JDM PROm Performance Chip Module

JDM ProM Performance Chip Module Appearance
JDM PROm Performance Chip Module
From our Analysis:

From our research and review, it is our opinion that the JDM PROm Performance Chip Module Works! You will DEFINITELY want to try this!

Works!

Company Profile

The manufacturer is a company called JDM Performance. They are based in the USA and have been in the tuning market for several years, giving them more weight than previously reviewed products.

Their website, performancechiptuning.comjdmperformancechip.com or eBay.  

The JDM PROm Performance Chip Module offers this and several other versions of their OBD and other performance products. The direct product page is here:

https://www.performancechiptuning.com/brands/JDM.html

The case and design are unique, so it will be interesting to see what this chip actually does. 

From the jdmperformancechip.com website:

“JDM PRO Chips remap the timing of the ignition to give you greater throttle response. These mapping specifications will optimize performance increase fuel economy and deliver maximum horsepower otherwise restricted by factory settings. Our microprocessor controlled tuning Chips contain engine-specific dynamic “maps” that are placed in the unit’s memory. The “maps” are all dynamometer tested and proven to give a very noticeable increase in performance. This intelligent feature gives the unit the ability to work in sync with your engine, providing economy or power depending on your driving requirements..”

Cost

The cost on the website at the time of this review was $289.99 USD for the JDM PROm Performance Chip Module, and $199.95 on eBay, which claims to provide enhanced pickup, power, and engine performance enhancements.

This price is a bit higher than any chip we have reviewed so far. Hopefully, it warrants better performance than most of the previous chips.

Product Appearance

JDM-ProM-Performance-Chip-Module-Appearance
JDM-ProM-Performance-Chip-Module-Appearance
 

The JDM ProM chip comes in two versions, the blue version, and the white version with a flexible OBD cable for fitment to the OBD port.

Installation steps were fairly straightforward:

“Step 1: Locate your OBD2 port.

Step 2: Insert stage 1 into your vehicle’s port while the vehicle is in off position.

Step 3: Insert vehicle key and turn the vehicle switch one position (or press your start button) without starting the vehicle. Your dash gauges will turn on. The JDM PROm Performance Chip Module needs about 5-10 seconds in this stage to transmit data from your vehicle’s ECU. After 10 seconds, you can start the vehicle normally.

Step 4: Once your vehicle is started for the first time, the JDM PROm Performance Chip Module begins a learning process. This process involves gathering data from your onboard computer and transmitting overrides to your ECU for performance and fuel economy improvements. Results can take up to 2 weeks of normal driving to fully complete. ”

Sounds more believable than most previous modules we tested

– Let’s see if it works.

Internal Analysis

First, the board shape itself is unique. – we see a much more complex circuit board than most of the performance chips-  A large IC with a JDM-USA Rev. 6.0 label on it and a voltage regulator. 
JDM-ProM-Performance-Chip-Module-Blue-Model-with-OBD-Plug-blue
JDM-ProM-Performance-Chip-Module-Blue-Model-with-OBD-Plug-blue
First of all, we see the 4-pin ISP single road for programming – it suggests the chip is programmed before assembly, which means it’s custom programmed for a specific vehicle. it has a 20mhz Resonator which is more accurate than the lower cost internal oscillators so it cannot be another light scam chip. 
 
JDM-ProM-Performance-Chip-Module-PCB-Board-Internal
JDM-ProM-Performance-Chip-Module-PCB-Board-Internal
 
 

The large IC chip is of primary interest to us.  The chip may seem to be physically larger than any we have seen so far in our reviews and after doing several tests such as Program Memory type, CAN protocol, Program Max Memory Size, and Max CPU Speed after all test have made we determine the Chip installed it’s a JDM/Microchip version of the PIC18F4580 (CAN Bus and CAN FD Bus ) with 32KB of Programming Memory verified through our lab tests.

