questions about jet chips. Ok, so on my TJ i ran the trail jammer and loved it, but it was a lot more than the jet chip and isn't made for the JK. So, i know there are guys running the jet chip on this site, you guys running stage 1 or stage 2. They all say to run a 180 degree thermostat and free flow exhaust. What happens if you don't. Say i put the chip on before i can get a 180 stat and free flow exhaust. the 91 octane i know is important due to pre-detonation, but tell me what you guys think. Is it worth the money, and stage one or stage two??? thanks

 

I run the stage 1 chip and like the results. It smoothes out the throttle response some what and give you a few extra ponies. I also have the AEM and Magnaflow muffler installed and I run reg unleaded gas. Its kind of a pain to take it out when I bring the jeep in for service cause the plastic harness clips are snug and brittle (already broke one).

 

I'd say wait for a programmer to come out, or if you can't wait / want the simplicity of a plug and play chip go for the stage 1. Running premium in a Jeep is a bummer.

-Living Still

 

I just installed a Air Raid intake and Jet stage 2 chip in my 4dr Rubicon. I love it, It runs so much better. I found the biggest difference in the midrange power like passing on the highway. I don't know if affects the transmission programming, but it seems like the auto in my Jeep is less "confused" now. It never wanted to come out of lockup on the highway to pass, but after the chip it seems allot more responsive. I think its worth the money, you do need to run premium gas though.

I do not have the 180 thermostat and I do not plan to add it. I do however have a Borla cat-back on order.

And for the record, if you are on the fence about an intake, get the Air Raid. I got the AEM first and took if off right away. I think it hurt performance and it made a sound like squealing brakes pretty much all the time. It also did not fit right. The air Raid is of much higher quality, fit was perfect, performance much better, and while it still whistles, it is much more pleasant, more like a turbo spool than bad brakes.

Mike

 

I have an AirRaid and Stage 1 Jet chip on my Jeep and am also pleased with the midrange power and mild mpg gain of about 1.5 mpg. (I, too, have a Borla exhaust on order and look forward to even better performance).

 

i'm curious about your experience with the AEM. you're the first person i've read about taking it off after a bad initial observations. in fact, everyone else raves about it. what do you think made your situation different? fyi, i don't have either intake.

 

I used a stage 2 in my Tj and did not notice any change at all. Im not sure if Im going with jet or not yet. Most definatly getting the Air Raid, I love that Turbo sound...

 

I also read all the good reviews about the AEM. Thats why I bought it. I don't know why my experence was different. I am not new to modding cars and trucks, I guess I have higher standards? :confused: I don't know, it is just poor quality, the only thing nice about it was the aluminum tube and it didn't fit right.

And I agree with Sonic on the programmer. I will replace my Jet chip when superchips comes out with a programmer.

Mike

 

I have had both the AEM (on 2 door JK) and put the Airaid on my 4 door JK and as far as I am concerned the Airaid out classes the AEM by far. The fit, finish and performance of the Airaid was well thought out and executed compared to the AEM. I have had 8 or more CAI of about 4 different brands and never had this whistle/whine noise everyone is talking about, don't hear anything on the JK except a throaty growl when under hard acceleration.

As far as chips go, I have the Unichip and it out performs the Jet. I had a Jet Stage II on the 2 door and I could tell a difference at wide open throttle, but not really anything just normal acceleration, but the Unichip is programmed specifically for the JK and affects all RPM's , changing parmeters to optimize for economy and performance. The biggest reason I tried it out was because of it being reprogrammable for any other modifications such as a supercharger. It can be reprogrammed either by sending the module back to the dealer or via a cable and downloaded software from either your laptop while on the vehicle or with a power adapter, cable and software from your desktop PC. I am pleased with the performance. Currently only a hard wire version is available with a plug and play to be out soon. It is more pricey than the Jet but worth it in my opinion. The dyno results are available from the dealer that shows the improvements from stock with just the Unichip and with the Unichip and CAI. Before someone accuses me of working for Unichip, I DON"T nor am I affiliated in any way, just a happy customer, fact is, I never have talked to Unichip direct. The programmer was selected by a Supercharger manufacturer to support their JK supercharger package. You will have to PM me for the dealer info, I don't think I can post it.
Jim

 

wow, thanks for all the responses guys. The Unichip has stolen my heart, but the price makes me a lil queezy... the edge trail jammer for the TJ was awesome, but not available for the JK, at least not yet. the Jet chip is cheap, and will be something better than nothing, until i can justify the money for a unichip or something better. I already have an intake, its homebrew, but it works great, the throat is definately there, and i can keep up with my buddy's SVT contour a lil better now... still can't catch him, but at least i can keep him in eye-sight. I think i'll end up going with the Jet Chip stage II... i've got the intake, i'll do exhaust eventually when i hear one in person that sounds right for me, and one day when i supercharge, i'll go unichip. But for now, the $240.00 has been college student's wallet approved. So thats that. thanks again everyone.