On Ebay: $6.99 for 30hp?...What's the Catch?

PDLOUNGE · 11-25-2006, 02:45 AM

As I am want to do, from time to time, I was on Ebay today, just looking at all that is there having to do with the Sky. While I was there, I noticed a couple of companies are selling a "performance module" that promises a 30hp gain, only costs $6.99 (!) Of course, I am pretty skeptical.

Supposedly lots of feedback, almost all positive. 100% guarantee (who care's...it's only $6.99) Quite a bit less than the $400 for some of the other modules I've seen discussed.

I'd pay $7 for two horsepower gain, much less 30. What's the catch? Do these things work, or not? And can I damage my engine with one of these? It all sounds too good to be true.

Has anyone, just for laughs, actually bought one of these and put it in their Sky to see what it does?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
PD
Rancho Murieta, CA

marlboromike · 11-25-2006, 02:46 AM

if it's too good to be true...it is. Keep looking

SKYGAZR · 11-25-2006, 08:40 AM

SNAKE OIL.....

Devoking · 11-25-2006, 08:40 AM

There is no catch, they get your money, and you get a little box that says you have 30 hp.

Devoking · 11-25-2006, 08:43 AM

If you want to you can send me the money and I will tell everyone that you have an extra 30 hp.

R1chy · 11-25-2006, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devoking

If you want to you can send me the money and I will tell everyone that you have an extra 30 hp.

In the spirit of ebay, send me $8 and I'll say you have 40 extra hp.

MidniteBlues · 11-25-2006, 06:23 PM

If you think that these 'thieves' and their scam of a 'black box" will give ya that much of extra power (or the other scam fuel savings) with a couple of resisters---I have some GREAT property for ya down here in the everglades that at the minimun, will give ya something, water "front" property--

YellowSky · 11-25-2006, 07:47 PM

i have empty earing boxes that are black i could glue some wires on it for ya ill even include free shippen 50HP or u can upgrade to the supper performance package with a STICKER and it gets 73HP

EricPaul · 11-25-2006, 07:55 PM

Go spend your money on a hooker.

snaponbob · 11-25-2006, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricPaul

Go spend your money on a hooker.

The only thing you'll get from a $7 hooker is

. Yup, that's right.

YOU figure it out.

Oh, there is a turbine intake something or another on e-bay that will probably give you 7000 hp and orbit exiting velocity - in FOURTH gear and infinite miles per gallaon.

JerseyRedLine · 11-25-2006, 11:04 PM

ok... I come from the import tuner world.. and the Rule of thumb is DONT BUY so called "PERFORMANCE PARTS" from ebay!...(unless you are dumb or desperate) this part in particular tries to trick your rev limiter... it will mess up the way your car is tuned from the factory... friends dont let friends drive screwed up!

Stick to name brand performance parts.. you will get alot more sleep.

**JohnD** · 11-26-2006, 02:04 AM

Here's a much better place to shop performance parts... Same quality as a lot of the stuff you'll find on eBay.

http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main...2e46ebeb0f9d85

KaleCoAuto ROCKS!

**Robotech** · 11-27-2006, 02:31 PM

If you could post a link to the part I could better tell you what it does.

There was a part on there a while back that was something that tricked your Intake Air Temperature sensor into reading a set value.

For those interested in the how's and why's, read on. For those that aren't, short answer is it only could work when it is really hot out and could do more harm then good.

Now for the long answer. Your intake air temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the air coming through your intake. The raw data this sensor sends back is nothing more than a current of electricity measured in volts. The lower the volts, the cooler the air. (More complicated than this but that's the just of it.) The ECM then converts that Voltage into a temperature.

There is (I'm assuming...there is in the Grand Prix and only Vector and GM know if there is in the Sky too) a table in the PCM (Powertrain Control Module...a ECM controls just the engine while a PCM controls both the engine and transmission) called Timing vs. Intake Air Temperature (IAT). This table monitors that temperature and adjusts timing based on that temperature.

The way this device is SUPPOSED to work is that it lowers the voltage thus "lowering" the temperature reading the ECM sees. This, in theory, is SUPPOSED to trick the PCM into advancing the timing of the engine to give you more power.

