I've seen these cheap "chips" on the market - anywhere from $6-$10 - that claim to fool the engine computer into thinking it's getting colder air, thus fooling the computer into increasing fuel delivery.

Granted, I'm a bit old school but this sounds like snake oil to me.

Anybody know anything about these things?

dont go for that cheap crap. Upgrades worth while cost more $$$ than $6, especially for a chip! i'd go with a JET.

Thanks for the advice. Pretty much what I figured. Back in The Day I could tinker with my GM small block and coax a few horses here and there - but that was well before the advent of the blessed catalytic converter and the like.

no problem.

i wouldnt even get the jet chip from dyno results on stock cars they dont really significantly change anything. if you really want to fool your computer go with apexi safc you can tune your fuel mixture it is a piggy back that will tell the pcm lies about whats really going on here is an install guide and a little bit of info on the safc
http://www.saturnspeed.com/super_afc.php
hope this helps with anyone thats wanting to install it.
check out my page
http://members.cardomain.com/slammed4door

True...true... uc could go a step up with an SAFC II, tho.. or even some of the more advanced jdm stuff

these are worthless. they claim huge horsepower increases but you may see 1-2hp

What this "chip" really is is a 5 cent resistor. Some kits just send you a resistor, some package it nicely with a plug... but its all just 5 cent resistors. basically it plugs into the IAT sensor (the IAT tells your computer what temp the air incoming is by variing the resistance on the line) the resistors they sell as a chip tell the computer that the air is 32F and the computer increases the mixture.

My friend with a 2000 Civic EX has an ApexI controller or whatever... Didn't know they had 'em for Saturns... Or would you just use the same one? Is it all configured manually... And what are the costs on one and where can you find 'em...

the "chip" is in fact a resistor, but yah know, i have enough problem with my IAT termostat to consider finding out the impedance of this "magical" resistor, stock, saturns have TERRRRRRIBLE placement of both the air sensor and the duct work that holds it, new years seemed to catch on a lil, theyre a bit more accessable, but on my 93, if you want a reading of the temp of the air goin into the engine, and the duct and sensor are an inch away from the radiator, you arent gonna see good things no matter what,,,, apex-i's 'piggyback' computer is designed to work with anycar with the OBD-I/II interface (anycar), because all it does, is alter the voltage of the sensor inputs +/-50% according to how it is set.

if you want the cheap "chip" goto radioshack, pick you up some resistors,,, if you pay 5 cents for one you are still not getting off cheap hahaha