Has anybody installed a GF chip in their xk? If so I would appreciate getting comments on the results. Their website says a 30-40 hp increase along with an increase of about 25 -30% in mpg. Almost sounds to good to be true. The website is gfchips.com.

 

FYI:

I installed a GF gas chip in my 2010 Ford F150 pickup....now I realize that the Ford F-150 is NOT a Jaguar XK or XKR.

Here's what I found.........

Their claims are highly exagerated and the chip did not provide a major boost in HP or gas mileage.

My gas mileage on the truck increased by about 1-3 MPG, without any scientific analysis. There was no noticable difference in HP, and I was pulling a trailer with a formula F1000 race car on it.

I suspect that you could give it a try as the performance chips are cheap, under $70.00 ($69.99)

But don't get your hopes up on increased HP or increased MPG. It's a crap shoot for spending the $70.00. There are numerous compliants on the advertising and performance of the GF chips, as well as others that you can find via the internet. So let the buyer beware.

Here's a few links to explore:

Automobile 'Performance Chips': real deal or snake oil? - Straight Dope Message Board

Gforce Performance Chips Reviews - GforceChips.com Ratings at ResellerRatings

The only way to really tell if the chip has increased the perfomance is a dyno test of the car. Otherwise it is a good chance that you may think the performance is better, it may be mind over actual performance.

It's kinda like washing and waxing your XK/XKR, you may think it goes faster.

It's kinda like adding a 1" higher spoiler to the rear end, thinking that you will have increased downforce from the rear wing and your car will go faster and handle turns better.

Then there is the "placebo drug" that has no effect on the patient, but the patient says they feel so much better.

If you buy it, let us know about the increased HP and mileage after you spend a few $$$ to complete a dyno test on the car and engine. That's the only way to effectively tell if your getting increased HP.

I doubt the claims, as a living testimonial of the product.

Just my .02 cents worth.

 

Richard - Thanks for the input. You are confirming what I thought about performance chips. Ralph

 

Mythbusters did an episode on this. The theory was that the layer of turbulent air around a dirty car would actually improve gas mileage. While that didn't hold true, they did find that dimpling a car's surface, like a golf ball, helped with efficiency. Pretty cool, really.

 

Jay, that's interesting.......I think I may have to leave my XKR outside in one of our New Mexico hail storms.

 

Anything like Texas panhandle hailstorms? Yeah, that would do it.

Interesting yes, practical no.

 

Dimpling does indeed reduce surface drag on sail boat hulls; Us America's Cup competitors have done it with Boeing's help.................

Just had two minor dents removed from wife's XK8; she didn't notice any difference except she says "gas mileage down lately" I explained "that's due to using AC".
We are not used to recent hot weather here in Seattle!!
Also repaired her driver's seat with LeatherMagic; very easy and great result .
Her XK8 Conv. now looks just wonderful but not as good of course as my XK Coupe
(Radiance), IMHO.

Adrian

 

Now I know I frequent the right forum... there are fellow sailors in the membership. <Ahoy/>