GForce Performance Chip Kit for Chevrolet Volt!

[Joule Thief]

Ok, so check this out:
http://www.gfchips.com/chevroletvolt.aspx?

At first I thought this was an error on their website. It looks like they have the same language for every chip and just <insert vehicle make/model> throughout their boiler plate text. I've used tuner chips in the past on my Mustangs, but did not expect to see them so soon for something as advanced as the Volt. So I called them up and they confirmed this is a real product! They said they are making some final improvements and they will be ready to ship in about 4wks. They said there will be a news release as well.

They claim the chip will improve horsepower and gas milage while reducing emmisions. So I asked them if that meant the chip only helps out when the ICE is running? They said no, that it also improves performance in EV mode and that they're working on several EV chips besides the Volt! I'm skeptical, but curious. Any volunteers willing to be the guinee pig and test this

I'm particularly interested in what WOT thinks and has to say about this mod. WOT? I'm not sure I'd risk my warranty.

From their site:
Manufacturer Part Number: 103077
MSRP$399.99
Your Price: $69.00

WHAT IS IT? The GF Performance Chip reprograms your air/fuel ratio, ignition timing, and other aspects of your vehicle's engine to SAFELY increase the power, while increasing fuel economy significantly. Our chips are designed and programmed per vehicle. Your car will run smoother, run cooler and more efficiently at the same time. The gains we advertise are real, and are guaranteed with a money back promise. Our chips will not only increase horsepower, but torque as well for more REAL power. It increases power throughout the full RPM range unlike many competitors.

EASY INSTALLATION. Installation can be performed by anyone using simple hand tools. The GF module installs into your CHEVROLET VOLT's engine bay and is connected via 2 wires that plug into the IAT sensor. Diagrams are included. The unit is then able to reprogram the ECU thus improving your car's performance. Everything needed for installation is included in this kit for a quick and easy installation that shouldn't take more than 15 minutes. There is absolutley nothing else needed to have this installed on your vehicle.

COMPATIBLE. The GF Performance Chip utilizes the latest in automotive engine control technology. Our product allows you to take your CHEVROLET VOLT's performance to the next level. Our product is tested to work with your car in either stock or modified trim. You can have any kind of modification and our unit will still remain compatible with your CHEVROLET VOLT.

GUARANTEED. Regardless of your driving style our chip will provide a substantial increase in performance in your CHEVROLET VOLT. All of these benefits are achieved without disassembling your CHEVROLET VOLT's ECU thereby preserving your factory warranty or permanently altering your car in any way shape or form. What sets us apart from our competition is that we offer a solid product that we stand by, so much so that if you are not satisfied in any way we will offer you a 100% no questions asked refund. Additionally, just from the fuel savings alone, our chip pays for itself!

[Noel Park]

No way, no time, nohow!

[solar_dave]

something attached to the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor could have no impact on anything having to do with the EV part of the system.

BUNK/SCAM

[Raymondjram]

If it is "connected via 2 wires that plug into the IAT sensor", it isn't a "chip" (an integrated circuit) at all. It is really a small fixed resistor that is wired in place of the IAT (Intake Air Temp) sensor, and fools the ECU to believe that the intake air is much cooler, so it uses more fuel. It will give your engine more power but will reduce your MPG and spoil your emissions. The ECU needs the IAT sensor to calculate and vary the fuel injection so the fuel to air mixture burns cleanly and produces the least emissions. A colder temperature means that the air is denser, so the ECU injects more fuel to burn correctly, or else the mixture will be lean and burn hotter, generating more emissions.

How do I know this? Because I bought one for my 1995 Buick Regal, and saw what arrived. I followed the instructions and saw what it was doing. Then I pulled out the GM Factory Service Manuals for my Regal, read about the IAT sensor and its readings (it is a temperature sensitive resistor), and the fixed resistor value was calculated for a 70 degree air temperature. The vendor can find these values for any brand, since these values are available in the manuals. So they say they can sell the "correct chip" for your Volt.

DON'T BUY IT!

GM has tuned your ICE to be as clean as possible. Any add-on will change the values and fool the ECU, and you will be in trouble later. The least will be bad MPG and the failure to pass emission test. The worst is engine failure!

I removed the "chip" and saved it together with the instructions in my GM manual as a reminder. If anyone wants to buy it from those vendors to try it, get a written money-back guarantee first. I didn't!

[solar_dave]

read this first! then run the other way
http://qcwo.com/technicaldomain/iat-...-vs-real-chips

[Steverino]

I just bought a gizmo that lets my Volt run on water. At least, that's what they told me.

When I was 19 I bought an engine performance booster gizmo from the JC Whitney catalog. Didn't do anything except lighten my wallet.

[VoltageDrop]

Snake Oil!

[jeffhre]

Running rich would put a lot more work, stress, and heat into your catalytic converter. Being a close set unit it's likely very sensitive to these variations and in any case, would certainly be more prone to early failure.

[Cord]

After checking the price of bottled water at the local store I am sure glad we don't run our cars on water

[artsci]

How do you spell GForce? F R A U D.