This is a really controversial subject it appears
Here are a couple of my thoughts-
Most companies set their cars up for the lowest common denominator. As I understand it 93 octane is nonexistent in many cities. It makes sense to me that a car would not be tuned to take advantage of this from the factory and that a chip would. It may not be a huge difference but it must account for something.
I noticed that all the spec boxsters are going to be using the powerchip. I also see a lot of tuning chip decals on race cars and they aren't all turbos. Do the spec boxster guys know something we don't ?
This subject generates loads of criticism here. I just picked up an '06 Audi A4 so I joined one of the Audi boards to learn about it a little. Seems like everyone puts in chips and it is one of the first mods done. Of course the Audi chips are $200.00 less than the Porsche chips. Can't imagine why though!!!
A chip, intake and exhaust should cost less than 2,000.00 and yield roughly 25 HP if I understand everyone correctly. If that's the case I don't think the cheapest way to increase HP is to move to a same year "S" model. Although the "S" models do have a whole lot of extras making the move a tempting one I am not sure the added HP would be enough on it's own. When I bought my Boxster then 3 years old all the "S" versions were selling for 5 to 10 thousand more.
Personally, I think the auto makers like everyone tinkering with the cars. It adds a competitiveness and builds brand loyalty. The guys running the show aren't all dummkopfs you know. Don't underestimate how much free advertising and brand loyalty all these mods generate.
Finally maybe someone can answer a stupid question here. Won't the butt-dyno register a lot higher with someone who weighs 150 to 180 pounds than it will with someone in the 220 to 250 pound range? I certainly don't mean to offend anyone as I am in the middle of those two ranges creeping upwards a little every year myself...My point-isn't it a lot easier to move an object from 0 to 60 a lot faster when there is 70 pounds less in the drivers seat and won't it be substantially more noticeable?
Maybe that's why the younger (skinnier) drivers swear by chips and the older more experienced owners don't seem to notice as much of a difference. Course I could be all off base on that too but it does seem to make sense. Any Physicists care to comment?
After reading all this I am still committed to purchasing a chip. I have the exhaust, the intake and I just lost 15 pounds. I am leaning towards the Revo though so if anyone is interested in doing a group buy PM me and we'll give it a shot.