7 CHIPS TO CHOOSE FROM? WHICH ONE?

[ADAMSLOTUS]

Im going to buy a new chip. Which one would be the best to buy and would cause no damage to the stock engine? Out of 1-7 what is the highest I can go without facing serious serious consequences. I know I want the one does at least 290 HP preferably the one that has 18 percent more torque as well. Can i go higer while still being safe, say to the 310 or even 330 hp? Thanks!



Chips #1-7 are all available for the 2.2 litre chargecooled engine. Number 0 is the tamest and number 7 is the most aggressive. #15 is for non-chargecooled turbos and #10 is for the 2.0 litre chargecooled GT3/S engine.

4cyl. Chip #0. original Lotus S4-code

— will give stock 265/(285*)HP but is more refined compared to the old SE code
— this is a good choice for SE-owners who want to keep stock performance but benefit from the more refined code
* = in overboost mode



4cyl. Chip #1. original Lotus S4s-MK5-code

— will give about 290HP, but still has the 3k-stumble and the well known A/C-on-off-idle-problem
— is suited as a performance upgrade for all SE/S4, gives more power and a bit more torque



4cyl. Chip #2. improved S4s-MK5-code with the 3k stumble reduced

— will also give about 290HP and a little more torque +5% in low and midrange
— gives very good driveability and is a very good and safe performance upgrade for all SE/S4



4cyl. Chip #3. High-Torque-S4s-code

— is based on the improved S4s-Mk5-code but with +18% torque
— will also give about 290 HP top end
— is a very good choice like the improved S4s but with that additional punch in low and midrange



4cyl. Chip #4. High-Performance code 310HP

— is based on the improved S4s MK5 code
— max. boost pressure 1.1 bar



4cyl. Chip #5. High-Performance code 330HP (also based on the improved S4s Mk5 code)

— is based on the improved S4s Mk5 code
— max. boost pressure 1.2 bar



4cyl. Chip #6. Red-Race-code

— special code based on the S4s-Mk5 or Sport300
— max. boost up to 1.25 bar
— Codes personalised for your Esprit



4cyl. Chip #7. Blue race code

— special code based on the S4s-Mk5 or Sport300
— more radical as the red one, for Esprits with larger Turbo's & fuelling
— max. boost up to 1.25 bar
— Codes personalised for your Esprit
— Really for the track only



4cyl. Chip #10. High-Performance code 280HP for 2.0 litre GT3-engine

— is based on the improved GT3 MY99 code
— max. boost pressure 1.1 bar
— greatly improved torque +10% and improved high end power
— for use with stock and slightly Modified 2.0 litre engines



4cyl. Chip #15. High-Performance code 260HP for non chargecooled Esprit
— max. boost pressure 0.85 bar
— greatly improved torque +10% and improved high end power
— much improved safety levels to protect the engine (MAT temp, water-temp, knock, and many more)
— for use with stock and slightly modified engines
— only for use on post GM M.P.F.I engines without chargecooler

[cnh1990]

I would go for a 3 or 4. Any more than that I would take a good look at your clutch condition. Even those chips I would take a serious evaluation at your cars mileage pertaining to clutch condition.

The S4s does have a better/stronger clutch than a SE, I assume to handle the increased HP. How much better, don't know. It costs more. A S4s clutch can be fitted to an SE but the master cyl must also be replaced with the one for an S4s as the stroke is and pressure needed is different for the S4s.

The Chips probably won't hurt an engine/turbo if it is solid and in good working order. The extra HP/torque depending on how it is used may accelerate clutch wear/failure. So be wary if you have 30-40 percent of clutch life left. I was thinking of getting the high torque chip myself but after hearing of the rear wheels spinning a lot in the test results. I have to take a good long look at if it will speed up my clutch wear a lot. I am still undecided.

After all if I have it, I will use the extra torque and the extra torque will make the clutch slip a bit I suppose contributing to faster wear. I like the idea of extra HP/torque, just not pleased with some of the down sides. After all we all want to keep driving our cars as much as possible with the least amount of down time.

So I guess it's back the age old question of reliability or performance.
Good luck in your choice,
Calvin 90 SE

[wcdeane]

I have the high torque S4S and the 330 Hp chip. Of the two, I much prefer the high torque chip. No doubt about it...it is awesome.

[madmike]

wcdeane said: I have the high torque S4S and the 330 Hp chip. Of the two, I much prefer the high torque chip. No doubt about it...it is awesome.

Please elaborate as to why. What are the differences, strengths and weaknesses of both?

[wcdeane]

The torque kicks in earlier, harder, and lasts longer with the high torque chip. It just seems that the power is right where you want and need it to be…mid range. Whereas, the peak torque on the 330 hp chip seems to be at higher RPM, where a person really doesn’t spend all that much time. Maybe if I had a bigger turbo I’d get better performance out of the 330 hp chip. However, I do have the T3 hybrid, which is a pretty potent set up. Maybe someone else would care to comment on that.

Anyway, given the choice of only one chip…my choice would have to be the high torque. I think that this chip produces the best driving experience.

Darn, what a choice to have to make. Don’t fret over this too much, though. Either way, you going to go like hell.

[ADAMSLOTUS]

I was getting worried that no one would answer.......So the high torque chip eh?
My clutch is brand new. Just had it put in.

So i take it the high torque chip gives you more of a kick and is better on the 0-60?

[lotusespritworld]

I will be fully testing all the chips with a AP-22 Performance Meter over the coming month. I'll be able to give you a better idea of how each chip differs. I'm currently running Chip #4, which is pretty rapid.

Chip #3 is briliant for overtaking, town driving and generally low speed pick-up. If your tracking or looking for higher speed performance (as original) then Chip #4 or #5 is better.

Muscle Car or Road Racer?

kato
Lotus Esprit World

[wcdeane]

Sorry that I didn't get back right away. Of the three chips that I have had in my car S4S MK5, High Torque, and the 330 HP...I would have to say that the High Torque chip definately produces the best 0 to 60. Second would have to go to the S4S MK5, and the 330 HP would take a close third.

But understand that this MY observation of how these chips perform in MY car. She runs really well. It's a '91 SE with 30K miles, a T3 Hybrid and wide open 2-1/2" exhaust. Someone else with more turbo might get different results.

Cheers!...Walt