After digging into the buzz around OBD2 chip tuners in car enthusiast forums, I decided to explore if these devices live up to the hype. Like many, I was skeptical. Are OBD2 chips just resistor scams, blinking lights promising performance gains they can’t deliver? However, several companies are now employing OBD2 technology to adjust air/fuel mixture and ignition timing, claiming real performance improvements. Intrigued, I decided to test one of these chips myself.
Some OBD2 tuning chips have already been discussed and reviewed within the car community. Forums and dedicated review sites offer insights into products like the VP15 OBD2 Volo Chip, as highlighted in discussions on MirageForum and Performance Chip Reviews.
The Volo VP15, for instance, is presented as a user-friendly option for those seeking performance enhancements without a full custom tune. Forum member Loren shared his initial positive impressions, noting its potential to deliver claimed benefits for a reasonable price. He even ordered one to see if it could further enhance his Mitsubishi Mirage’s performance after installing a header and exhaust system.
Performance Chip Reviews also featured the Sawyer Tuning ST8PRO OBD2 ECU Performance Chip in their evaluations.
While I considered the Volo VP15, I ultimately opted to try the ST8PRO. Both chips operate on similar principles and appear to share hardware similarities. Although the Volo VP15 offers some degree of user customization, the ST8PRO appealed to me with its straightforward approach. My communication with a Sawyer Tuning representative further solidified my decision. They guaranteed the ST8PRO’s compatibility with my 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage and assured me of a lifetime warranty and satisfaction guarantee. The representative stated, “The chip does detect mods and fuel grade changes and adds them into the tune,” which suggested a degree of adaptability and intelligence beyond a simple resistor.
Priced similarly to the Volo VP15, the ST8PRO felt like a low-risk experiment. The potential for increased MPG alone could offset the cost within a year, and the no-risk return policy eliminated any financial concerns.
Leaving the technical deep dives to experts like Loren, my perspective is that of a regular car enthusiast enjoying modifications to enhance my vehicle. And from this perspective, the ST8PRO OBD2 chip genuinely impressed me. The improvement in throttle response was immediately noticeable – quicker, smoother, and more linear. The engine felt more responsive and eager to rev, exhibiting a newfound “freedom.” Low-end torque felt more accessible, and the engine pulled more strongly across the rev range. It felt as if the usable power band had expanded, making acceleration and high-speed cruising feel more effortless. Even the engine idle was smoother, and reverse gear transitions felt less abrupt.
Beyond the subjective feel, I also observed tangible improvements in fuel economy. My initial MPG readings showed a positive trend, and after a few hundred miles, I consistently recorded a 2+ MPG increase, even with spirited driving. The chip’s “intelligent learning” adapting to driving habits over time might further optimize fuel efficiency.
While this isn’t a dyno-backed, technical analysis, my real-world experience indicates that the ST8PRO OBD2 chip delivers on its promises. For those seeking a foundational performance boost and potential MPG gains, OBD2 chips like the ST8PRO offer a surprisingly effective and budget-friendly solution. While it might not replace a full ECU re-flash, it serves as a worthwhile interim upgrade, especially while waiting for more comprehensive tuning options to become readily available.