Here is the problem. The Timing vs. IAT table never ADDS timing for cooler temperatures. It's job is to take away timing in high heat conditions to keep the risk of knock down. Knock, if you don't know, is bad and can damage your engine. Also, our cars have knock sensors. When these sensors pick up knock they will pull timing to prevent damage to the engine. This information is important as you will see.

So, then how can this device sometimes work? Well if it is so hot out that your Timing vs. IAT table would pull timing based on the temperature of the incoming air then this device would trick the ECM into thinking it was colder thus not allowing the Timing vs IAT table to take away timing. HOWEVER, this increases your chances for knock and, if you do get knock from this, your ECM may pull MORE timing than the device is allowing you to run. Thus it could actually LOOSE power by installing this device in certain conditions.

In our Grand Prixs we have something that does this exact same thing. We call it a happy knob as it allows us to add timing with the turn of the knob...more timing = more power = me very happy. The reason it works with our cars though is that when we install it we also go into our PCM and edit the Timing vs. IAT table so that the PCM will add timing when we turn the knob to each specific temp setting. Usually one setting, the 50 degree setting on the knob (each setting is marked by a "temp" to make it easier to adjust the table) is set to add 0 timing just like the stock table while others are set to take timing away so we can pull timing manually if we start seeing knock. (Most Grand Prix owners who modify their car have a scan tool of some sort that they use to see what the engine is doing and if we are seeing any knock.) This is why our modification works and this $7.00 device doesn't.

Lil GTO · 11-30-2006, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdigiant

Here's a much better place to shop performance parts... Same quality as a lot of the stuff you'll find on eBay.

http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main...2e46ebeb0f9d85

KaleCoAuto ROCKS!

cool - Brass Balls are 30% off.

Anyone know if the CaleCoAuto Kuhneutson Valve will work on a Sky

too bad - the car to plane converison kit is sold out.

snaponbob · 11-30-2006, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lil GTO

cool - Brass Balls are 30% off.

Anyone know if the CaleCoAuto Kuhneutson Valve will work on a Sky

too bad - the car to plane converison kit is sold out.

I did get a kanibulator valve actuator enhancement shim kit for $4.77 each and the car now generates 2 g's lateral force in the snow with mudgrips.

Currently I am bidding on the gravity enhancement plate that fits under the car. For $11.77 it is GUARANTEED to counter act high speed aerodynamic lift created by the HUGE power increases from the $6.99 power reflash. I think these are marketed by the same people so it MUST be good!!!

CaliforniaDreamin · 11-30-2006, 11:25 PM

You guys are thinking small. I've ordered the Flux Capacitor. Wow didn't know they were shipping yet. Make my RL go so fast when I finally get it that it will go back in time. Hey maybe that way I'll already have it !!

snaponbob · 11-30-2006, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliforniaDreamin

You guys are thinking small. I've ordered the Flux Capacitor. Wow didn't know they were shipping yet. Make my RL go so fast when I finally get it that it will go back in time. Hey maybe that way I'll already have it !!

Or go forward without prepaying all your monthly payments and you'll show up without your car!!

Repoed in transit.

Just watch out for low flying DeLoreans on the return trip.

CaliforniaDreamin · 12-01-2006, 12:40 AM

Gotta watch out for those time travel paradoxes

**JohnD** · 12-01-2006, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliforniaDreamin

Gotta watch out for those time travel paradoxes

I found out I ordered my Flux Capacitor three months from now but I returned it last week so it never got here...

JerseyRedLine · 12-01-2006, 09:21 AM

if u want more power... i am pretty sure you can just buy a boost controller and add more boost. this car can easily be 300HP! its only a few mods away

11-25-2006, 02:45 AM	#1 (permalink)
PDLOUNGE Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Just outside of Sacramento, CA Posts: 65 My Photos: (0)	On Ebay: $6.99 for 30hp?...What's the Catch? As I am want to do, from time to time, I was on Ebay today, just looking at all that is there having to do with the Sky. While I was there, I noticed a couple of companies are selling a "performance module" that promises a 30hp gain, only costs $6.99 (!) Of course, I am pretty skeptical. Supposedly lots of feedback, almost all positive. 100% guarantee (who care's...it's only $6.99) Quite a bit less than the $400 for some of the other modules I've seen discussed. I'd pay $7 for two horsepower gain, much less 30. What's the catch? Do these things work, or not? And can I damage my engine with one of these? It all sounds too good to be true. Has anyone, just for laughs, actually bought one of these and put it in their Sky to see what it does? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks PD Rancho Murieta, CA __________________ PDLOUNGE Named "Phoebe" for Saturn's 11th Moon Yellow Calipers w/ Black Stickers Delivered 11/14/2006 Fujita Dual CAI Saturn M.S. Big Bore Throttle Kappasphere UPShield Little Chromies, of course! Painted Visors (No more warning stickers)

