Chip Replacement/Tuning For Towing

[donreitz]

Does anyone have experience with replacing or tuning their engine management chip for towing? I've ridden in VWs with aftermarket performance chips and the difference is stunning.

I see ads claiming substantial horsepower and torque gains for towing purposes. I wonder how these claims translate into actual driving and towing improvements. In particular, I'm curious about the tradeoff between improved towing performance and the need for higher octane (and more expensive) gas.

Thanks,
Don

[Silvertwinkie]

In some cars there is no need to swap chips. For example, I had my PCM (Powertrain Control Module) re-programmed with power tuning and it added about 11hp to the car with no chip swaps.

Eric

[crazylev]

When I had my '98 VW Passat, I was curious about ECU "chipping" the engine, after reading numerous post to the passat newsgroup. Apparently it added a bit more HP, but my delema was that the vehicle was under warrenty, and that if anything went wrong......

From what I understand, "chipping" the engine got the engine up to european specs. Those specs and special emisions consideration were not real legal here in the US.

I think there is a company called Neuspeed that makes or sells these things. The cost to do the upgrade is around $500.00 and adds 10+ HP.

Jonathan