Has any one on here ever bought one for there 2.3L mustang? Are they worth the money?

 

Not sure about the 2.3 but I know for 5.0s mail-order chips are pretty much worthless. You can advance the timing with the distributor and theres no need to get into the computer. I assume the 2.3 has a distributor also? If so just use that to get a little more power. If you spend 200+ bucks just to electronically bump your timing up (or whatever the hell they actually do) you'll be ****ed.

 

jet chips stink. I don't understand how they are still in biz

 

Yes my car has a distrubitor, but how do I advance the timing?

 

I have a Jet chip in my truck and I have seen results only in my top speed, no low end torque or anything...When I put it in I didn't really notice a difference, then after a week I took it out and noticed a substantial difference.

 

You'll need a timing light and you need to be able to see the timing marks on your harmonic balancer.
Remove the spout connector (its a little piece of plastic plugged into the wiring harness near the distributor, DON'T LOSE IT!!!!!1).
To advance the timing, you loosen the distributor hold down and rotate the distributor (I don't remember which way, you'll see which way it goes with the timing marks though). Make sure the A/C and blower motor and everything else is off by the way.
When you get the timing where you want it bolt the distributor back down and reinstall the spout connector. (the spout connector is how the computer changes the timing based on conditions so you want it disabled while you're setting the base timing)
For the 5.0, 10 degrees base timing is stock and most guys will advance it to 14. Not sure if the 2.3 is the same. If you don't feel confident doing it take it to a mechanic, it shouldn't cost that much.

Again, things might be different for the 2.3 so wait for someone else to chime in or take it to a mechanic.

Also, depending on how much you advance it, you will need to run a higher octane fuel. I'm at 14 degrees and the car runs fine on 91.

edit: heres a link that tells you how and also has a pic of the spout connector: http://www.muscularmustangs.com/timing.php

Cliff- A newer vehicle with more computer controlled functions will take more advantage of a chip. If I'm not mistaken an '02 Sierra has coil-on-plug ignition so there is no distributor. Therefore changing the timing through a chip or tuner is the only way to do it and no doubt will show at least some improvement.