Re: Garrett Vs. Autotech Q-chip

[Jeff Newton <newton@pmc-sierra.bc.ca>]

>      Has anyone switched from a Q-chip to the Garrett chip.  I have a 
>      Q-chip and have been quite pleased with it.  Is the Garrett going to 
>      be any better.  I have heard many of you talk about how great the 
>      Garrett chip is but really no comparisons.  For all of you with the 
>      chip is this the only aftermarket chip you have tried, or did you 
>      switch from something else?  I have an OBD I car so I'm especially 
>      interested in info on that, but all is welcome.

Please excuse my ignorance regarding performance upgrades.  I just got my
GLX a month ago and I have a few questions regarding chips:

1)  Is the stock chip on a 1997 GLX soldered in?
2)  Do the various aftermarket chips effect gas milage during normal
driving conditions?  
3)  Other than hp gain what is the actual purpose of these chips - more
power in the low end, elimination of the rev limiter, higher top end, or
to take advantage of higher octane gas?  I guess I'd like to know why the
stock chip is not adequate?

Cheers,

- ---
Jeff Newton
Unix Systems Administrator
Computer Services
PMC-Sierra Inc.