommodating or taking advantage of something else.
Higher octane fuel.
Greater forced induction.
Or pick something else.

Getting more power (performance) out of a given engine, means pumping more air and fuel into it. Or compressing that mixture to a greater degree.
Playing with when the spark happens or increasing the fuel mixture by a longer injector squirt time may yield a little more power. (At a sacrifice of something. Fuel economy or drivability) But the way to get more power is to spend dollars on some physical thing on the engine and then change the engine controls to take advantage of the physical thing about the engine.

Action

The tuners play with everything that is not hard coded. Injector pulse width/duration to boost limits and even transmission shift timing/parameters and fluid pressures are adjusted. Ford tends to have hard torque limits in a lot of models that limit tuners though. It is not uncommon to see 70-100hp increases even on modern ford ecoboost vehicles. Going to E30 you can squeeze even more out of them by reducing knock with a hotter charge/more boost.

Livernoise tunes on the 2.7L used in the last gen nautilus was good for 59hp with zero physical mods running 93 octane. The e30 tune was even higher gains. The platform was extremely limited due to 1st and 2nd gear low boost limits. the f150 did not suffer the same problems and had even better gains without additional mods. In the case of the nautilus/edge you actually got better driving characteristics with most tuners due to the crappy ford programming of the 8F57 trans. OEMs like Ford will seldom fine tune their vehicles for performance. They develop a safe tune with a massive margin for deviation while producing whatever target horsepower.

 

[Action]

The question I would have about making changes with injector squirt times or boost limits and transmission pressures, are at what cost?
Shorter engine life?
Drivability issues when picking up the kids? Going on a date?
Or shorter maintenance schedules, to offset the wear when driving at near WOT?

Then where does one get E30 at? Costco? Walmart? Chevron?
The same would be for higher octane fuel or any fuel changes.

If it were possible to spend a couple of hundred bucks (one time) and get 70 more ponies with no more effort, that might be a winner.
But usually, something else has to change as well to take advantage of the "tune".
There isn't a free phone either! (At T Mobile) You are going to pay more somewhere else. In some other format.
And that format may or may not be money. It may be a rough ride at 1200 RPM. Or a

I realize we are talking about an MKX, which isn't made any more. And the B2B warranty is over. For most, the power train warranty is almost over as well.
Most of the eco-boost engines that a tuner would want to mod are in cars. Ford doesn't make cars anymore. Not sure a "tune" would do much for an Escape. Or the owner of an Escape.

IDK, maybe I am just ranting and should stop posting about this. But changing the mission of what the car was made for just seems out of place. If one wants that kind of thing, why not buy an old Supra, or a Skyline or heck even a Mustang.
Going the other extreme would be like putting an out the hood blower on a Rolls. Could it be done? Sure anything can be done with enough money and effort.

Now I gotta run to Starbucks and pick up a latte

Action

 

[Jacyte]

The question I would have about making changes with injector squirt times or boost limits and transmission pressures, are at what cost?
Shorter engine life?
Drivability issues when picking up the kids? Going on a date?
Or shorter maintenance schedules, to offset the wear when driving at near WOT?

Then where does one get E30 at? Costco? Walmart? Chevron?
The same would be for higher octane fuel or any fuel changes.

If it were possible to spend a couple of hundred bucks (one time) and get 70 more ponies with no more effort, that might be a winner.
But usually, something else has to change as well to take advantage of the "tune".
There isn't a free phone either! (At T Mobile) You are going to pay more somewhere else. In some other format.
And that format may or may not be money. It may be a rough ride at 1200 RPM. Or a

I realize we are talking about an MKX, which isn't made any more. And the B2B warranty is over. For most, the power train warranty is almost over as well.
Most of the eco-boost engines that a tuner would want to mod are in cars. Ford doesn't make cars anymore. Not sure a "tune" would do much for an Escape. Or the owner of an Escape.

IDK, maybe I am just ranting and should stop posting about this. But changing the mission of what the car was made for just seems out of place. If one wants that kind of thing, why not buy an old Supra, or a Skyline or heck even a Mustang.
Going the other extreme would be like putting an out the hood blower on a Rolls. Could it be done? Sure anything can be done with enough money and effort.

Now I gotta run to Starbucks and pick up a latte

Action

Looks at 5 star, Livernoise, MPT, Unleashed.... they have been tuning Ford/lincoln SUVs for years. Most would say drivability improves and depending on the tuner you can actually load multiple tunes. I'm sure it has some negative impact on longevity, especially if you are at the track every week though.