JDM-ProM-Performance-Chip-Module-Inside-IC
JDM-ProM-Performance-Chip-Module-Inside-IC
JDM-ProM-Performance-Chip-Module-IC-PIC18F4580
JDM-ProM-Performance-Chip-Module-IC-PIC18F4580
 
 

We examined the OBD connections from the connector to the circuit board and the following nine pins are connected: 2,4,5,6,7,10,14,15,16.

Let’s  check the OBD protocols and which pins they require:

http://www.pfdiagnose.com/FAQ1.html
http://www.pfdiagnose.com/FAQ1.html

From this chart, we see the following protocols and which pins must be present for them to be used:

CAN – 4, 6, 14, 16

PWM -2, 4, 5, 10, 16

VPW – 2, 4, 5, 16

ISO – 4, 5, 7, 16

So we can conclude from this that the JDM PROm Performance Chip Module:

HAS all OBD connections to the CAN protocol

HAS all OBD connections for the PWM protocol

HAS all OBD connections for the ISO protocol

HAS all OBD connections for the VPW protocol

From these connections, the JDM PROm Performance Chip Module does have the capability to interface to any of these protocols. According to the product information, the company claims it is custom programmed for use with only one vehicle. For use on another vehicle, it must be reprogrammed.

Operation

We connected the JDM PROm Performance Chip Module to our BMW 3 Series 2003 3.0L as instructed and the lights came on as expected:

For about 1 week we drove a few miles and did notice a definite improvement in throttle response and pick up power and extra torque. In addition, the idle and overall handling of the engine did seem to be smoother. We tested in a large run and noticed we had gained almost 2MPG on fuel economy.

JDM ProM Performance Chip Module Lights
JDM ProM Performance Chip Module Lights

Analysis

It is clear from our analysis so far that the JDM PROm Performance Chip Module is capable of delivering real gains and is a good choice for those seeking a general tuning solution.

Company Response

We sent the following message to the company before completing this review and received this response.

Our message to the company:

Hello,

We are an automotive performance chip review group and saw your performance chip listing. We have a few questions about your product:

1) Can you assure us this is not a scam?
2) Do you have any real-world proof?

Company’s response:

JDM ProM email response
JDM ProM email response

We did receive this prompt response and they provided many references for proof of their product’s vehicle enhancement. We are impressed with the straightforward answers they provided.

Conclusion

From our research and review, it is our opinion that the JDM PROm Performance Chip Module Works! You will DEFINITELY want to try this

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GTE Stage 1 Performance Chip

GTE Stage STAGE 1 Performance Chip MODULE
GTE Stage 1 Performance Chip Module
From our Analysis:

From our research and review, it is our opinion that the GTE Stage 1 Performance Works! You will DEFINITELY want to try this!

Works!

Company Profile

The manufacturer is a company called GTE.

Their website, performancechiptuning.com, offers this and several other versions of their OBD and other performance products. The direct product page is here:

https://www.performancechiptuning.com/brands/GTE.html

 

Cost

The cost on the website at the time of this review was $149.95 USD for the GTE Performance Chip module, and $139.95 on eBay, which claims to provide Better Gas Mileage, enhanced pickup, power, and engine performance enhancements.

Cost is an average one, given that so far it appears to be a real chip, not a resistor or light blinker scam. It is an average price point. We purchased one from eBay for testing.

Product Appearance

GTE Performance Chip Tuning Stage 1 Chip
GTE Performance Chip Tuning Stage 1 Chip

The OBD performance module comes in the black case shown in the picture, It doesn’t need an OBD extension cable for placing the chip. The module plugs in directly to the vehicle OBD port.

Installation:

Installation steps were fairly straightforward:

“Step 1: Locate your OBD2 port.

Step 2: Insert stage 1 into your vehicle’s port while the vehicle is in off position.

Step 3: Insert vehicle key and turn the vehicle switch one position (or press your start button) without starting the vehicle. Your dash gauges will turn on. The GTE Stage 1 Performance Chip module needs about 5-10 seconds in this stage to transmit data from your vehicle’s ECU. After 10 seconds, you can start the vehicle normally.

