There has been a lot of talk about the upcoming release of the programmer for our trucks from Superchips and Hypertech. The MSRP is around $400. Some have had their trucks PCM sent in to be tuned and others (like myself) are waiting for the programmer. Before I do send out that $400 check though I wanted some updates on how well these work. JohnandDar I know you have yours tuned, how well does it run? Is it worth the money? Has anyone else had this done to other vehicles? I hope to get a discussion going with some of the people more experienced with these products. Most know how they are intended to work, but are they worth it and make that big difference you would hope $400 would?

 

I have similar concerns as EddyG88. The other things on top of what he has posted that worry me are certain things such as spark plug life, sensor longetivity, things like that. I am worried about doing this to a new F-150 with the fact that it could hurt the sensors and such, and lesson the life of many things in my truck. Is this not so? Does it not hurt anything in the truck, or is it actually better for the truck? I have technical experience with tuners and programmers, please give us your input as EddyG88 has requested also. Thanks.

 

Hi guys,

I am happy to report that my truck continues to run great with the Troyer/Superchips reflash. Is it worth the $400? I think so. Considering many spend $280+ for an intake kit or $500+ for a catback, I think you'll get more performance and "drivability" improvement out of the reflash/tuner than those other 2 items combined.
As I stated in a recent post in the "Computer Chips" section, the improved shift characteristics is probably what you'll feel the most. Upshifts are firmer and WOT upshifts from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd are higher, so you realize peak power before the shift. *I will note that the light throttle shift from 1st to 2nd was a little too firm for my taste, but Superchips adjusted that when I sent the PCM back to have them remove the speed limiter. Now everything is just right. Also, I haven't been back to the dyno since the speed limiter was removed...I'd rather save that money towards the electric fan kit and underdrive pulleys.
I can't imagine that the performance program would have any negative mechanical impact on the truck, unless you are trying to drive WOT all of the time. I think that the adjusted shift characteristics of the reflash will probably be better for the tranny in the long run.
Do I feel like the truck has more HP? I want to be careful not to over exaggerate the impact of the tune...these trucks are heavy and 20 or so more hp isn't going to turn them into racing trucks. I do notice that it pulls lower rpms than it did before the reflash. I'll also say I notice enough improvement that I wouldn't go back to stock (even for a full refund).
I've got the 93 Octane tune, and with the costs of fuel, I've been concerned that that my mpg improvement hasn't been enough to offset the cost of premium fuel. I just checked my detailed fuel usage records the other day:
Before reflash: 5376 miles, 14.27 mpg average
Since reflash: 4496 miles, 15.95 mpg average
That's just under 12% improvement in gas mileage. Around here, 93 octane usually costs 8 to 10% more than 87 octane. At least it seems like the mpg improvements have offset the premium fuel costs.
I don't have any other performance mods, yet. (I just ordered the K&N drop-in, but I'm not expecting that to make much difference on performance).
I hope that gives you some useful information. If you have any other questions, just ask.

 

i might give the Superchips tuner a thought. but with 93 so expensive its tough.

 

According to Troyers website, there is an underdrive pulley for our truck already out and its not too expensive. My question to you on those is, if they are so simple, with no negative effects and only a little smaller (is that right) than a stock pulley, then why wouldnt Ford do this and claim the 10 hp or whatever it gets?
Its not like it effects anything, does it? Are they worth it too because that seems like a deal for a quick 10hp.

 

"when you play, you pay"

i have had many cars and trucks(zr2,silverado,wrx,cobra) and none of them were stock for long. anytime you alter things on your truck you are putting stress on other parts... (more power, bigger tires ect)..... the truck was not made with these parts on it and when you put them on it they will, in the long run, cost you more money than just the part/instal... i plan on modding my truck probably even go with a whipple and a lift...... i am not saying that its bad to mod your vehicle but the thing is there will ALWAYS be negatives to changing things on your vehicles and don't let anyone tell you different.

 

i have this pully with my right now. i havent had time to put it on, ill let you know what i think when i do.

 

Danger, danger Will Rob... er, EddyG!!! Remember this thread? https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...r&pagenumber=1
Don't go down that road. As far as the programmers, I'm skeptical. I'd like to run on regular or mid-grade and see some extra oomph. I like Troyers 'Stage 1' kit for the '04. Intake, Exhaust & PCM Flash. I like the combo 'cept that flash thing, I'll wait for a programmer too, thank you!.

 

Good point. Attempting to stay on track. Damn I just wish she had a little more juice to carry her a$$!
A few mods should do the trick, but like you I am skeptical of the programmer. Although if they get what they claim to, the cost of the 93 octane is nill with the added mpg. Do a search on it and you will see most of the guys who have used this setup (programmer) found running the higher octane cost them the same with the added mpg and performance. Although $400 is a lot for 25hp, it makes it worth it for the speedo corrections and easy program swaps.

 

Hmm.. I'll have to do the math and see how it works out with gas prices around here. I think it's more mental that anything... PREMIUM in my truck?! Are you insane?!

$400 does seem like a lot, but that $1100 for the troyer kit seems like a deal. More mental, I guess!

 

I know many people are on a budget. Me too. But, if you were to buy premium gas at one tank per week for a month you will only spend 21.00 more. It averages 5.20 more per tank on a 26 gallon tank. No too bad if you ask me and you will get better mpg out of the tuning and on premium fuel.

The chips do work too!!! Atleast on my old F-150 they did. I noticed a considerable difference. I hacked up 85,000 miles on that truck before I traded it in and never ONCE did I have a problem with it. The engine light never came on, it always started, and it ran great. Change the oil religiously, keep up on the cleaning and visual checks and she is golden. They are built to last.

I am waiting on the programmer for my new 04. I think I will see great results.

 

dzervit, wait for troyer to reissue the kit with the programmer so you have control of swapping back to stock and all the other features.

 

You betcha!

 

I've got my eye on that programmer too, I'de like the PCM flash but I can just imagine taking it in for service and them saying "hey we gave you the newest reflash for the heck of it, yours was weird..." $400 down the drain. It would be nice to swap the stock program back in there to so they can't claim the tuning voids your warranty.

 

I would suspect Ford would be able to determine if the program in the PCM/ECU has been changed, even if you take it back to stock prior to returning for any required or needed service. I've had a Hypertech system in my prior 99 Superduty and loved it, however I never had to take it in for any engine related service which would had required me to return the PCM/ECU to a stock program configuration. I still will purchase the Superchips or Hypertech handheld programmer when they become available, but i'm not blind enough to think that it doesn't set some kind of code in the PCM/ECU that could be found later during a complete download by Ford, if a warranty dispute would happen to occur. Just my thoughts...