Cost 179.99 through JC Whitney
Why?
I originally purchased the CarChip E/X because of some problems that I had been having with my 2g 420a losing power. The theory being that, since I could not afford a real logger at the time, and had no need to tune with an AFC, that this would allow me some insight into what is happening with my engine.
What is it?
The CarChip is simply a plug and play device, much like the "performance chips" sold on Ebay. A computer is needed to read any stats pulled from the ECU, and as it is an OBDII compliant device, this is a 2g specific mod. It comes with the software to load onto your computer, and puts everything in nice layouts. You can choose to view each parameter as its own line graph or you can choose a table that has all parameters as the x-axis with the time of the reading on the y-axis.
You can create a seperate profile for individual drivers and individual cars, and by entering the information prior to plugging the chip back in, you can record who was driving what vehicle on a given day.
The CarChip records speed every five seconds along with the other parameters of your choosing, which I will cover momentarily. Speed bands can be set up for monitoring another driver's speed, i.e. anything over 75 is too fast and the CarChip will flag it for you. It also records how quickly you accelerate, measured in g's as well as how quickly you decelerate.
Parameters
Now what you have been waiting to hear. The parameters covered with this device, other than speed every five seconds are: Engine speed, throttle position, coolant temperature, engine load, intake manifold pressure, air flow rate, intake air temperature, timing advance, fuel pressure, fuel system status, short and long term fuel trims by bank, o2 sensor voltage by bank, and battery voltage all at 5 secs or longer if you choose. Unfortunately, after vehicle speed, you can only choose 4 other parameters. The CarChip E/X also reads diagnostic codes and takes a snapshot of engine stats for a few seconds before a code appears until a few seconds after, regardless of when it was set to check the parameters.
Why the E/X and not the base model for 139.99?
The base model records only the speed, date, and time. That's great for getting out of a ticket, but doesn't monitor engine stats.
Worth it?
If you loan your car out and want to see how other people drive it, or if you want to get out of a hefty ticket, sure. The parameters that it records are also recorded by the new AFC Neo for just dollars more, plus you would be able to tune with it when the time comes. I've tried it on several of my cars now, and it is handy to be able to swap it back and forth, but a code reader, and/or common sense work just as well. It can serve as a beginner's attempt to record their quarter mile time or possibly 0-60. I wouldn't buy it again if I had the chance.
[If you check eBay, the older serial versions are often available for as little at $10- that still leaves room for a USB/serial adapter.]
Why?
I originally purchased the CarChip E/X because of some problems that I had been having with my 2g 420a losing power. The theory being that, since I could not afford a real logger at the time, and had no need to tune with an AFC, that this would allow me some insight into what is happening with my engine.
What is it?
The CarChip is simply a plug and play device, much like the "performance chips" sold on Ebay. A computer is needed to read any stats pulled from the ECU, and as it is an OBDII compliant device, this is a 2g specific mod. It comes with the software to load onto your computer, and puts everything in nice layouts. You can choose to view each parameter as its own line graph or you can choose a table that has all parameters as the x-axis with the time of the reading on the y-axis.
You can create a seperate profile for individual drivers and individual cars, and by entering the information prior to plugging the chip back in, you can record who was driving what vehicle on a given day.
The CarChip records speed every five seconds along with the other parameters of your choosing, which I will cover momentarily. Speed bands can be set up for monitoring another driver's speed, i.e. anything over 75 is too fast and the CarChip will flag it for you. It also records how quickly you accelerate, measured in g's as well as how quickly you decelerate.
Parameters
Now what you have been waiting to hear. The parameters covered with this device, other than speed every five seconds are: Engine speed, throttle position, coolant temperature, engine load, intake manifold pressure, air flow rate, intake air temperature, timing advance, fuel pressure, fuel system status, short and long term fuel trims by bank, o2 sensor voltage by bank, and battery voltage all at 5 secs or longer if you choose. Unfortunately, after vehicle speed, you can only choose 4 other parameters. The CarChip E/X also reads diagnostic codes and takes a snapshot of engine stats for a few seconds before a code appears until a few seconds after, regardless of when it was set to check the parameters.
Why the E/X and not the base model for 139.99?
The base model records only the speed, date, and time. That's great for getting out of a ticket, but doesn't monitor engine stats.
Worth it?
If you loan your car out and want to see how other people drive it, or if you want to get out of a hefty ticket, sure. The parameters that it records are also recorded by the new AFC Neo for just dollars more, plus you would be able to tune with it when the time comes. I've tried it on several of my cars now, and it is handy to be able to swap it back and forth, but a code reader, and/or common sense work just as well. It can serve as a beginner's attempt to record their quarter mile time or possibly 0-60. I wouldn't buy it again if I had the chance.
[If you check eBay, the older serial versions are often available for as little at $10- that still leaves room for a USB/serial adapter.]