11-25-2006, 08:40 AM	#3 (permalink)
SKYGAZR First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Moncton, N.B. CANADA Posts: 444 My Photos: (11)	SNAKE OIL..... __________________ SKYGAZR SKY REDLINE LOADED AUTO. CHILI PEPPER RED WITH COBALT RED LEATHER AND CHROME WHEELS. 2007 CORVETTE Z06 6 SPEED MANUAL LOADED VELOCITY YELLOW 505HP SOLD: Sky RL Chili Pepper Red 5 SPD MANUAL SOLD :Sky Chili Pepper Red 2.4L Loaded!

11-25-2006, 06:23 PM	#7 (permalink)
MidniteBlues Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 3,549 My Photos: (0)	If you think that these 'thieves' and their scam of a 'black box" will give ya that much of extra power (or the other scam fuel savings) with a couple of resisters---I have some GREAT property for ya down here in the everglades that at the minimun, will give ya something, water "front" property-- __________________ 2.4L Midnight Blue, Premium Trim Package, Automatic, Monsoon Pre Audio 1-CD, Std Rear. GMPP CAI, 3M Clear Bra, Splash Guards, Black Top, Fiam Frwy Blastr 2-horn Opel Ant - WR V2

11-25-2006, 07:47 PM	#8 (permalink)
YellowSky First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Near the Red line and the Keys Posts: 1,298 My Photos: (0)	i have empty earing boxes that are black i could glue some wires on it for ya ill even include free shippen 50HP or u can upgrade to the supper performance package with a STICKER and it gets 73HP __________________ Opel GT conversion ONYX Black *ADD ON* RACE PRECISION EVERYTHING opel badges and lights Flurecent halos SOL black rims FIREFIGHTER Tag "SKYYY"

11-25-2006, 07:55 PM	#9 (permalink)
EricPaul Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 76 My Photos: (0)	Go spend your money on a hooker. __________________ "Fly me to the Moon" 2007 Saturn Sky

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11-25-2006, 02:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
marlboromike First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Marlboro, NJ Posts: 7,070 My Photos: (6)	if it's too good to be true...it is. Keep looking

11-25-2006, 08:40 AM	#4 (permalink)
Devoking First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Defiance. OH Posts: 171 My Photos: (0)	There is no catch, they get your money, and you get a little box that says you have 30 hp.

11-25-2006, 08:43 AM	#5 (permalink)
Devoking First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Defiance. OH Posts: 171 My Photos: (0)	If you want to you can send me the money and I will tell everyone that you have an extra 30 hp.

11-25-2006, 11:04 PM	#11 (permalink)
JerseyRedLine Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Roselle, New Jersey Posts: 33 My Photos: (0)	ok... I come from the import tuner world.. and the Rule of thumb is DONT BUY so called "PERFORMANCE PARTS" from ebay!...(unless you are dumb or desperate) this part in particular tries to trick your rev limiter... it will mess up the way your car is tuned from the factory... friends dont let friends drive screwed up! Stick to name brand performance parts.. you will get alot more sleep. __________________ Spring /Summer 2007... i will have a redline in front of my house! Last edited by JerseyRedLine : 11-25-2006 at 11:06 PM.

11-26-2006, 02:04 AM	#12 (permalink)
JohnD First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 3,476 My Photos: (73)	Here's a much better place to shop performance parts... Same quality as a lot of the stuff you'll find on eBay. http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main...2e46ebeb0f9d85 KaleCoAuto ROCKS! __________________ First:"BABY"* Silver Pearl 9 May 06* Then:"SPIRIT"* Black Onyx Red Line 25 Oct 06* Check out My Photos!

