Upgrade computer chips on ebay... do they work?

[84pininfarinablack]

I have seen many ads on ebay for high performance computer chips for fiat spiders and just about every other car in existence. Price is about fifty bucks. My question to you fiat geniuses is do they work ? Do you actually get a horse power increase ? and save gas ? lol My gut would tell me no but what in the heck are they selling ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/25BHP-PE ... 5ad5101900

[narfire]

I have a FI spider, kinda wonder where one would find a computer chip. Did they have them in 79-80?
Brand name of a potato chip?
Carefull on this one

[pope]

If you see one for a Fiat Spider, I would like to see it also. This one is for a Punta. Spiders have analog computers and I doubt that anyone has done a chip of any sorts for us. Only 80 - 85 Fuel Injected had computers

[manoa matt]

I've seen the listing before, it goes something like this: Fiat spider 68-85 chip, gain 25+ HP for $50

That "chip" is a control module for the 79-85 electronic ignition coils. Similar to the Accel performance contol module you see advertised for around $40. They don't have their facts straight since its not technically a computer chip, and 68-78 spiders don't come with electronic ignitions.

[ga.spyder]

Matt is right.Some of the vendors sell a performance module for the Spider,but it is the same as the Accel unit you can get from Summit Racing for 40.00.It is basically a GM module.I bought and installed one and the difference was not noticeable.
Craig

[mbouse]

I have a FI spider, kinda wonder where one would find a computer chip. Did they have them in 79-80?
Brand name of a potato chip?
Carefull on this one

huh?

[So Cal Mark]

the only difference in the Accel ignition module from the oem GM unit was a few degrees of ignition timing under certain circumstances

[84pininfarinablack]

so the consensus is that its a waste of money..

[mbouse]

sound like that is the correct summary

[texan168]

Im by no means a fiat expert but couldn't resist putting in my two cents. Most of the "chips" sold now days are plug in tools much like a scan tool that upgrades your performance perameters on newer cars. On newer cars they work excellent but if a vehicle has any kind of mileage they are dangerous. I put one on an F350 tow vehicle towing an extreme amount of weight and it was extraordinary right up to when I cracked 3 pistons and a cyl appx 2 months later.

[MNspiderman]

there are no fiat spider "chips" and if there are, they are not going to do anything for a spider. You might as well put that sidewinder thing in your intake tube and gain another "proven" 25 horsepower.