So i have been discussing it in recent threads and i figured i'd condense all discussion into this as there are people genuinely interested in the outcome. For anybody who hasn't followed, i've ordered a RaceChip module ($250 low end unit) for my mostly stock FIST (RMM and CAI) so we shall see what happens. If it's garbage, 30 day return. For anybody curious of references, here's a few links and quotes from people i found online on another FIST forum where somebody asked about this product.
Somebody named BUMGRAPE halfway down page 1 -
"Racechip are fine, they are well known for other marques, as with boxes like Bluespark and JB+ etc. All they do is increase turbo boost slightly within defined parameters for that car. My mate has a racechip box on his Audi RS7 and it's a really impressive gain in boost. I have put a Bluespark on my M140i and again they make a noticeable difference. It has 5 settings to change the level of boost increase. I have it set to the middle position which is a modest increase in boost and it's really noticeable, gives the car a really nice extra kick on boost. They are a great way to boost power without touching the mapping of your car and so good if you don't want to risk warranty. They work by plugging into the loom and adjusting the boost levels based on the data from the ECU and map sensor. So all they are doing is increasing the boost by a small amount - the ECU still keeps the AFR under control and so the engine is kept within safe limits. I monitored the AFR on my M140i with the Bluespark and it's all within spec with no issues, but I have a really nice extra poke to the engine when the boost kicks in. As I say, if you are under warranty and want a way of increasing power in a way that can be quickly reversed with no sign and therefore not affect warranty, then they are a really good option. An MP215 with a Racechip or Bluespark box would probably be a pretty good setup I reckon. If you're not so worried about warranty (or out of warranty), then a re-map is a much better way of doing it with the likes of Collins etc. I personally loved the CP2 on MP215 hardware, but I wouldn't knock these boxes for those not wanting a remap as they do do what they are claiming."
Somebody named David Heavey, 3 posts later, same link -
"My experiences with RaceChip are excellent and I run one on my Skoda TDI VRS. Having been modded to comply with Dieselgate by Skoda which ruined the performance and the Fuel consumption that is 170 HP over went to 155 HP and the engine was much rougher, and the fuel consumption when from 52 to 42 MPG. To restore this I fitted a Top of the range Racechip package about 6 months ago. This results in a much quicker smoother engine performance and fuel consumption is 58 mpg and if I am a bit careful on a long run will give 65 MPG. You get three settings Economy, Sport and Race set from your smart phone and giving 16% 18% and 21% increases in HP or there about so 200 HP ish. I run in Sport all the time, why not? I have never tried Race because I don't need it. The engine runs much smoother, the Car goes like a Rocket ship and the fuel consumption is very good. The support help line is excellent and the fitting time is about 5 minutes and if your not good mechanically 10 minutes. You can take it off for MOT emissions testing and when you sell the Car. You can have it reprogrammed and move it onto a next Car. It did not increase the insurance cost but I am older and don't crash to much. Seems pretty good to me. A very good piece of kit. "
Lets keep an open mind here and please, be respectful and lets see what happens!
Somebody named BUMGRAPE halfway down page 1 -
"Racechip are fine, they are well known for other marques, as with boxes like Bluespark and JB+ etc. All they do is increase turbo boost slightly within defined parameters for that car. My mate has a racechip box on his Audi RS7 and it's a really impressive gain in boost. I have put a Bluespark on my M140i and again they make a noticeable difference. It has 5 settings to change the level of boost increase. I have it set to the middle position which is a modest increase in boost and it's really noticeable, gives the car a really nice extra kick on boost. They are a great way to boost power without touching the mapping of your car and so good if you don't want to risk warranty. They work by plugging into the loom and adjusting the boost levels based on the data from the ECU and map sensor. So all they are doing is increasing the boost by a small amount - the ECU still keeps the AFR under control and so the engine is kept within safe limits. I monitored the AFR on my M140i with the Bluespark and it's all within spec with no issues, but I have a really nice extra poke to the engine when the boost kicks in. As I say, if you are under warranty and want a way of increasing power in a way that can be quickly reversed with no sign and therefore not affect warranty, then they are a really good option. An MP215 with a Racechip or Bluespark box would probably be a pretty good setup I reckon. If you're not so worried about warranty (or out of warranty), then a re-map is a much better way of doing it with the likes of Collins etc. I personally loved the CP2 on MP215 hardware, but I wouldn't knock these boxes for those not wanting a remap as they do do what they are claiming."
Somebody named David Heavey, 3 posts later, same link -
"My experiences with RaceChip are excellent and I run one on my Skoda TDI VRS. Having been modded to comply with Dieselgate by Skoda which ruined the performance and the Fuel consumption that is 170 HP over went to 155 HP and the engine was much rougher, and the fuel consumption when from 52 to 42 MPG. To restore this I fitted a Top of the range Racechip package about 6 months ago. This results in a much quicker smoother engine performance and fuel consumption is 58 mpg and if I am a bit careful on a long run will give 65 MPG. You get three settings Economy, Sport and Race set from your smart phone and giving 16% 18% and 21% increases in HP or there about so 200 HP ish. I run in Sport all the time, why not? I have never tried Race because I don't need it. The engine runs much smoother, the Car goes like a Rocket ship and the fuel consumption is very good. The support help line is excellent and the fitting time is about 5 minutes and if your not good mechanically 10 minutes. You can take it off for MOT emissions testing and when you sell the Car. You can have it reprogrammed and move it onto a next Car. It did not increase the insurance cost but I am older and don't crash to much. Seems pretty good to me. A very good piece of kit. "
Lets keep an open mind here and please, be respectful and lets see what happens!
