Together with OK Auto we put two JK Wrangler Unlimiteds on the dyno at G&S Autoworks in Oxford, NJ to test the results of the performance products we were installing. The products involved int the test are the Unichip Performance Module and Airaid Cold Air Intake.
The Test
Nick and Rob from G&S Autoworks parked the Jeeps up on the dyno and conducted the runs. In the below sections we are posting the actual results from the dyno. We have some theories and observations regarding the test results in the conclusion section below.
Recapping – each test was in 3rd gear, 2500-5500 RPM.
First Up – OK Auto Rubokon
Stock Configuration – Best of 3 runs
| HP | Torque |
| 166.2 @ 4750 | 200.0 @ 4250 |
Unichip set to setting 0 installed – Best of 3 runs
| HP & Gain/Loss Over Base | Torque & Gain/Loss Over Base |
| 165.5 @ 5000 (-.7 HP) | 197.7 @ 4250 (-2.3) |
Unichip set to setting 1 – Best of 3 runs
| HP & Gain/Loss Over Base | Torque & Gain/Loss Over Base |
| 168.0 @ 5000 (+1.8 HP) | 200.3 @ 4250 (+.3 |
run with Unichip double-click for larger size |
close Up double-click for larger size |
Next – jeepfan.com JK
Stock Configuration – Best of 3 runs
| HP | Torque |
| 160.4 @ 4750 | 188.6 @ 4250 |
Unichip set to setting 0 installed – Best of 3 runs
| HP & Gain/Loss Over Base | Torque & Gain/Loss Over Base |
| 160.2 @ 5000 (-.2 HP) | 189.3 @ 3500 (+.7) |
Unichip set to setting 0 and Airaid installed – Best of 3 runs
| HP & Gain/Loss Over Base | Torque & Gain/Loss Over Base |
| 165.7 @ 5000 (+5.3 HP) | 193.6 @ 3750 (+5) |
Unichip set to setting 1 and Airaid Installed – Best of 3 runs
| HP & Gain/Loss Over Base | Torque & Gain/Loss Over Base |
| 168.3 @ 4750 (+7.9 HP) | 198.7 @ 3500 (+10.1) |
|
Final Run with Unichip & Airaid |
2nd Run with Unichip & Airaid |
Results
Both Jeeps resulted in insignificant gains in HP and torque from the Unichip. The Airaid did provide results through all tests. Neither product provided results according to the manufacturers claims. The Unichip claims 27 HP and 26 Torque were based upon corrected engine HP so that result would be inflated but assuming typical driveline loss of 25% the rear wheel gains should be approx 20 for both HP and Torque. The Airaid claimed 14 HP and 24 Torque at the rear wheels.
It is well known that manufacturers will “play” with a test until a result can be achieved but we expected more from both products. The opportunity to test 2 identical Jeeps was very effective in this test. Both Jeeps were within 6 HP during the base tests. That could be due to different gasoline, mileage, etc.
Note on Fuel Mileage
Prior to installation of the components the jeepfan.com JK computer fuel mileage readout read a consistent 16.7 mpg, since the addition of the Unichip and Airaid mileage now reads 18.3. A 1.6 mpg improvement can equal approx $200/year fuel savings at 12000 miles/year.
Conclusions, theories, observations, wonderings
Both OK and us agree that the Jeeps “feel” different with the chips and Airaid. A possible flaw in our test is the RPM range we used of 2500-5500 RPM. Both Jeeps seem to have more low end power, something you would use while climbing a long hill or passing on the highway. It would have been beneficial to test the Jeeps at a lower RPM but one would still expect better results throughout the RPM range.
During our tests both Jeeps complained through indicator lights about the ABS and Traction Control systems. The new JK is completely computerized and the computer may have interpreted the dyno as a system issue. The ABS sees the rear wheels running at 70 MPH and the front is sitting still. The Traction Control sees the front stopped and the rear wheels slipping. It may be a possibility that the computer ran the engine at a reduced mode during the interpretation of a system issue???
This test is hard for us to call…The Airaid seems like a worthwhile investment but the Unichip module doesn’t seem to stand up considering the dyno reports no significant improvement on either Jeeps. Still there is something there worth mentioning. wtf?
We are contacting both companies to see if they can provide some insight on our findings. We will report any news here. Thanks to OK Auto and especially to G&S Autoworks for tolerating us and not laughing too much at our 160 ish HP Jeeps.
Unichip Information and Reviews
Airaid Cold Air Intake Information and Reviews
For pricing and product options see…
