I’ve always been curious about how effective “chipping” is
for the performance of a car. Basically, a "chip" for a car is a unit you buy that reprograms the engine computer to give better engine performance. Chipping for cars is like overclocking for
processors. The "chip" vendors modify the programming of the computer to eat into the manufacturer's operating guardband. This can give either either higher power or better mileage. In other
words, if you run the engine closer to temp and lean detonation tolerances then
you can get a bit more efficiency from the engine which results in either higher
horsepower or better mileage, depending on how you drive. I’ve personally never
found the $300 price tag for these to be worthwhile.
My friend Richard tells the story of a truck he used to own that had such a "chip" installed. Of the three possible operating modes (normal, medium, performance), he ran it in "medium" and got a good performance boost. He says he tried out the "Performance" mode for one day and it was amazing (and amazingly scary); he could burn rubber going 25 MPH and in 4 wheel drive by just stomping on the accelerator. He said his brother in law ran his similar truck in "Performance" mode all the time, but that he went through engine and transmission rebuilds "like I go through jars of peanut butter".
So, I was very intrigued when I saw a bunch of “chips”
advertised claiming the same things for around $70. I ordered one
because I was very curious about what it was.
I got the unit, which came in a nice little extruded
aluminum box with end caps. A short cable with just two wires was the only
connection. That was the first clue. The instructions said to first
locate the Mass Air Sensor, then to use these clever little 3M clips to connect
to both sides of the sensor to allow a parallel connection with the “chip”
unit. Polarity did not matter. Second clue.
I figured there must be some serious magic in the “chip” unit to allow
it to optimize so many different variables of the engine control (timing,
mixture, injectors, etc.) from such a simple connection. I needed to see
this magic, so I took the unit apart.
What I found was a CMOS octal latch on a little PC board
with some resistors on various inputs and outputs. But, the connections
made no sense: there was no power, no ground, and the resistor connections made no sense at all; they weren't even on the same latches and digital logic does not need such resistors anyway. There is no way that this could be doing anything. The mystery was solved when I turned over the board to
discover one trace that connected 4 resistors in series from the input to the
output.
So, this was simply an elaborate way of hooking up a 34K
resistor across the Mass Airflow sensor. It effectively gives a richer
mix to the engine until the engine computer adapts to the change. Yes, if
you burn more fuel you get more horsepower….
Here are some pictures of the board. The first one is the front of the board, and the second is where the real "magic" happens.
Fortunately the company took the return and it ultimately did not cost
me anything. Yes, I knew going in that this was too good to be true, but
I was just curious what the scam really was.
Unfortunately, the company initially decided to take a "restocking fee" of 25%. The highlights of the subsequent email exchange with them are:
- I told them that I thought their claims and product were a total scam.
- They took umbrage with my description of their product as a scam, but graciously refunded the remaining 25% of the cost.
- Unfortunately, they went too far and questioned my analysis.
- I took the opportunity to describe the circuitry of their product to them, and to tell them that this was a scam since the purpose of the octal latch in the design was simply to deceive their customers.
- Hilarity ensued when they claimed that the useless latch was there for "aesthetic reasons" and that they never claimed that it did anything.
I found this to be one of the most humorous and revealing exchanges I've ever had. Their righteous indignation was amusing in the extreme. They remain unapologetic about their scheme.
It turns out that there is a whole website dedicated to this same thing: http://www.gforcechipscam.com/. Basically another person who got taken in.
What did I learn from this? Mostly that our society has fallen so far away from honest behavior that it's not even embarrassing when someone points out such scams. Rather, it's just someone who is not quite as big a sucker, but there are many others out there to still be fleeced.
May we all just take that one extra second to check to see if the "Baloney Alert" is flashing when we consider parting with money or rights...
Randy
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PS - In case you're interested, here's the full email exchange. Read from the bottom.
Note that their last message was sent with High importance. Not sure why, but I don't think they like the curtain pulled back.
From: G Force - Customer Support [mailto:sales@gforcechips.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 4:19 PM
To: Randy
Subject: RE: Order #- Return Received - Refund Submitted
Importance: High
Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 4:19 PM
To: Randy
Subject: RE: Order #- Return Received - Refund Submitted
Importance: High
The octal latch has no
function at all. It is just there for aesthetic purposes. We never claimed or
advertised it having an octal latch and the octal latch doing anything. Just
like cars have fake vents for air, when they are really non-functional. Same
concept.
An FYI, the dyno charts
found on the website are real tests done by third parties.
Our website couldn't be
clearer:
"The GF module
installs into your FORD F150's engine bay and is connected via 2 wires that
plug into the IAT sensor."
