Miata Mailing List: May 1993, Message #136
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   From: (none)
Subject: re: performance chips
   Date: (none)

> That same issue of AutoWeek with the Miata Coupe has an ad for Miata 
> performance chips from AutoThority.  Anybody ever installed one?  Know 
> how much it costs?   [...] Dyno tests show some pretty impressive gains
> by just changing the ignition timeing and fuel mixture map on certain
> cars, especially (and obviously) turbos with adjustable boost control.
> Does the Miata's computer control enough variables to benefit from this
> type of magic?

i dunno, but remember, nothing is ever free.
if you add a chip to gain some performance, you may lose out
on other things, like engine life, low-speed driveability,
fuel economy, engine component longevity, etc.
and you can almost certainly kiss your warranty goodbye.

the Rod Millen newsletter has pointed out that most
engine computer chips (i don't know if this applies specifically
to the Miata computer or not) are not meant to be removable and
are often soldered to the board, so it's not just a matter of
unplugging a chip from a socket and plugging in another one.
the risk might be low, but if you fry the board by mistake,
the cost could be high, so "be prepared..."

if all this is acceptable to you, or if you're already
out of warranty and still want to do it, fine, go for it.
just remember to weigh the pros and cons before you
dive in there with the old soldering iron...