Another RX-7 owner recently recommended a Performance Chip as an upgrade for my new '88 convertible. I checked out the web site here:

http://www.mdrace.com/

And so now I'm wondering what's the downside?!? If it increases horsepower, torque AND gas mileage why wouldn't the manufacturer have used it in the first place? Is it for real? Does it cause excessive engine wear or screw up emissions so badly you can't get through inspection?

I don't want to throw my money away, but if this thing does what is says I'll almost save enough on gasoline in the first year to cover the $330!

Thanks,
Alan/.

 

You MUST run the car on premium gas or you'll rick knocking.

Other than that, the only other issue is the 3 days wait from when you ship them the ECU, to when you get it back.

I had the chip in my '90 vert for 3 years with no problems. It's the best bang for the buck mod you can do AFTER the intake and exhaust have been opened up.

Do a search on MDRACE and you'll turn up plenty of threads.

 

Sorry... I did just search and found the 3 page thread on the chips. I should have tacked my questions onto that one.

So you're not buying a replacement chip, your're sending them yours for re-programming?

A/.

 

will this chip work on a 1990 GXL and how much is this so called chip

 

I don't want to throw my money away, but if this thing does what is says I'll almost save enough on gasoline in the first year to cover the $330!

Thanks,
Alan/. [/B][/QUOTE]

AND IT IS SUPPOSED TO WORK ON ANY ROTARY TURBO OR N/A

 

They desolder and copy your current ROM to a PROM and then overlay their Fuel and Ignition Maps. Instead of solering in the new PROM, they solder in a socket that will allow your to swap bewteen the upgraded chip and the stock chip.

 

They offer Turbo & NA chips, but for a Turbo, people have favored the G-Force.

Any saving of fuel you may get, you'll lose running premium gas or just driving harder.

I never more than a 1-2 mpg gain, but I also have a short commute to work (5 miles) and never did less than 75 on the highway and always had the top down.