Re: Explaining Chip mods

[steveb@falcon.kla.com (Steven Buchholz)]

> 	BTW, I have never talked with any chip manufacturer that would 
> tell you exactly what he was doing to it.  But, that is why I will do 
> business with Ned, not TAP.  
> 
Actually Peter Wales from SuperChips was quite forthcoming with information 
openly on the quattro list about what was done, and what others could do 
without having to purchase any upgrade from them.  I can also cite examples 
of SC providing customer service similar to that provided by Ned.  If you 
peruse the archives back a few years you'll see a note that even Ned Ritchie 
was impressed by the SuperChips operation.  I am still disappointed that we 
booed Peter from the quattro list ... and I still don't understand why the 
web page's vendor list treats Superchips so much differently than TAP ... 
not that I disagree with the statement that is made, but that same caveat 
applies to TAP and IA as well.  

My recommendation to anyone that is contemplating a turbo performance up-
grade [since so many people on this list seem to have a strangely strict, 
yet incorrect definition of chip upgrade] is that you shop around.  I have 
no problem with Ned Ritchie ... I just think that he extracts a bit too high
a premium than I believe to be appropriate.  If you must have Ned's upgrade
and think that the entry fee is appropriate more power to you :), but if you
can't quite bring yourself to do so feel free to shop around!  Make sure to 
ask the vendors about what is done to the engine protection systems and ask 
for references.  Then make up your own mind.  

... and if it applies to your application ... IMHO you should seriously 
consider Scott M's "chip club" ...  

Steve Buchholz
s_buchho@kla.com
San Jose, CA (USA)