Superchip

[Graaf]

The elan I have just bought appears to have a Superchip and MBC.

Does anyone know anything about these - is it a simple ‘plug in’ chip or did it involve having the ecu modded?

Thanks

[GeoffSmith]

Pretty sure mine was soldered piggy-back on the memcal.

[Brit-Car-Nut]

The one I have was soldered to the memcal in place of the original eprom.

The Super Chip doesn't do anything to compensate for the fuel delivery when in high boost, so you will run a lot leaner than is actually safe.

[Graaf]

Yeah, that's why i was asking as i want to know what to look for so that i can remove it safely. I want to get rid of it and get an Everest.

[Brit-Car-Nut]

You don't need to do anything to the MEMCAL since the Everest Chip will bypass the eprom on that. The memcal needs to be reused to provide the "limp home" portion.

You will have to remove the ECM and swap out the "main plug in board" (MEMCAL).

Alan provides a by-pass board (Moates) that makes it nice and neat. Just follow his installation instructions.

You will have to find and correct (remove and repair any wiring that was altered) the MBC so the original control is returned to the ECM.

You might want to post some pictures of your engine bay, particularly the firewall area on the off side (near the MAP sensor) so someone can look to see what they did to add the MBC and offer advice.

[Graaf]

You're a gent, thanks for the advice.

I know that the previous owner has moved the MBC from the engine bay to under the dashboard.

I'll be taking a good look at it later this week and will try to post some pictures.

Thanks again.

[Fredjohn]

The general consensus on here is that an MBC should be removed and put in the dustbin. Then fit the Everest chip. It is much more sophisticated then the MBC and maintains the correct fuel/air mix at all revs/boost. As said by BCN above.

However it is ultimately your choice, although I note you are getting an Everest chip. Fitting instructions are in the Mountain Chips tab link at the top of this page, along with how it works etc etc


Good luck

[Graaf]

I put an Everest in my previous Elan as i thought that it was very good and worked well the MBC will definitely go once I've figured out how it's been plumbed in.

As I've said my main concern is the superchip removal. However, from what Brit Car Nut mentions and from the elanchips site, removal of the superchip may not be necessary.

[John_W]

The ‘Superchip’ has already been investigated, and found wanting. As ESM said in 2005:

I've already had a look at the code from a 'SuperChip' and all its does is disable the overboost safety (they change 2 bytes in the whole ECU, its not subtle).

See this thread.

This thread also makes an interesting read.

John

[Graaf]

Thanks John,

I had already seen those posts in my original search but wasn't sure if thoughts had changed since 2003 and hence why I want to replace it

[Graaf]

Hi All

Following on from the previous and much appreciated comments, I have removed the MCB and put the 'plumbing ' back to normal.

I have now taken out the ECU and have found that the 'Superchip' is fitted directly in to the brown connector - see photo.

Any idea what I would have to do to fit an Everest - I do not have the original chip?

Thanks

[Brit-Car-Nut]

The Everest "kit" basically replaces the programmable portion of the memcal (where the SuperChip is installed.

You still need the weird circuits at the far left of you picture for the "limp home" feature (in the event of the ECM failing).

Just get the Everest kit from Alan and just remove the original memcal, plug in the adapter board (be sure it is fully seated) and then plug the original memcal back on top of the adapter board.

Everest Installed.jpg

[Graaf]

The Everest "kit" basically replaces the programmable portion of the memcal (where the SuperChip is installed.

You still need the weird circuits at the far left of you picture for the "limp home" feature (in the event of the ECM failing).

Just get the Everest kit from Alan and just remove the original memcal, plug in the adapter board (be sure it is fully seated) and then plug the original memcal back on top of the adapter board.

Everest Installed.jpg

I'd hoped that was the case!

Thanks for the rapid reply and I'll get one on order.

Thanks again!

[GeoffSmith]

Looks like you're lucky - mine was soldered into the socket!

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Every one that I have seen has had the pertinent pins soldered as well as a few that had every pin soldered.

Maybe Alan would sell him just a replacement chip? Saves the cost of the Moates Board.

[Graaf]

I've ordered the chip & board so lets see!!

[GeoffSmith]

Maybe Alan would sell him just a replacement chip?

He might but it wouldn't do any good as they're the wrong pinouts.

[housam]

anybody got an everest chip forsale for a 1990 model se turbo? I looking to purchase one.