Step 4: Once your vehicle is started for the first time, the GTE Stage 1 Performance Chip module begins a learning process. This process involves gathering data from your onboard computer and transmitting overrides to your ECU for performance and fuel economy improvements. Results can take up to 2 weeks of normal driving to fully complete. ”

Sounds different than most previous modules we tested – Let’s see if it works.

Internal Analysis

 After removing the cover from the module – we see a much more complex circuit board than most of the performance chips- Also, note there is a button, but it has no hole cut through the case. Which is meant to be only for programming or testing purposes.
 
GTE Stage 1 Performance Chip Module PCB Circuit Board Review / Analysis.
GTE Stage 1 Performance Chip Module PCB Circuit Board Review / Analysis.
 
The  IC has a JDM-USA Rev. 6.0 label on it. After doing several tests such as Program Memory type, CAN protocol, Program Max Memory Size, and Max CPU Speed and after all test have been made, we determined that the Chip installed is a JDM/Microchip version of the PIC16F59 with improved Programming Memory to 24KB and CAN Bus support verified through our lab tests. We have seen this relabeling from Microchip in other computer related parts such as video cards. However, we are not here to criticize how Microchip handles custom build chips so we are moving forward.   
GTE Stage 1 Performance Chip PCB Circuit Board JDM-USA Label Removed
GTE Stage 1 Performance Chip PCB Circuit Board JDM-USA Label Removed
 
it has a 4mhz Resonator which is more accurate than the lower cost internal oscillators found on other performance chips so it cannot be another light scam chip. 
GTE Stage 1 Performance Chip Resonator 4MHz it's more accurate than the lower cost internal oscillators
GTE Stage 1 Performance Chip Resonator 4MHz it’s more accurate than the lower cost internal oscillators
 
 
 So far, this board appears to possibly have the capability to do what is claimed:
 

We examined the OBD connections from the connector to the circuit board and the following nine pins are connected: 2,4,5,6,7,10,14,15,16.

Let’s  check the OBD protocols and which pins they require:

http://www.pfdiagnose.com/FAQ1.html
http://www.pfdiagnose.com/FAQ1.html

From this chart, we see the following protocols and which pins must be present for them to be used:

CAN – 4, 6, 14, 16

PWM -2, 4, 5, 10, 16

VPW – 2, 4, 5, 16

ISO – 4, 5, 7, 16

So we can conclude from this that the GTE Stage 1 Performance Chip module:

HAS all OBD connections to the CAN protocol

HAS all OBD connections for the PWM protocol

HAS all OBD connections for the ISO protocol

HAS all OBD connections for the VPW protocol

From these connections, the GTE Stage 1 Performance Chip Module does have the capability to interface to any of these protocols. According to the product information, the company claims it is custom programmed for use with only one vehicle. For use on another vehicle, it must be reprogrammed.

Operation

We connected the GTE Stage 1 Performance Chip Module to our BMW 3 Series 2003 3.0L as instructed and the lights came on as expected:

GTE Stage 1 Performance Chip Module working Power Link and Data Lights
GTE Stage 1 Performance Chip Module working Power Link and Data Lights

For about 1 week we drove only a few miles and did notice a definite improvement in throttle response and pick up power. In addition, the idle and overall handling of the engine did seem to be smoother. We tested in a large run and noticed we had gained almost 3MPG on fuel economy.

Analysis

It is clear from our analysis so far that the GTE Stage 1 Performance Chip Module is capable of delivering real gains and is a good choice for those seeking a general tuning solution.

Company Response

We sent the following message to the company before completing this review, and received this response.

Our message to the company:

Hello,

We are an automotive performance chip review group and saw your performance chip listing. We have a few questions about your product:

1) Can you assure us this is not a scam?
2) Do you have any real-world proof?

Company’s response:

GTE-Stage1-Performance-Chip-Module-Response-Email
GTE-Stage1-Performance-Chip-Module-Response-Email

It is comforting to receive a response that answers our questions without threats or intimidation for a change. The module does seem closer to the ‘real deal’ than many others we have analyzed to date.

Conclusion

From our research and review, it is our opinion that the GTE Stage 1 Performance Works! You will DEFINITELY want to try this!

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