Although I see many performance chips for squeezing a few extra ponies out of BMW, audi, etc, I have yet to find one for my 99 C-230. Does anyone know if they are available?

Glenn

For the C230 Kompressor, you need a bit more than just a "chip" to get appreciable gains. Tuning kits are available from around $1500 installed and up. They typically included reprogrammed engine controller (chip) and a larger crankshaft pulley (spins the supercharger faster). Some kits also include a larger intercooler, a new fuel pressure regulator and/or removal of the supercharger clutch.

I recommend a kit that removes the supercharger clutch. Every other kit I've heard of that doesn't have this feature will have a "hole" around 3000 RPM. The reason is that the supercharger clutch engages at around 2500RPM. The supercharger, which is spinning faster than normal, sends a rush of air into the engine and the engine will run lean until the various engine components have time to compensate. A higher capacity fuel pressure regulator will help the problem, and a larger intercooler will make it worse. Removing the supercharger clutch will eliminate the problem because there is no sudden rush of air. The downside is that the supercharger life will be shortened even moreso than just using a larger crankshaft pulley.

Most all of the kits claim to boost engine output to around 225-235hp and 235-245ft-lb.

The ones that I know you can get in the U.S. are from Opera Design, Wetteraur, and the extremely expensive RENNTech. The one that I know of that removes the supercharger clutch is from DynoSpot Racing. There are many others available in Germany (e.g. H&S Electronics, MH-Dezent, Väth, etc.) but I have no idea where to get them in the USA.