Performance computer chip

alfastnc · #1 (**permalink**) 06-28-2005, 11:35 AM

I just purchased a performance chip for the 164 on EBay. Anyone have any experience with these. Also, no instructions...any secrets to installation. Will it transform my 164 into a rocket ship?

Ted164 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-30-2005, 10:16 AM

I bought a chip on Ebay, the ricambi. Installation was hard, what I had to do was put it inside of the ECU, the cars computer. To get to it you will need to remove both kickboards in the front two seats (it is located in the area behind the radio) It is buried in there pretty well but it is a small silver box, which i believe there are three of them in there, so you will need to grab the right one. I think it may be labeled. Once you remove the ECU, unscrew the screws and find the chip. The original will come right out and the new one will go in easily. Be sure to disconnect the battery and reconnect everything that was disconnected during the installation. Once i put mine in I noticed a difference at higher rpms, like on the highway. Driving with it in the city doesnt make much of a difference unless u drive like me

alfastnc · #3 (**permalink**) 06-30-2005, 10:49 AM

Ted, thanks...I'll try this weekend. Nice to know it won't change my l;ife or make my 164 a rocket ship.
Doug

**Alfissimo Int.** · #4 (**permalink**) 06-30-2005, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alfastnc

Ted, thanks...I'll try this weekend. Nice to know it won't change my l;ife or make my 164 a rocket ship.
Doug

alfamale44 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-02-2005, 10:08 PM

Well guys I have no financial stake in this and I'm not plugging Alfissimo but Jason is right. The Squadra chip I put in my 164L is amazing

. Low end torque is much improved and highway driving with the increased hp is well worth what I paid

. And no "check engine" light that I was told by the mechanic would come on and stay on. It's not cheap but you won't be disappointed.

Steve
'72 2000 GTV
'91 164 Lusso
'94 Lexus SC300 5-speed

Fred164 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-04-2005, 06:23 AM

Yep, I'm also verry pleased with my Squadra chip

greets, Fred

Shatner · #7 (**permalink**) 07-04-2005, 07:27 AM

me too. I actually tried the Ricambi ebay chip a while back, and it appeared to change the timing but nothing else. It went ok at high revs, but knocked under load and check-engine light came on. got rid of it after a day. Invest in a Squadra; these guys know what they're doing, the car idles more smoothly and as Steve says, the torque increase is nice. (A custom exhaust and Raid air filter help too!)

JoeCab · #8 (**permalink**) 07-04-2005, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfissimo Int.

Stay away from Ricambi chips, they often are not correct for the car and cause the engine light to come on.

lowejackson · #9 (**permalink**) 07-04-2005, 09:30 AM

Would I gain anything by buying a Squadra chip for my 160,000 mile TS. I also note the recommendation for only Ron97 fuel. It is not always possible to buy Ron 97 fuel as I live in quite a rural area, can it be mixed with Ron 95.

**Alfissimo Int.** · #10 (**permalink**) 07-05-2005, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeCab

I don't really think it's fair to bash AR Ricambi in this case, as from what I remember the chips being sold on eBay are copies of chips sold years ago by them. Who knows if they copied everything correctly.

These eBay auctions are not by AR Ricambi or affiliated with them.

Joe

Alfa Girl :-) · #11 (**permalink**) 07-05-2005, 09:35 PM

Beware of Ricambi chips - have been known to cause knocking... and engines have been killed by these.

Ted D · #12 (**permalink**) 08-02-2005, 02:17 PM

I'm interested in some more performance out of my Spider

, and am considering a Squadra chip.

Question: does the chip affect emissions adversely? I live in Northern VA where they test emissions every other year and don't want to create a problem.

Thanks,

Ted

alphalvr · #13 (**permalink**) 08-02-2005, 04:03 PM

id personally go for the autodelta chip, autodelta are gods in the uk and there is no doubt they know there stuff.
you can take your 12v there and walk out with 400bhp if you got the cash.

i had their chip and it aint a rocket ship but certainly a nice improvement. Also you aint heard ya v6 till you hear it scream @ 7200rpm (the rev limit on mine its a whole other sound than the redline your currently used to.

im sure squadra and ricambi are ok 2, know nothin about ricambi but have spoke to sqaudra dude as we both did 6 speed box conversion.

Dennis · #14 (**permalink**) 08-03-2005, 04:24 AM

How about gas mileage with the Squadra chip. Is it better or a little worse than the stock chip?

alphalvr · #15 (**permalink**) 08-03-2005, 09:09 AM

i think it makes no noticable difference, might even improve it, unless you change syle of driving.
chips are for turbo cars really imho
but i wanted to squeeze a bit more power out :O))
cant say i noticed a differnce in gas as u call it but then i dont pay any attention to such things.
dont by 3litre cars in uk for economy ;o) although it aint bad 320 to a tank i think
ill look next time i fill it

oh no i cant my speedo dont wprk LOL