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

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. 

 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.   

  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. 

   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:

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:

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:

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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