Mike, is the Baumannator TCS compatible with the Superchip?
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Mike, is the Baumannator TCS compatible with the Superchip?
One of the things that annoys me most on my truck is not being able to easily manually shift (automatic) when I want to. Using the column shifter is cumbersome to say the least and just not fast enough for my tastes. Even with the Superchip (definitely an improvement) the truck just doesn't shift when I want it to. The Superchip is set for 4600 RPM at WOT and I would be happier with about 5200 RPM. Also when feathering the throttle, the truck just shifts when it damn well pleases.
I am really considering installing the Baumannator TCS Electronic Shift Controller. Baumannator TCS Mostly for the ManuTronic feature which allows fully manual gear selection when desired, via OEM Ford speed control buttons or a stand-alone push-button control.
My question is, do you have any experience with this unit and if so, is it compatible with the Superchip?
It seems ideal to me, being able to shift instantly with the push of a button both up and down when in the manual setting.
Any information would be greatly appreciated. I would not want to loose the other benefits of the superchip.
I am really considering installing the Baumannator TCS Electronic Shift Controller. Baumannator TCS Mostly for the ManuTronic feature which allows fully manual gear selection when desired, via OEM Ford speed control buttons or a stand-alone push-button control.
My question is, do you have any experience with this unit and if so, is it compatible with the Superchip?
It seems ideal to me, being able to shift instantly with the push of a button both up and down when in the manual setting.
Any information would be greatly appreciated. I would not want to loose the other benefits of the superchip.
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Joined: Mar 1998
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From: Virginia
Hi WLF,
I have never tried using that unit in conjunction with any performance program for the PCM. In looking at it's description, it doesn't look like you can use it with a performance chip, the way I read it (and I could very easily be wrong here). However, it is a bit confusing, and could probably be interpreted either way.
It really appears to be designed primarily to allow you to use a modern computer-controlled tranny in a vehicle that previously did not use PCM controls for the automatic transmission, and has grown to include some additional features over the years. But again, this is just from a quick cursory read of that info, so *don't* depend on me for your answer on this.
From what I can see, it looks like a strict either/or situation, you can either use the Superchip, or you could use the Bauman piece, as it's giving you control over many of the exact same functions that the PCM is already controlling, and that the Superchip takes precedence over.
Call Greg @ Bauman & talk with him about this to get a proper answer, & please feel free to call me if you want to discuss this in more detail after you speak with Greg.
If you want to have your shift points raised in your Superchip, that is easily done, just give us ac all. You also need to remember that on part-throttle, the transmission is going to upshift just as soon as it decides it can do so without actually losing velocity, so your part-throttle shift points are dependent on your right foot. We can adjust that a bit as well if need be, by moving the light-throttle shift points up a few mph, that can usually be done without causing other problems, however, the part-throttle shifts need to retain the basic algorithms that are vehicle speed & throttle position versus load dependent for proper operation.
You might also want to consider a good shift kit if you are looking for harder shifts. Don't try making your shifts any harder just by cranking in more line pressure electronically via the Bauman piece, as the Superchip is already there. So making it shift even harder at this point needs to be done via mechanical mods in addition to the Superchip, so the tranny is physically capable of flowing more fluid *volume*, not by electronic means which will only overwork the front pump trying to force more pressure thru the same small orifices. It's a matter of how quickly you can get the clutches to fill & execute the shift; one way to get some improvement in direct correlation to the amount of throttle opening (as it should be) is with the Superchip, then to go further from there mechanical mods are required so the tranny can flow the required fluid volume.
If you want to have *real* control, you may even want to consider a custom manual-shift valve body & a decent shifter mounted on the floor, maybe in a nice console.
Give it some thought & call us if we can be of assistance,
I have never tried using that unit in conjunction with any performance program for the PCM. In looking at it's description, it doesn't look like you can use it with a performance chip, the way I read it (and I could very easily be wrong here). However, it is a bit confusing, and could probably be interpreted either way.
It really appears to be designed primarily to allow you to use a modern computer-controlled tranny in a vehicle that previously did not use PCM controls for the automatic transmission, and has grown to include some additional features over the years. But again, this is just from a quick cursory read of that info, so *don't* depend on me for your answer on this.
From what I can see, it looks like a strict either/or situation, you can either use the Superchip, or you could use the Bauman piece, as it's giving you control over many of the exact same functions that the PCM is already controlling, and that the Superchip takes precedence over.
