The internet is awash with OBDII performance chips promising significant horsepower and fuel efficiency gains. One such product is the Thorton Top Speed Obdii Cat Performance Chip Tuner. This article delves into a comprehensive analysis of this device, comparing it to known scams like the Nitro OBD2, and revealing the truth behind its claims. Before proceeding, we highly recommend familiarizing yourself with the in-depth reverse engineering analysis of the Nitro OBD2 scam conducted by Quarkslab: https://blog.quarkslab.com/reverse-engineering-of-the-nitro-obd2.html. This foundational knowledge will help you understand the context of our investigation.
Thorton Top Speed OBDII Cat: A Familiar Face?
The Thorton Top Speed OBDII Cat boasts a sleek black design, but 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 a closer look at their website reveals inconsistencies and raises red flags. Their “about us” page features a photo of a shop seemingly focused on mechanical repairs, not performance tuning. Furthermore, their marketing materials bear an uncanny resemblance to those used by SuperOBD, another known scam. The packaging, instructions, and even the chip itself are virtually identical, differing only in color and logo.
SuperOBD Box and Install Instructions vs Thorton Performance Chip Top Speed OBDII CAT
Dubious Claims and Inflated Promises
Thorton claims their OBDII cat performance chip can increase horsepower by up to 40HP and significantly improve fuel economy. These claims are highly suspect, especially given the chip’s resemblance to known scams. While the company states the chip adjusts to the vehicle’s engine and driving habits, their assertion that a single chip is universally compatible with all engine sizes and types contradicts their requirement for specific vehicle information during purchase. This inconsistency further fuels suspicion.
Thorton Chiptuning Top Speed OBDII Cat Performance Chip Website Claims 4
Internal Analysis: Unveiling the Truth Behind the Thorton OBDII Cat
Disassembling the Thorton Top Speed OBDII Cat reveals a circuit board identical to the NitroOBD clone, using the same PIC16F59 microprocessor. This microprocessor lacks the memory capacity to store genuine vehicle maps necessary for performance tuning. A side-by-side comparison confirms the internal components are identical, only rearranged. Furthermore, the same chip is available on AliExpress for a fraction of the price, further solidifying its fraudulent nature.
SUPERobd NitroOBS Scam Chip Circuit Board vs Thorton Top Speed OBDII CAT Performance Chip Comparison
Real-World Testing and the Blink Test
Real-world testing of the Thorton chip showed no discernible performance or fuel economy improvements. A “blink test,” comparing the LED blink patterns of the Thorton chip and a known NitroOBD scam, revealed identical flashing sequences, confirming the same underlying programming. This test, alongside the internal analysis, definitively exposes the Thorton Top Speed OBDII Cat as a rebranded NitroOBD scam.
SuperOBD Scam Chip vs Thorton Performance Chip Blink Bench Test
Conclusion: Avoid the Thorton Top Speed OBDII Cat Scam
The evidence overwhelmingly points to the Thorton Top Speed OBDII Cat Performance Chip being a deceptive product. From its striking resemblance to known scams to the internal analysis and real-world testing, it’s clear this device does not deliver on its promises. Consumers should avoid this product and exercise caution when considering any OBDII performance chip offering unrealistic gains. Genuine performance tuning requires sophisticated software and hardware, not a simple plug-and-play device. Don’t fall victim to this scam.
