Performance Chip For Rx400H

[energyman]

I have just purchased from the states a performance chip that is specific to the RX400H. They say that in no way will it affect Lexus warranties and could improve MPG by up to 15% and performance as well. When I asked about fitting it, they implied that anyone who could hold a screwdriver and a pair of pliers would be capable of doing the job.This was really cheap, 25 dollars with free dispatch to UK. Now having my doubts. Any thoughts?

[MartyCee]

I have just purchased from the states a performance chip that is specific to the RX400H. They say that in no way will it affect Lexus warranties and could improve MPG by up to 15% and performance as well. When I asked about fitting it, they implied that anyone who could hold a screwdriver and a pair of pliers would be capable of doing the job.This was really cheap, 25 dollars with free dispatch to UK. Now having my doubts. Any thoughts?

Over the last few years I've seen friends try these chips on numerous different marques/models with varying results.

On Diesels they can provide some improvement, but the petrol options seem to be succesful on the economy front. If you look in the motoring press you'll see there are now two kinds for Diesels, one for power, one for economy. Now if the originals from the same supplier offered both why do they need two varieties now? Bottom line, you can have performance OR economy, not both. Even a Diesel miser such as a VW Bluemotion will gobble fuel if you go pedal to the metal everywhere.

I'd take the quote of the chip offered not affecting Lexus warranties with a HUGE pinch of salt! First the USA warranties are different to the UK's (WHY?) & second if it's true a Lexus agent will be able to confirm it with a phone call.

Any problems you have will fall back on the chip supplier & (speaking as vehicle importer) you will very quickly find that the warrnties they supply will be subject to USA law & therefore not applicable here, leaving with the choice of footing the bill, trying to persaude Lexus that the chip wasn't the cause of the problem or litigation in the USA.....

Finally, there's an old adage, "it it seems to be too good to be true, it probably is"!

[energyman]

I have just purchased from the states a performance chip that is specific to the RX400H. They say that in no way will it affect Lexus warranties and could improve MPG by up to 15% and performance as well. When I asked about fitting it, they implied that anyone who could hold a screwdriver and a pair of pliers would be capable of doing the job.This was really cheap, 25 dollars with free dispatch to UK. Now having my doubts. Any thoughts?

Over the last few years I've seen friends try these chips on numerous different marques/models with varying results.

On Diesels they can provide some improvement, but the petrol options seem to be succesful on the economy front. If you look in the motoring press you'll see there are now two kinds for Diesels, one for power, one for economy. Now if the originals from the same supplier offered both why do they need two varieties now? Bottom line, you can have performance OR economy, not both. Even a Diesel miser such as a VW Bluemotion will gobble fuel if you go pedal to the metal everywhere.

I'd take the quote of the chip offered not affecting Lexus warranties with a HUGE pinch of salt! First the USA warranties are different to the UK's (WHY?) & second if it's true a Lexus agent will be able to confirm it with a phone call.

Any problems you have will fall back on the chip supplier & (speaking as vehicle importer) you will very quickly find that the warrnties they supply will be subject to USA law & therefore not applicable here, leaving with the choice of footing the bill, trying to persaude Lexus that the chip wasn't the cause of the problem or litigation in the USA.....

Finally, there's an old adage, "it it seems to be too good to be true, it probably is"!

[energyman]

I think further investigation would be prudent before I fit it. I think a call to Lexus servicing might be a good idea. Thanks for your thoughts and input.