I just looked at the Hypertech web site, and it look's like they may beat Superchips to the punch with the release of their hand held Power Programer III for the new 2004 Ford F150 5.4 liter 3 valve motor. I've used Hypertech programers before and they were great. I have seen some post on this site that slammed Hypertech, but maybe like most things they just had some bad luck. Hypertech told me also that since I still have a prior Power Programer III Handheld programer I could send it in and have it re-programed for 1/2 the cost of a new one. Sound to me like they are trying to service there customers, which in my opinion is what it's all about. I have never had a Superchips programmer, any objective opinions on there customer service or product line? I again state "objective" opinions, not a slam fest on either company.

 

From what I've read, the Superchips usually can read the codes coming off the truck - great for self-troubleshooting. The Power Programmers from Hypertech do not. Features vary from model to model. Some let you adjust for tire sizes, others do not. I've also read that Superchips programs for every 200 RPM... but I have no idea what the hell that means or how Hypertech does it. The end result is similar between the two products, with most applications coming withine 5-10HP of one another on the same type of fuel. Hypertech is normally a tad cheaper.

I also read nasty things about Hypertech's support.

Bottom line: Cheap & Easy w/ solid gains = Hypertech

Easy & Flexible w/ great support = Superchips

Hope that helps... I'm thinking about the superchips due to the flexibility of the programmer... but then again, that Whipple kit is lookin' miiiiiiiiighty good.... http://www.whipplesuperchargers.com/...p?ProdID=1203. Hopefully it's a programmer with the kit & not a reflash!

 

As an add on this this post does anyone know what happens to any re-flashes to your on board computer you may have had done after you install the programing from these Hand held's when they hit the market. Previous Ford trucks I've had never had to be re-flashed. It could just be stored in a seperate area of the PCM, I still think they made these trucks way far to "techy" in nature...

 

Hypertech's tuning is nearly as good as Superchips. Go with Superchips.

 

Hypertech is like buying acetaminophine at the drug store instead of Tylenol or Advil. buy the Advil not the generic brand. Superchips offers a much better tune!

 

I keep reading that Hypertech is not very well thought of. I never heard that aside from this site. I've never had the Superchips, I have had Hypertech and it worked very nice no problems. Just wondered what the heck they did to make so many people upset with them, or is it just an urban legend?

 

I think it's their customer service. If there is one bad thing I hear consistantly it's the service. The tunes themselves are competitive & they are priced well. I don't think Hypertech is nearly as bad as others make them out to be. If they were, they wouldn't sell so friggen' many tuners! I think the tech/gearheads want more, thus the push for the superchips tuners (more features, flexible, diag codes, etc...).

It's not like the superchips tuner is going to give you an EXTRA 25+ HP over the Hypertech tuner... the actual tune will be close.. Like I said before, I bet there is only a single digit HP diff between the two...

 

Now if we can only get them to actually put some tuners out in the market. I think thats the hardest thing with this new truck...waiting for the mods to be released.

 

You are correct my friend. I know I'm waiting to spend a little money. Horsepower cost's, how much do you want.