Is the Thorton Top Speed OBDII Cat Performance Chip tuner a legitimate performance enhancer or just another Obd2 Top Speed Obdii Cat scam? This article delves into a comprehensive analysis of this product, comparing it to known scams like the Nitro OBD2, examining its internal components, and conducting performance tests to determine its true capabilities.
Unveiling the Thorton Top Speed OBDII Cat Performance Chip
The Thorton Top Speed OBDII Cat Performance Chip boasts a sleek, black design. However, its appearance is strikingly similar to previously debunked performance chip scams. The manufacturer, Thorton Chip Tuning, claims to be a team of automotive enthusiasts but their website and marketing materials raise red flags. Their “about us” page showcases a shop focused on general mechanical work, not specialized tuning. Furthermore, the product packaging and instructions bear an uncanny resemblance to the SuperOBD, a known scam device.
A closer inspection reveals that the Thorton chip itself is virtually identical to the Super OBD2 and Nitro OBD2 scam chips, differing only in color and labeling.
Dubious Claims and Questionable Pricing
Thorton makes bold claims about the chip’s ability to optimize engine performance and fuel consumption by remapping the ECU. They also claim to be U.S. sellers, despite the product clearly originating from China. Their assertion that the chip is universal yet requires specific vehicle information during purchase further adds to the suspicion. The advertised horsepower gains of up to 40HP from a simple OBD2 plugin are simply unrealistic.
The Thorton chip is offered in three performance levels, each with a different price point, despite all versions appearing identical. The pricing tiers and associated marketing graphics are suspiciously similar to those used by another known scam, the Chipyourcar Thunderbolt.
Internal Analysis and Performance Testing
Disassembling the Thorton chip reveals a circuit board identical to the NitroOBD clone, with the same components rearranged and LED colors changed. The use of the PIC16F59 microprocessor, known for its limited memory capacity, further confirms its inability to store genuine vehicle maps. A simple search on AliExpress reveals the same module being sold for a mere $4.32, further solidifying its fraudulent nature.
Real-world testing confirms the lack of any performance or fuel economy improvements after driving the recommended 125 miles. A “blink test” comparing the Thorton chip to the NitroOBD reveals identical blinking patterns, indicating the same underlying programming.
Conclusion: Another OBD2 Top Speed Scam
Based on the evidence, the Thorton Top Speed OBDII Cat Performance Chip is conclusively another obd2 top speed scam. It is a rebranded version of the notorious NitroOBD, offering no real performance gains. Consumers should avoid this product and other similar devices promising unrealistic results from a simple OBD2 plugin. Legitimate performance tuning requires significantly more complex hardware and software modifications. Don’t be fooled by flashy marketing and empty promises.
