JAY500

Has anybody had some good experience or comments on the Powerchip 93 Gold?? Looking to install on 2003 CLK500. Has anybody had problems after the install??

All remarks welcome!!

pointman

powerchip is a very good tuner. been around for a while and pretty trustworthy...go for it

Richard Galing

I've ran both software files 91 & 93 PC...is there a difference in power-pull? My buttdyno says yes, but not huge! Along with the increase in gas prices ( Unocal 76 100 octane @ $5.95 a gallon) even octane boost additives (I tend to use VP Racing fuels C5 @ $15) it's become a pricey investment. At the moment I opt to use the 91 version and occasional fill up on the 100 octane specially on warm days here in the valley area were the ECU will pull xtra timing. On a side note, Powerchip has provided me outstanding customer service...I believe this is a key element when purchasing software tuning products, issues may arise...and both Joel & Jessie returns messages promptly, even provides their cell# just in case the unexpected happens.

clkguy

i have been using VP performance unleaded at 100 octane and currently use the motorsport 103, both fuels oxygenated and o2 sensor and catalyst friendly,i buy in 55gal drum at $5 a gallon,have no data on current VP spec sheet about c5,can you provide info on this fuel,just wondering but would not consider a &15 gallon of any fuel,do you run this fuel 100% or mix?

Richard Galing

The C5 is actually an octane boost additive (up to 15 points)...I often source this product at Bottle Blown Racing in Oxnard.

www.vpracingfuels.com/C5.html

Thericker

use on or w/catalytic converters ?? I got the Powerchip tuning done on my 01' S500 nice results I'm pretty sure I got the 93 gold package
So what about this catalytic converter issue ? And do you notice any significant difference using that product? thanks for your help Sean...

Richard Galing

The one I use is acutally compatible with the catalytic converters, similar to the product on the link but a black bottle.

Thericker

Is it worth the hassle of adding these octane boosters?

stephens

Before you guys run off trying different fuels remember a few important facts.
There is nothing to be gained by running higher octane fuel except a bigger fuel bill, unless you are running increased compression, boost or both.
Generally higher octane fuels are denser. When you change to a higher octane fuel, you are effectively making the mixture richer, which reduces, not increases power.
The idea of richening fuel mixtures to increase power on modern cars is a fallacy. Most WOT mixtures are overly rich for engine safety in the first place.

speedybenz

stephens,

Did PC figure out how to raise the rpm limit for Mecedes

Richard Galing

I requested from the boyz at PC to do so on my updated software file, however since my car is still under warranty they suggested to wait due to stealership would diagnose the car as over-reving.

speedybenz

The reason I ask is that Powerchip also told me they could raise the rev limit on my C43 and then they went into all the reasons why that would be bad.

But when I forced the issue Powerchip confessed that they did not know how to raise the rev limit. I felt a little cheated. What was worse was that there was no increase in power at all, based on trap speed testing and Nology PDA dyno runs.

Zeppelin

Don't forget about more advanced timing, which is what the tuners like Powerchips do to gain more power. And once you advance the timing you run the risk of detonation and thats why you need higher octane fuel. If you don't run higher octane fuel the ECU will pull back timing when it senses detonation and the result is no power gain. So if the company says run 93 octane gas and you don't, then you just paid all that money on the ECU for nothing.

Richard Galing

This is interesting news...I will take it up with PC next time I'm nearby their office.

Kens-E55

Ditto on what Zeppelin is saying about the advanced timing. He is absolutely correct. Higher octane=cooler combustion temps=more advanced timing(when programmed)=more Torq.
Hence, you absolutely need good high octane fuel!

Kens-E55

stephens

Only when the car ECU is programmed for it.
The guys at PC are very conservative, so if they specify 93 octane, go with 93, but also don't be surprised if you get more power on 92.
I'm not recommending to run lower octane fuel than is specified, just floating a hypothesis.