Ford Repair: Performace Chip:, cold air kit, ford thunderbird

Question
Hi Steve! I hope this email catches you in good spirits.
I own a 1991 Ford Thunderbird with 110,000 miles on a 3.8 motor.
I was thinking about installing a performace chip in this motor.
I was wondering if you would explain to me exactly how to do this. I would also like to know if this is a good idea, and the in's and out's of a performace chip.
Thank you very much for you time. Take care and have a great day.
Sincerely,
Michael Webb

Answer
Michael-

  The basics behind chips is that it basically tweaks the computer's EPROM (or "flash") memory.  This where things like fuel curves, timing curves, default idle speed, etc. are stored.  By installing a chip it basically tells the computer to alter certain things like fuel and timing for more power.  Honestly, if your car is stock and unmodified, you won't see much of a gain.  I'd say at best you'd be looking at 5-10hp in gains.  If your T-Bird is a Supercoupe, then you'd be looking at a worthwhile investment...but for a regular 3.8L motor it's just not worth the $200+ you'd spend on a chip.  Well...at least not in my opinion.  There are more worthwhile things that money could go to like a cold air kit and a performance tune (either of which would probably net you as much power as a chip).  Hope this helps.

Steve