11-27-2006, 02:31 PM	#13 (permalink)
Robotech Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2006 Location: Riverside, CA Posts: 1,097 My Photos: (0)	If you could post a link to the part I could better tell you what it does. There was a part on there a while back that was something that tricked your Intake Air Temperature sensor into reading a set value. For those interested in the how's and why's, read on. For those that aren't, short answer is it only could work when it is really hot out and could do more harm then good. Now for the long answer. Your intake air temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the air coming through your intake. The raw data this sensor sends back is nothing more than a current of electricity measured in volts. The lower the volts, the cooler the air. (More complicated than this but that's the just of it.) The ECM then converts that Voltage into a temperature. There is (I'm assuming...there is in the Grand Prix and only Vector and GM know if there is in the Sky too) a table in the PCM (Powertrain Control Module...a ECM controls just the engine while a PCM controls both the engine and transmission) called Timing vs. Intake Air Temperature (IAT). This table monitors that temperature and adjusts timing based on that temperature. The way this device is SUPPOSED to work is that it lowers the voltage thus "lowering" the temperature reading the ECM sees. This, in theory, is SUPPOSED to trick the PCM into advancing the timing of the engine to give you more power. Here is the problem. The Timing vs. IAT table never ADDS timing for cooler temperatures. It's job is to take away timing in high heat conditions to keep the risk of knock down. Knock, if you don't know, is bad and can damage your engine. Also, our cars have knock sensors. When these sensors pick up knock they will pull timing to prevent damage to the engine. This information is important as you will see. So, then how can this device sometimes work? Well if it is so hot out that your Timing vs. IAT table would pull timing based on the temperature of the incoming air then this device would trick the ECM into thinking it was colder thus not allowing the Timing vs IAT table to take away timing. HOWEVER, this increases your chances for knock and, if you do get knock from this, your ECM may pull MORE timing than the device is allowing you to run. Thus it could actually LOOSE power by installing this device in certain conditions. In our Grand Prixs we have something that does this exact same thing. We call it a happy knob as it allows us to add timing with the turn of the knob...more timing = more power = me very happy. The reason it works with our cars though is that when we install it we also go into our PCM and edit the Timing vs. IAT table so that the PCM will add timing when we turn the knob to each specific temp setting. Usually one setting, the 50 degree setting on the knob (each setting is marked by a "temp" to make it easier to adjust the table) is set to add 0 timing just like the stock table while others are set to take timing away so we can pull timing manually if we start seeing knock. (Most Grand Prix owners who modify their car have a scan tool of some sort that they use to see what the engine is doing and if we are seeing any knock.) This is why our modification works and this $7.00 device doesn't. __________________ V.A.L. Midnight Blue MagnaFlow dual outlet, quad tip exhaust test car GMPP CAI 16.540 @ 82.096 MPH Sold Other car 97 Grand Prix GTP. 12.07 @ 113.4 MPH As seen on Pinks All Out Las Vegas!

11-30-2006, 11:25 PM	#16 (permalink)
CaliforniaDreamin Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sunnyvale, CA Posts: 163 My Photos: (0)	Flux Capacitor You guys are thinking small. I've ordered the Flux Capacitor. Wow didn't know they were shipping yet. Make my RL go so fast when I finally get it that it will go back in time. Hey maybe that way I'll already have it !! __________________ Sky Redline Forest Green Tan/Tan 5 speed MF 3"/K&N/Wood Dash/UPShield/Chromies/Stubbie

12-01-2006, 12:40 AM	#18 (permalink)
CaliforniaDreamin Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sunnyvale, CA Posts: 163 My Photos: (0)	Gotta watch out for those time travel paradoxes __________________ Sky Redline Forest Green Tan/Tan 5 speed MF 3"/K&N/Wood Dash/UPShield/Chromies/Stubbie

12-01-2006, 09:21 AM	#20 (permalink)
JerseyRedLine Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Roselle, New Jersey Posts: 33 My Photos: (0)	if u want more power... i am pretty sure you can just buy a boost controller and add more boost. this car can easily be 300HP! its only a few mods away __________________ Spring /Summer 2007... i will have a redline in front of my house!

12-01-2006, 09:26 AM	#21 (permalink)
snaponbob First 2000 Sr. Member