This article delves into the purported benefits and drawbacks of using a Nitro OBD2 device to enhance your car’s power. These gadgets claim to deliver an impressive 35% increase in horsepower and 25% in torque, figures that rival those achieved through professional ECU remapping or piggyback modifications costing significantly more.
The device typically looks like this:
Interestingly, even when referring to the same product, packaging variations exist. One conceals the word “torque,” while the other doesn’t. This discrepancy raises suspicion about the authenticity of one of them. If genuine, why would identical products have different packaging?
Nitro OBD2 boasts user-friendly, plug-and-play installation. Simply connecting this device to your car’s OBD2 socket is said to unlock increased power. It supposedly remaps the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to optimize performance, adapting its settings to the driver’s habits after approximately 200km of driving.
These devices are available in different colors, each associated with a specific benefit. Yellow is for a 35% power increase in gasoline engines, red for a 35% power increase in diesel engines, and green for a 15% fuel efficiency improvement in gasoline engines.
The promised power gains are comparable to those offered by brands like Racechip, which are plug-and-play devices typically priced between $200 to $600 USD. Racechip devices, however, connect to turbo or injection control cables, a different approach compared to Nitro OBD2.
Products like Racechip Tuning Box or ProRacing OBD2 operate similarly to Nitro OBD2 but offer adjustable settings for a more customized tuning experience.
Conversely, ProRacing ChipBox adopts a method closer to Racechip, directly interfacing with engine components rather than through the OBD2 port.
A local equivalent, Equteche, exists but is primarily designed for motorcycles. It’s made by Gisik Untung (G6).
What are the experiences of users who have already tried Nitro OBD2?
According to forum discussions from Avanza and Xenia owners (popular car models in Indonesia), some users have reported positive experiences.
eyb: “When modifying cars, the choice is between power or efficiency. I initially tweaked the air sensor to read colder, which drastically changed the ECU readings. The response became very light, even just by shorting it with a resistor. Back then, chip tunings were still very expensive. Then, I modified the voltage on the MAP and O2 sensors using an IC 7805 series and potentiometer. This method is more custom, allowing us to adjust for economy or sport mode. Branded tools that manipulate these sensors, like Apexi with AFR indicators, require specialized knowledge of engine management, leading to significant costs.”
eyb: “For low MPVs like Avanza/Xenia, the yellow chip tuning box is quite effective. Low-end torque is noticeably improved, making maneuvers more agile. Just a slight press on the gas pedal and it takes off. Initially, I was skeptical about the compatibility of OBD2 in older Avanza/Xenia models with this new product. But the yellow one definitely makes driving more fun and responsive.
Hendra_Hartono: “Impressive. I use the yellow one. There’s a change in power and torque, but fuel consumption isn’t worse.”
eyb: “Just use the yellow one… it’s smoother and more enjoyable to drive. The AC load is less noticeable on the engine. The green one is more fuel-efficient than stock. Usually, it costs 250,000 IDR for a full tank, now it’s only 230,000 IDR. Overall, I prefer the yellow one. Tested on a 2010 Avanza M/T. The green one is still being tested on a 1.5 AVS automatic, only 90 km so far, full-to-full test. Target is 250,000 IDR of Pertalite (gasoline) lasting 2 weeks, as currently it needs refueling every week. Engine not serviced yet, no carbon cleaning, and heavy knocking when using Premium fuel.”
aldinof: “Coincidentally, last Sunday I drove to Samarinda, about 80km, with many inclines. After installing this device, I felt that inclines that usually required 3rd gear could be managed halfway in 5th gear, then 4th gear (road conditions were bumpy, so couldn’t monitor closely). Always carrying 4 people (2 adults, 1 teenager, 1 child). For overtaking other cars, my personal satisfaction scale is 8.5. Nitro OBD2 doesn’t seem to significantly affect fuel consumption. BTW, this is with a combination of Nitro + Apex air filter.”
aldinof: “Turns out OBD2 Nitro is suitable for a 2016 Gran Max 1.5 Pickup. Initially, I didn’t tell the driver I installed Nitro OBD2. The next day, I asked if there was any change in power, and it was quite noticeable. Inclines that usually needed 3rd gear can now be climbed in 4th or 5th (unloaded). The seller wasn’t even sure if this device would work on this unit. Hopefully, this can be a reference for others considering Nitro OBD2 for a Gran Max Pickup.”
