Superchips Cortex

The days of tuning an engine under the hood by hand (with a timing light and wrench) to increase horsepower and torque are over. Today’s computer-controlled engines and transmissions make it possible to perform an “electronic” tune-up…with the hood shut, using a “flash tuner” plugged into the onboard diagnostics (OBD) port under the dash to gain performance. Power improvements vary depending on the engine, but a flash tuner produces an immediate boost that can translate into greater fuel economy.

While there are a number of quality flash tuners on the market, the new Cortex from Superchips (Stanford, Florida) is the only product on the market that includes a two-year limited powertrain warranty, so you can use it with confidence. And, Superchips recognizes the need for safe and reliable power delivery that is also 50-state emissions legal, so Cortex tuning is intended to comply with all California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations.

Founded in the U.S. in 1993, Superchips is one of the first companies to specialize in tuning both cars and trucks with computer-controlled fuel-injection systems. Their relentless pursuit to improve vehicle performance is visible in the attention to detail and quality in their research and development. The proof is in Superchips’ focus on total performance tuning throughout the entire power band, from part throttle through full throttle—building safe, reliable power.

The Cortex has the same great features that Superchips’ users have come to love, including programming up to three performance tunes to enhance power, economy, and drivability. It also has the ability to save factory settings; program for performance, towing, or economy; tune transmission settings for improved drivability; read and clear diagnostic trouble codes; adjust speed and RPM limiters; and recalibrate speedometer/odometer for tire and gear swaps. There is even a data acquisition software package available via Internet download that allows users to save and log data to better understand their vehicle performance.

The Cortex device also comes with a special expansion port that will allow users to connect compatible performance accessories to the device, meaning the Cortex can stay in the vehicle cabin and act as a hub communicating with networked accessories, such as dash-mount displays, gauges and supplemental vehicle sensors. An array of compatible devices will be available for sale in 2008. All Cortex programmers are fully Internet updateable, using a very simple software utility that can be downloaded to your computer at www.superchips.com.

To see how the product works first hand, we visited Lin Farmer at Automotive Testing and Development Services (Ontario, California), as he was about to test the Cortex on a new Chrysler 300C 5.7-liter Hemi. ATDS is a full-service engineering and testing firm, specializing in testing and certification for the EPA, CARB and DOT.

The car was first run on a chassis dyno to establish “baseline” horsepower figures. Then, the Cortex tune was applied, and the car was run on the dyno again. Check out the photos and see how easy it was for Lin to pull 20 more horsepower out of the Hemi—without ever opening the hood.

1. The new Cortex flash tuner from Superchips includes everything you’ll need for plug ’n’ play tune-ups and much more.

2. Before using the tuner, you must attach the Cortex to your computer with the supplied USB cable, go online to download the latest flash program for your vehicle and activate the two-year limited powertrain warranty.