Mike,

I've been contemplating purchasing a superchip. I saw one for sale here in a local paper. It was on a 2001 SuperCrew with the 5.4 engine. Since this is the same engine I have, would I need to get it reburned? Is there anything else I should be looking for?

Thanks!

 

If the computer code is the same, you won't have to have it reburned. If it is different, then you will.

 

Hi gschein,

I'm sorry, but no, a used Superchip will NOT work on any 2003 model Ford Motor Company vehicle.

Ford changed certain things for the 2003 model year in the PCM, and so the Superchip module had to be changed internally to compensate for proper operation. If you try using an earlier Superchip, even with the correct computer code, what will happen is it will not always start up reliably, and anytime it gets much under about 20 degrees F, it can start to run erratically at any time due to the changes in communications protocols, etc. Ford implemented in the EEC-V PCM for 2003.

All 2003 FoMoCo vehicles using a Superchip have to use the newest "F" revision Superchip modules that only came out a coupla-few of months ago, those are the only ones that will work properly on the 2003 Fords. And your chances of finding one of those used, in the computer code that matches your vehicle, are slim & none at this point in time. A year or two from now, you'd have a better chance finding one used that would work of course, but not right now or anytime soon.

The Superchip *always* has to exactly match the computer code of each individual vehicle, we don't tune vehicles generically. Each Superchip program is made *specifically* for each individual vehicle's exact computer code (software revision in the PCM), of which there are *hundreds* of different codes each and every model year alone, so if you install a Superchip with the wrong code, your engine won't start with it installed.

Now if you had any other year of F-150 from 1987 thru 2002, sure, you could probably find a used Superchip in time, though the computer code still has to match or you'll have to pay to have it reprogrammed, at which point the used chip is no longer any kind of bargain.

Basically, for 2003 FoMoCo vehicle owners they need to purchase a new Superchip (or the Superchips Micro Tuner), as it's going to be quite some time before any significant numbers of used F-rev. Superchip modules for 2003's start showing up for sale used.

That aside, as we tell anyone who has just dropped $30K-$40K on a brand new truck, buying performance parts used generally isn't the best way to go about doing things. You have no warranty, no Tech Support, and nobody to turn to if you have a problem. So unless you are very experienced & knowledgeable about the 2003 F-150 specifically and also know a lot about what performance parts are high quality and are also appropriate & safe to use, etc., buying used performance parts imparts a lot of risk. And on a brand new truck, it just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to try saving $50-$100 or so buying a used performance part with no benefits of ownership.

Don't get me wrong, there are times and certain parts that you can do OK buying used, and there are a few things that I might consider buying used, given my experience. But in performance parts for a brand new expensive vehicle, especially something as important as the powertrain program, that's not very often, so please be careful, OK?

Good luck!

 

Thanks Mike. It's nice to have someone around who gives good honest advice. I'll give you a call so I can ask you about the warranty and other details.

 

You're very welcome, of course.

And good luck with that beautiful new 2003 F-150!