Topic: question for RRocket about performance chips for Dodge Journey Penstar V6

[life in the slow lane]

This questions is directed towards RRocket, who I consider the expert on this forum about this type of modification.

I have just ordered a Dodge Journey with the Penstar V6 and would like your opinion on chipping this vehicle.

I have seen ads advertising extra HP and fuel economy, but there are so many different chips out there, I am wondering is the extra expense worth it, espcially for the Journey?

If so, who are the better manufacturers of these chips?

[articsteve]

If you wish to speak only to one person the use PM feature.

"Chips" don't work in "adaptive learning" motors like you have.  You are looking for a "tune" which is an entire reprogramming of the PCM and is $$$$.  Two problems:  I read the Challenger forum regularly and haven't read about any yet for the new V6.  Engine and Tranny warranty are toast even if you remove the tune because the PCMs now record previous programing history.

Cold air intakes and exhausts are what ppl start with who are so inclined.

[articsteve]

In addition, the use of any "chip" requires 91 octane at a minimum because all the chip does is advance the timing so claims of better gas mileage are bogus.  More power from a detuned motor, yes, but the Penstar is far from a detuned motor.

[life in the slow lane]

In addition, the use of any "chip" requires 91 octane at a minimum because all the chip does is advance the timing so claims of better gas mileage are bogus.  More power from a detuned motor, yes, but the Penstar is far from a detuned motor.

Thanks ArticSteve

Your info was very helpful. I think you have answered my question and I will save my money.

I kind of figured that it was useless to chip the motor, but just wanted to find out.

My aplogies to all members of autos.ca  for only directing the question towards RRocket, it was poor judgement on my part to think that RRocket was the only one that would be able to answer my question.

[Vmango]

It's not bad. You can still ask a public question to RRocket on the forum and be able to get input from others.

FWIW tuning a Journey doesn't make sense. But, my tuned WRX makes 310 horsies and gets 35MPG up to the cottage!

The expense is only worth it if you are seriously performance minded as you could potentially run into warranty issues, etc.

[articsteve]

it was poor judgment on my part to think that RRocket was the only one that would be able to answer my question.

Poor judgment on this forum is a badge of honour. I possess a file folder full. 

Your Journey should really move with that motor. Congrats on the new purchase.

[life in the slow lane]

It's not bad. You can still ask a public question to RRocket on the forum and be able to get input from others.

FWIW tuning a Journey doesn't make sense. But, my tuned WRX makes 310 horsies and gets 35MPG up to the cottage!

The expense is only worth it if you are seriously performance minded as you could potentially run into warranty issues, etc.

After thinking about the chipping and getting a reply from AS, I decided that doing anything that might negate powertrain warranty for such little performance results are not worth it.

[Mike]

It's not bad. You can still ask a public question to RRocket on the forum and be able to get input from others.

FWIW tuning a Journey doesn't make sense. But, my tuned WRX makes 310 horsies and gets 35MPG up to the cottage!

The expense is only worth it if you are seriously performance minded as you could potentially run into warranty issues, etc.

After thinking about the chipping and getting a reply from AS, I decided that doing anything that might negate powertrain warranty for such little performance results are not worth it.

The engine in that rig has more than enough power.  The issue is the lazy 6-speed transmission.  Getting that reprogrammed would really wake up the Journey, but again you would run into potential warranty issues.

[airbalancer]

PM Jamie 1 is a mechanidealerc at Dodge

[life in the slow lane]

Thanks for the suggestions Mike and AirBalancer.

I must confess, I have never PM'd on this site so not sure how to do it, but I will try and figure it out.

As for reprogamming the tranny, that may be something to look at after its off warranty. I didn't opt for the extended warranty, so only have to wait 5 years 

[rrocket]

Thanks for the suggestions Mike and AirBalancer.

I must confess, I have never PM'd on this site so not sure how to do it, but I will try and figure it out.

As for reprogamming the tranny, that may be something to look at after its off warranty. I didn't opt for the extended warranty, so only have to wait 5 years 

PM sent to you!!

[Fobroader]

I am a little ignorant when it comes to naturally aspirated cars and chips, do they actually do anything?? I know turbos respond real well, but do they actually do anything on cars without a turbo?

[rrocket]

I am a little ignorant when it comes to naturally aspirated cars and chips, do they actually do anything?? I know turbos respond real well, but do they actually do anything on cars without a turbo?

Absolutely.  Mustang, Camaros and Vettes (among others) respond very well...particularly once you have some supporting mods (headers, intake, cam, etc).  Since most cars are optimized for POS low octane (or California 91 octane), you can definitely see some performance with a tune (advance timing, more fuel, etc).

We picked up about 20HP and 20TQ when we tuned our IS300.