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[driller]

The question I would have about making changes with injector squirt times or boost limits and transmission pressures, are at what cost?
Shorter engine life?
Drivability issues when picking up the kids? Going on a date?
Or shorter maintenance schedules, to offset the wear when driving at near WOT?

Not necessarily. I've had tuned vehicles without issues that ran for years with no adverse effects for 100K+ miles.

Like most things, you can go overboard and suffer the consequences. Most competent tuners will know the limits to stay with.

To maximize any gains really requires dyno tuning or remote tuning with actual street driving to tailor the tune to the specific vehicle and driver preferences.

 

[olderbudweiser]

The question I would have about making changes with injector squirt times or boost limits and transmission pressures, are at what cost?
Shorter engine life?
Drivability issues when picking up the kids? Going on a date?
Or shorter maintenance schedules, to offset the wear when driving at near WOT?

Then where does one get E30 at? Costco? Walmart? Chevron?
The same would be for higher octane fuel or any fuel changes.

If it were possible to spend a couple of hundred bucks (one time) and get 70 more ponies with no more effort, that might be a winner.
But usually, something else has to change as well to take advantage of the "tune".
There isn't a free phone either! (At T Mobile) You are going to pay more somewhere else. In some other format.
And that format may or may not be money. It may be a rough ride at 1200 RPM. Or a

I realize we are talking about an MKX, which isn't made any more. And the B2B warranty is over. For most, the power train warranty is almost over as well.ar.
Most of the eco-boost engines that a tuner would want to mod are in cars. Ford doesn't make cars anymore. Not sure a "tune" would do much for an Escape. Or the owner of an Escape.

IDK, maybe I am just ranting and should stop posting about this. But changing the mission of what the car was made for just seems out of place. If one wants that kind of thing, why not buy an old Supra, or a Skyline or heck even a Mustang.
Going the other extreme would be like putting an out the hood blower on a Rolls. Could it be done? Sure anything can be done with enough money and effort.

Now I gotta run to Starbucks and pick up a latte

Action

You asked about chipping a car, my answer only concerned that question. I assumed wrongly you wanted to increase performance. Enjoy the latte.

 

[Action]

You asked about chipping a car, my answer only concerned that question. I assumed wrongly you wanted to increase performance. Enjoy the latte.

I never asked about chipping a car.
You also assumed I am the OP. The OP is Mark III
I am not the OP. Nor do I want to increase performance in any of my vehicles.
I like my stock Lincolns (4 of them) for what they were when they were built.

Should I wish to want a ride with more performance, I will be buying a pony car. Those are being made for that purpose.

Action

 

[swindler]

This thread made me think about the Top Gear episode where Jeremy Clarkson asked the question why Americans buy a car and then always want to upgrade it with CAI, suspension bars, performance chips, etc. In Europe nobody does that. If they want higher performance, they just buy a different car with higher performance.

Then the three of them proceeded to have their supercars humiliated at the drag races by the likes of highly modded F-150s, Civics, and John Deere tractors.

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[Action]

^^^^ Going a more little off topic.
I remember watching an episode where those guys came to North America and ran full sized pickup trucks. (Actually, trashed would be a better description)
A vehicle virtually not sold anywhere in the world except in North America.
I thought that was odd. And I have travel outside of the US a lot.
Then I thought, hmmmm I have never seen a F150 outside of the US or Canada.

Action

 

[olderbudweiser]

I never asked about chipping a car.
You also assumed I am the OP. The OP is Mark III
I am not the OP. Nor do I want to increase performance in any of my vehicles.
I like my stock Lincolns (4 of them) for what they were when they were built.

Should I wish to want a ride with more performance, I will be buying a pony car. Those are being made for that purpose.

Action

You are correct my bad, still hope you enjoyed the Latte.....

 

[Mark lll]

I never asked about chipping a car.
You also assumed I am the OP. The OP is Mark III
I am not the OP. Nor do I want to increase performance in any of my vehicles.
I like my stock Lincolns (4 of them) for what they were when they were built.

Should I wish to want a ride with more performance, I will be buying a pony car. Those are being made for that purpose.

Action

I’m the guilty one. I only asked because when I was a forum member on Corvette forum a lot of the guy’s there had done a tune or chip on their vette. I was just curious if it had been done by any member on this forum.

 

[Jacyte]

I’m the guilty one. I only asked because when I was a forum member on Corvette forum a lot of the guy’s there had done a tune or chip on their vette. I was just curious if it had been done by any member on this forum.

This forum doesn’t seem to have as many enthusiasts. There are other forums with more modified gen 1 nautilus and edge STs. Looots of aviators being tuned. They have users in the 11s now even with all stock motors. The gen 2 nautilus is just too new and the 2.0EB and 8F35 are very limited.