The Nissan Path

I'm thinking of getting a performance chip to increase horsepower, and increase fuel economy.

Any thoughts on make/model to get. Pros/Cons/Risks?

I have a 2005 Pathfinder 4x4 V6 S, it's got about 91,000 KM.

Has anyone heard of these guys: http://www.gfchips.com/nissanpathfinder.aspx GF Performance?

I've got the Volo VP12 Performance Chip and I saw an increase in power and gas mileage.

At least enough to justify the cost and not send it back!

Anytime you see a "chip" that's under $100 and/or involves the IAT (intake air temp sensor), it's generally a waste of money. All it does is give the ECM a false reading of the intake air temperature so that the ECM will richen the mixture. There are several reprogramers on the market that will do a bit better, but don't expect huge gains out of the VQ40DE. Look at the Superchips Cortex or the Bully Dog.

I have the Bully Dog and am happy with it. That being said, its just a gut feeling thing. I'm at altitude in Colorado so I run the Premium setting all the time and notice a bit more oomph and MPG. I will say that the Pathfinder is an amazing tow vehicle. I have gone over the highest mountain passes and never broken 201 on trany temp and I usually maintain around 40 mph. I attribute at least some of this to the Bully Dog. BTW, trailer is ~5000 lb travel trailer.

Going to get a BuulyDog for my 2012 PF (soon, minor Christmas delay in funds). Don't need any increase in horse power but some extra MPG would be nice. My current trailer weights about 1,200 lbs loaded and folds down lower than the PF so there is no real wind residents.

If you want to try out my superchips, you are more than welcome.

disallow wrote:If you want to try out my superchips, you are more than welcome.

So, they are interchangeable between vehicles? I mean, I could run it in my PF and get it back to you?

I just want to make sure I understand. Thanks Disallow!

If I bring it back to factory, it is supposed to be interchangeable. Haven't tried it before though.

Do any of your programmers have the ability to read / alter / disable signals from the rear o2 sensors? Have to do some work to the front cats which will end up throwing the SES light and reprogramming is a cheaper option than some other things i'm looking at.

Do you guys use the stock tunes that come with the unit or is there a special Nissan / PF forum that people are posting custom tunes to?

No O2 sensor shut off on my superchips. Closest I've seen to this is O2 sensor 'simulators' on eBay which feedback the appropriate voltage to the circuit so the engine thinks its running rich or lean, depending on how the simulator is set.

Some have had success using O2 sensor extenders on the rear sensors to pull the sensors slightly out of the exhaust stream and "trick" the ECM so it doesn't throw the catalyst efficiency code. You can purchase them or make them out of spark plug anti-foulers and drilling the ends out.

I bought some of the spark plug non fowlers and was disappointed to see that the ones I got were too small (14mm). The right size (18mm) are on order and I'll pick them up thursday.

I'll have a good chance to test them out because as of my lunch break today one of my front cats is empty. The other one will be gutted after work. If they don't work then I'll need to get some simulators and try them out. All of those options are cheaper than paying $900 a piece for new ones from the dealership!

The caveat being that you don't live in a state or province that requires a test as to the performance of the exhaust system. Here in Canada its BC and Ontario. Throughout the US, it varies. I'm sure you know what is required for your area.

Even here in Manitoba, though no testing is required, it is illegal to tamper with or modify anything in the emission control system...

Is this a waste of my money??? Seems too good to be true!

http://www.gfchips.com/nissanpathfinder.aspx

Add 30 HP and gain about 5mpg on avg for a $70 chip, seems fishy

Usually if it sounds TGTBT it is.

But I have no experience with it. I'd say stick with the Bully Dog, or even Cortex.