"Performance chip" mods

Might want to double check, but most people agree that these performance chips don't actually do anything.
Something about trying to force a different fuel/air ratio, but is often overridden by ecu or something.

If it seems too good to be true, it usually is

i purchased one and returned it immediately, in order for it to work on an 08 highlander you would have to splice it into the MAF/IAT. I didn't see the need to do this as it's only a resistor and not an actual chip. It's a great idea but not worth it in my opinion to potentially ruin the factory warranty. Besides, IMO the Highlander has enough power and my gas milelage isn't so bad. Hope this helps.

It's basically a 5 cent resistor you can get from Radio Shack. It basically fools the ECU thinking that the air coming into the engine is actually cooler than it really is thus using more fuel. Not worth the money IMO.

humanoid said:

It's basically a 5 cent resistor you can get from Radio Shack. It basically fools the ECU thinking that the air coming into the engine is actually cooler than it really is thus using more fuel. Not worth the money IMO.

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Wouldn't that actually reduce power as the fuel is not being burnt efficiently? The amount of air itself is not changing so adding more fuel will not do anything, unless the the engine is running really lean.

Yep, that is what I figured as well. Not worth the effort/money/risks for nothing.

With normally aspirated engines, even the best ECU upgrades won't get you much extra hp. Some of them will improve drivability and might give 5-10hp but that's about it.

With turbocharged cars, ECU upgrades can give very significant hp improvements. Sometimes they get you 1/3 more hp since the computer has control over the wastegate and can allow more boost if programmed for it.

The other thing these upgrades can do is change shift points and patterns with an automatic transmission. That said, I wouldn't bother with one on the Highlander even if I trusted the source. It's not worth it and the Highlander isn't a sports car.

It will not give you more power.

The car in close system will balance it out overtime.

Save your money and look for people that crack the ECU and upload a better fuel map to the car.