After recent discussions about OBD2 chip tuners sparked curiosity online, I decided to delve into the world of these performance enhancers. Like many, skepticism was my initial reaction. Are OBD2 performance chips legitimate, or are they simply a modern-day snake oil? The market is rife with opinions, from “resistor scam” to concerns about potential harm to your vehicle, and even dismissal as mere “blinking lights” offering no real benefit. However, amidst the noise, a growing number of companies are exploring OBD2 technology to adjust air-fuel mixtures and ignition timing. This exploration led me to investigate and personally test an OBD2 performance chip to see if it could deliver on its promises.
Several OBD2 chips have garnered attention and reviews within automotive enthusiast communities. The Volo VP15 OBD2 chip, for example, has been reviewed by Performance Chip Reviews, offering insights into its potential.
Forum discussions, like those on MirageForum, also highlight the Volo chip, with members like Loren expressing cautious optimism and planning personal reviews. Volo is marketed as a user-friendly tuning option that, while not a full custom tune, offers notable performance enhancements for the price.
Another contender in the OBD2 performance chip arena is the Sawyer Tuning ST8PRO OBD2 ECU Performance Chip. Performance Chip Reviews has also provided an evaluation of the ST8PRO, detailing its features and purported benefits.
Initially considering the Volo VP15, I ultimately opted to test the ST8PRO. Both chips operate on similar principles and appear to share hardware similarities. However, the Volo boasts some level of user customization, a feature absent in the ST8PRO. My decision to try the ST8PRO was reinforced by a conversation with a Sawyer Tuning representative. They confidently guaranteed the ST8PRO’s compatibility with my 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage and assured me of its effectiveness. The lifetime warranty and return policy further mitigated any risk, promising satisfaction or a full refund. The representative also highlighted the chip’s intelligent capabilities, stating, “The chip does detect mods and fuel grade changes and adds them into the tune,” suggesting a degree of adaptability and sophistication beyond a simple resistor.
Priced similarly to the Volo VP15, the ST8PRO presented itself as a low-risk experiment. The potential for improved fuel economy was an additional incentive, with the prospect of recouping the investment through MPG gains within a year. Setting aside complex technical analyses for more seasoned reviewers, my approach was that of a regular car enthusiast eager to enhance the performance of my vehicle.
The results of installing the ST8PRO were immediately noticeable and surprisingly positive. Throttle response felt significantly sharper, smoother, and more linear. The engine exhibited a newfound eagerness, feeling less restrained and more responsive to inputs. Low-end torque, often lacking in smaller engines, was noticeably improved, making acceleration from a standstill more robust. The engine now revved more freely and evenly throughout the RPM range, pulling stronger all the way to redline. The perceived power band felt broadened, extending the engine’s usable power range. Cruising at higher speeds became more relaxed, with improved engine response readily available when needed. Even subtle aspects like idle smoothness and reversing felt refined.
Beyond performance gains, fuel efficiency also saw an improvement. Initial MPG readings showed a promising increase. After approximately 220 miles of driving, including some spirited sessions, I observed over a 1 MPG improvement. Further testing, exceeding 300 miles after a chip reset, revealed an even more impressive 2+ MPG gain. These figures suggest that the ST8PRO not only enhances performance but also contributes to fuel savings, potentially offsetting its cost over time.
While this review lacks dyno charts and technical jargon, it provides real-world feedback from an everyday driver. The ST8PRO OBD2 performance chip delivered tangible improvements in both performance and fuel economy in my Mitsubishi Mirage. For those seeking a straightforward, plug-and-play performance enhancement, the ST8PRO, backed by a money-back guarantee, presents a compelling option. While it may not rival a full ECU re-flash in terms of customization and ultimate power gains, it offers a significant and accessible upgrade. For enthusiasts awaiting more comprehensive tuning solutions, OBD2 chips like the ST8PRO can serve as a worthwhile interim step, offering noticeable benefits without extensive modifications.