Additionally, if you
ever email our company, and ask how they work, we are quick to respond that
they are designed in a way to manipulate the IAT sensor with our own settings.
This concept works.
People have been doing it to their vehicles for years.
We appreciate your
input.
From: Randy
Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 4:12 PM
To: G Force - Customer Support
Subject: RE: Order #- Return Received - Refund Submitted
Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 4:12 PM
To: G Force - Customer Support
Subject: RE: Order #- Return Received - Refund Submitted
It’s really no good trying to defend the indefensible.
Inside of your “chip” is a CMOS octal latch but with no power, ground, or
logical connections. Just 4 resistors made to look like they are attached
to the TSSOP20 package. But, turn the board over and you see the real
connection, one trace that connects 4 resistors in series to get effectively a
34Kohm resistor.
Anyone can attach a resistor across their MAS to get a richer
mix, but it’s hopeless trying to claim that this is anywhere near more
efficient. Sure, you get more horsepower temporarily but at the expense
of clogged injectors and fouled plugs and worse emissions. If you were
not trying to perpetrate a scam, then you’d have the guts to just stick in a
resistor like other units do and admit what you’re providing, not try to
disguise the truth.
Seriously, would your mother be proud of what you’re doing?
From: G Force
- Customer Support [mailto:sales@gforcechips.com]
Sent: Sunday, June 23, 2013 4:10 PM
To: Randy
Subject: RE: Order #- Return Received - Refund Submitted
Sent: Sunday, June 23, 2013 4:10 PM
To: Randy
Subject: RE: Order #- Return Received - Refund Submitted
Randy,
Scam? Our modules are clearly described on our website. Every piece
of electronics in the world contains a "resistor". Seems like you are
up too late at night reading false reviews.
All the dyno results found on our website are REAL, and VERIFIED.
Believe it or not, manipulating your IAT's resistance value when done right,
actually increases your engine's efficiency.
We don't advertise our items reprogramming your ECU, or anything
other than what our modules actually do.
As a one time courtesy, we have refunded your 25% restocking fee:
5335045423
|
$17.25
|
Refund
|
Approved
|
Refund
|
6/23/2013 4:11 PM
|
1
|
This transaction has been approved.
|
Thank you!
From: Randy
Sent: Sunday, June 23, 2013 4:06 PM
To: G Force - Customer Support
Subject: RE: Order #- Return Received - Refund Submitted
Sent: Sunday, June 23, 2013 4:06 PM
To: G Force - Customer Support
Subject: RE: Order #- Return Received - Refund Submitted
Thanks for the clarification.
I do have to say, though, that $70 for a resistor is just
perpetrating a scam. I did not know this at the time of ordering, but it
became clear once I saw how it connected and through looking at it with an ohm
meter. You really should be ashamed of yourselves. I’ll make sure
to help others get the word out.
Thanks,
Randy
From: G Force
- Customer Support [mailto:sales@gforcechips.com]
Sent: Sunday, June 23, 2013 3:57 PM
To: Randy
Subject: RE: Order #- Return Received - Refund Submitted
Sent: Sunday, June 23, 2013 3:57 PM
To: Randy
Subject: RE: Order #- Return Received - Refund Submitted
Randy,
Correct me if I am wrong, but we got this item back unused. Unused
items do not qualify for our 100% satisfaction guarantee on items you tried and
installed:
Refused Shipments or Standard Returns on
Unused Merchandise
If a customer refuses delivery or chooses to return an unused
order within 14 days of receipt, for any reason, you will be subject to
shipping costs to and from, as well as a 25% restocking fee. If you change your
mind about your purchase, or feel you have ordered the wrong model, please
accept shipment, contact us as shown above for an RMA, and return the product
in that fashion.
Thank you!
From: Randy
Sent: Sunday, June 23, 2013 10:46 AM
To: G Force - Customer Support
Subject: RE: Order #- Return Received - Refund Submitted
Sent: Sunday, June 23, 2013 10:46 AM
To: G Force - Customer Support
Subject: RE: Order #- Return Received - Refund Submitted
I just verified the refund submitted. Unfortuntely, the
amount refunded is only 75% of the purchase price. Exactly why is this
the case?
I request that you refund the remainder at your earliest
convenience.
Thanks,
Randy
From: G-Force
Customer Service [mailto:sales@gforcechips.com]
Sent: Friday, June 21, 2013 11:50 AM
To: Randy
Subject: Order #- Return Received - Refund Submitted
Sent: Friday, June 21, 2013 11:50 AM
To: Randy
Subject: Order #- Return Received - Refund Submitted
Hello
Randy Steck,
This email has been sent to inform you that your order, #, has been
updated to a status of Return Received - Refund Submitted. |
