Thornton Chip Tuning Stage 3 Review: A Disappointing Experience

The Thornton Chip Tuning Stage 3 upgrade for my 08 C30 T5 2.5 was supposed to bring significant improvements to my vehicle's performance, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations.

I opted for the Stone Black paint job with custom accents, which added a touch of elegance to my ride. Under the hood, I had already installed an ELEVATE K16 turbo kit upgrade, complete with turbosmart gate, plenum, intercooler hard pipe, silicone hoses throughout, and customized air intake and velocity stack.

To further enhance performance, I also fitted lower springs, a rear sway bar, and a catback exhaust system. The Darton MID wet sleeves, diamond file fit rings, CP Carrillo custom pistons/h-beam rods, ARP studs, calico coated/balanced internals, iPd stainless brake lines, iPd HD front end links, Porsche 70mm TB, ATP DP customized intercooler, Do88 FMIC, and Radium Dual Catch cans all contributed to a more aggressive power output.

My vehicle also features PowerFlex Poly throughout suspension, SPC adjustable rear camber arms with PowerFlex poly, NGK iridium 1 step colder plugs, AEM AFR/Boost Failsafe gauge, AEM Water/Meth Flow Meter w/failsafe, Mishimoto silicone vacuum lines, and Viva upgraded TCV relocated to firewall w/silicone lines.

Despite these impressive upgrades, the Thornton Chip Tuning Stage 3 failed to deliver significant improvements. The Hilton Stage 3 package with torque limit removed, O2 delete, and top speed removed promised more power, but I only saw a minor gain in performance.

I was expecting a more substantial boost for the price, especially considering the hype surrounding Thorton Chip Tuning products. Unfortunately, it seems that you get what you pay for, as they say. With Thorton Chip Tuning offering similar deals on Amazon, I was left feeling disappointed and underwhelmed.

For those who are new to chip tuning, it's essential to understand the limitations of these systems. A chip has a fixed program in it, which means you can't make changes or adjustments once it's installed. This is unlike a tuner, which allows for more flexibility and customization.

In my experience, tuners offer more value for money than chips, especially if you're willing to invest time and effort into learning the basics of tuning. With a tuner, you can download pre-made tunes and choose which one suits your needs. However, this also requires some knowledge and basic tuning skills to avoid damaging your engine.

Ultimately, my experience with the Thornton Chip Tuning Stage 3 was underwhelming, and I would recommend caution when considering this product. While it may work for some, I believe that other options on the market offer better value for money.

Pros:

* Customizable air intake and velocity stack

* Lower springs and rear sway bar provide improved handling

* Catback exhaust system enhances performance

Cons:

* Disappointing power gains

* Limited flexibility with chip tuning

* High price point for limited results

Recommendation:

For those looking for a reliable and effective chip tuning solution, I would recommend exploring other options on the market. A tuner may offer more value and flexibility, especially if you're willing to invest time and effort into learning the basics of tuning.

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Thornton chip tuning stage 3