Computer Chip & Nitrous Works' Single-Stage Plate System Performance Test

Do Speed Parts Really Work Edelbrock Intake And Carb Making Horsepower

Computer Chips: Gimmick Or Go-Fast?
Price: About $250
How Much Faster?: 0.341 second/0.77 mph
Beginning in the early '80s, many American-made cars used on-board computers to control engine operation, and most had a small computer chip encrypted with specially calibrated operating parameters usually focusing more on safety than performance. The factory computer chips were also removable and that made the aftermarket happy.

Most car crafters have heard lots of boisterous claims of outstanding performance by merely swapping the stock chip for a performance aftermarket chip. Many companies would claim dragstrip e.t. improvements of 2, 3, or even 5 tenths-without hurting emissions! Those claims sounded a little finky to us, so we decided to put a chip to the test using a bone-stock '93 5.0 Mustang LX convertible with an AOD automatic tranny. All testing was done with Mickey Thompson 26x8.5-15 slicks to eliminate traction variables. The engine was at the same temp for each run, leaving at the same 1,200-rpm launch and shifting at 5,000 rpm. Did the chip really work? Take a look below. -John Kiewicz

Performance Testing
Description	E.T.	MPH	Improvement
Stock computer chip	15.792	88.44	Baseline run
Hypertech computer chip	15.451	89.21	-0.341sec/+0.77mph

Source
Hypertech
Dept. CC
1910 Thomas Rd.
Memphis, TN 38134
901/382-8888

We went with a standard chip from Hypertech that was a direct plug-in for the '93 auto-equipped 5.0 Mustang (PN 693111). Installing the chip requires removing the passenger-side front kick panel, loosening a few mounts, unplugging some harness connectors, and removing the stock computer. The Hypertech chip plugs into the computer's factory "service port" after first removing all the protective grease on the port terminals. Because the Hypertech chip is smog legal, there's no need to remove it when it comes time for a smog check. If your car is a different year or model than our test car, or if it's modified, Hypertech likely has a chip for your application.
We went with a standard chip from Hypertech that was a direct plug-in for the '93 auto-equ
It took us a while to find a bone-stock 5.0 Mustang in Los Angeles, but Wendy Hernandez offered her rig for testing (her 351-cube, Vortech-blown '92 Mustang was off limits, however). The car delivered consistent 15.80s with a best of 15.79. With no mods other than the Hypertech chip, the Mustang ran consistent 15.50s with a best of 15.45. For a mail-order price of about $250.00 (price differs for various applications), our chip change was a worthy mod.
It took us a while to find a bone-stock 5.0 Mustang in Los Angeles, but Wendy Hernandez of

The Nitrous Squeeze
Price: Around $400
How Much Faster?: 1.03 seconds/8.27 mph
In the Feb. '99 issue we used an engine dyno to test the real output of different "horsepower jets" to see if the dyno'd power was the same as the nitrous kit's rated power. In general, it wasn't. This month, we're taking nitrous testing a step further. Just how much quicker will a given nitrous horsepower boost make a typical street/strip musclecar? We tested a super-basic, entry-level system from The Nitrous Works; its Single-Stage Plate System is adjustable for 75, 125, 150, and 200 hp by changing nitrous and fuel jets. We went with the conservative 125hp jets and did multiple back-to-back runs with our 502-powered Chevelle to see what would happen. -John Kiewicz

The Nitrous Works' Single-Stage Plate System (PN 10010) is a no-brainer; it comes with everything needed for installation, including a 1/2-inch-thick Billet Atomizer nitrous plate, nitrous and fuel solenoids, nitrous/fuel jets, plumbing and mounting hardware, switches, a nitrous bottle, and instructions. Although not included, upgrading to a high-flow electric fuel pump (such as available from BG Fuel Systems) is strongly recommended.
The Nitrous Works' Single-Stage Plate System (PN 10010) is a no-brainer; it comes with eve
When running nitrous, it's a good idea to run high-octane fuel as well to slightly retard total ignition advance. Specific ignition and fuel changes depend on the level of nitrous used. We used a lower-level nitrous setting so we got by with some of The Outlaw octane booster and retarding the timing by 2 degrees.
When running nitrous, it's a good idea to run high-octane fuel as well to slightly retard
Did the entry-level nitrous kit with its 125hp jetting work? Oooooh, yeah baby! We slightly spun the tires out of the hole but still generated a 1.03-second e.t. improvement and a 8.27 mph gain! Our 60-foot times improved from 1.74 to a 1.60 and our 3,840-pound car nearly pulled its front tires on the launch. We were a scant 0.006-second away from running 10s, but there are always those 150hp jets in the kit!
Did the entry-level nitrous kit with its 125hp jetting work? Oooooh, yeah baby! We slightl