These user comments suggest satisfaction, with users feeling an increase in power. Common indicators include improved throttle response and reduced engine load from the AC. These results are somewhat similar to experiences with products like cemenite and pro capacitor, but with a key difference: Nitro OBD2’s power increase might not be accompanied by fuel efficiency gains, unless opting for the green-colored variant specifically marketed for fuel saving. This implies that Nitro OBD2 may not enhance engine efficiency but rather alters settings to become either more power-oriented (and potentially less fuel-efficient) or more fuel-efficient (and potentially less powerful).
However, some users reported a decrease in power at higher RPMs. Dyno tests also indicate a lack of significant power increase, as detailed in this report: Tes Piggyback Instan Nitro OBD 2 Ngedrop Mulai 5.000 Rpm Ke Atas.
Jakarta – Instant Piggyback Nitro OBD 2, a plug-and-play device for performance upgrades, is currently a hot topic online. Priced around $10 USD by resellers (for gasoline versions), it’s compatible with various vehicles, piquing curiosity about its effectiveness. Packaging claims boast up to a 35% increase in power and 25% in torque.
Installation is indeed simple, just plug it into the OBD2 socket. In a 2012 Toyota Avanza A/T, the OBD2 socket is located under the steering wheel on the left. To assess its impact, Garden Speed workshop’s Dynopack was used. This New Zealand-made device directly connects to the axle, measuring engine power and torque output. The results? • (otomotifnet.com)
- The initial impression is a change, especially in lower RPMs. It feels more responsive; a slight touch on the gas pedal feels more energetic. 5. However, dyno data reveals less significant gains. While there’s a slight responsiveness improvement in lower RPMs (2,500-3,000 rpm) with Nitro OBD2 (thin line in graph), performance actually decreases at higher RPMs (5,000 rpm).
The dyno test suggests that the power increase is not significant or non-existent. If this is the case, why do many users report feeling a significant power increase? This discussion from a Nissan Juke forum might offer an explanation: Nissan Juke Engine Discussion – Obd2 tuning box
Bargeld: “Typically, those just change the gas pedal response… so 50% pedal position with the plugin is the same as 100% without it. Or 25% pedal position = old 50%, etc. They can also try to fool the ECU into thinking the MAF air temp is colder than it actually is, so it squirts more fuel. The Juke already runs rich, so this would be a bad thing and probably decrease mpg.”
This explanation suggests that Nitro OBD2 devices primarily alter the gas pedal response, making the car feel more responsive with less pedal input. It might also trick the ECU into thinking the intake air temperature is colder, leading to a richer fuel mixture.
In conclusion, for a relatively low price, Nitro OBD2 can provide a perceived increase in power. The most noticeable effect likely stems from manipulating the gas pedal sensor. The actual power increase is unlikely to be as substantial as the advertised 35%.
While the claimed 35% power increase should theoretically result in significantly faster acceleration compared to similar vehicles, the real-world effect seems to be more subtle, like reduced AC load and improved hill climbing at lower RPMs. However, for its price range, the perceived improvement is arguably comparable to modifications like pro capacitors. The key difference is that pro capacitors might offer both power gains and fuel efficiency, whereas Nitro OBD2 seems to separate these benefits into different color-coded units: yellow for power and green for economy.
The insignificant dyno test results indicate that Nitro OBD2 is probably not reliable for serious performance enhancement, such as drag racing. Its reliability is questionable, possibly due to counterfeit products or the device not functioning correctly at full throttle during dyno testing. For more reliable performance tuning, plug-and-play devices from brands like ProRacing or Racechip might be more suitable. However, if you’re primarily seeking a sensation of increased responsiveness for daily driving, Nitro OBD2 could be a consideration. Just don’t expect a genuine 35% power increase as advertised.
If you’re interested in trying Nitro OBD2, it’s advisable to seek recommendations from users with positive experiences. Ask them about their purchase source or vendor to minimize the risk of buying a counterfeit product.
One lingering question remains: if this device can alter ECU settings solely through the OBD2 socket, why aren’t there readily available Android or iPad apps capable of doing the same? Currently, numerous OBD2 interface tools can read and adjust ECU settings. This raises questions about the actual sophistication and unique functionality of Nitro OBD2.