Call Greg @ Bauman & talk with him about this to get a proper answer, & please feel free to call me if you want to discuss this in more detail after you speak with Greg.
If you want to have your shift points raised in your Superchip, that is easily done, just give us ac all. You also need to remember that on part-throttle, the transmission is going to upshift just as soon as it decides it can do so without actually losing velocity, so your part-throttle shift points are dependent on your right foot. We can adjust that a bit as well if need be, by moving the light-throttle shift points up a few mph, that can usually be done without causing other problems, however, the part-throttle shifts need to retain the basic algorithms that are vehicle speed & throttle position versus load dependent for proper operation.
You might also want to consider a good shift kit if you are looking for harder shifts. Don't try making your shifts any harder just by cranking in more line pressure electronically via the Bauman piece, as the Superchip is already there. So making it shift even harder at this point needs to be done via mechanical mods in addition to the Superchip, so the tranny is physically capable of flowing more fluid *volume*, not by electronic means which will only overwork the front pump trying to force more pressure thru the same small orifices. It's a matter of how quickly you can get the clutches to fill & execute the shift; one way to get some improvement in direct correlation to the amount of throttle opening (as it should be) is with the Superchip, then to go further from there mechanical mods are required so the tranny can flow the required fluid volume.
If you want to have *real* control, you may even want to consider a custom manual-shift valve body & a decent shifter mounted on the floor, maybe in a nice console.
Give it some thought & call us if we can be of assistance,
Last edited by Superchips_Distributor; Jul 13, 2003 at 12:52 PM.
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Thanks Mike.
I already have a shift kit (Trans-go) installed in the trans and the settings are between 1 and 2 using a drill bit sized between. The shift kit in combination with the Superchip makes the shifts plenty strong with many 1-2 shifts chirping the rear wheels. I just want to be able to go back and forth between fully manual control of the shift points and the full automatic. In other words, have my cake and eat it too.
I will give Bauminator a call and see what they have to say. Maybe they have a product just for the shift control. When I have my new engine finished I will definitely have to have a Custom chip so I can't use any product that will interfere with the engine controls of the chip. If their product only overrides the transmission part of the program, then it may just work. Anyway, again thanks.
As a side note, I never noticed you are in Virginia. When I do finally get the new engine completed I may make an appt. to have you do a custom chip burn for me...
I already have a shift kit (Trans-go) installed in the trans and the settings are between 1 and 2 using a drill bit sized between. The shift kit in combination with the Superchip makes the shifts plenty strong with many 1-2 shifts chirping the rear wheels. I just want to be able to go back and forth between fully manual control of the shift points and the full automatic. In other words, have my cake and eat it too.
I will give Bauminator a call and see what they have to say. Maybe they have a product just for the shift control. When I have my new engine finished I will definitely have to have a Custom chip so I can't use any product that will interfere with the engine controls of the chip. If their product only overrides the transmission part of the program, then it may just work. Anyway, again thanks.
As a side note, I never noticed you are in Virginia. When I do finally get the new engine completed I may make an appt. to have you do a custom chip burn for me...
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
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From: Virginia
Hi WLF,
Ahh, so you already have a shift kit installed, so you're in good shape with regard to the tranny flowing enough fluid volume and line pressure then, excellent! Basically, you just want the manual control features & the shift paddle feature where they're converting the cruise control buttons, etc.
Good luck in your discussions with Greg @ Bauman, & please do let us know how he feels about using his product for that application.
Ahh, so you already have a shift kit installed, so you're in good shape with regard to the tranny flowing enough fluid volume and line pressure then, excellent! Basically, you just want the manual control features & the shift paddle feature where they're converting the cruise control buttons, etc.
Good luck in your discussions with Greg @ Bauman, & please do let us know how he feels about using his product for that application.
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Mike
This is a follow-up to this earlier post. I contacted Baumannator about the compatibility of the TCS Electronic Shift Controller with the Superchip. I get the impression this is not a question they have been asked before.
Essentially what they told me is that the engine controls would not be changed. The problem is that the Baumannator TCS Electronic Shift Controller in fact severs the link between the computer and the transmission. This makes the computer think the transmission has just fallen out of the truck and you can imagine the error codes that would follow. Many of the Mustang guys are using aftermarket engine control computers so this is not a problem, in fact they then need some way to control the transmission.
Also, you can install a computer from an F-150 of the same year that was equiped with the manual transmission to eliminate the transmission codes. There may then be a problem with those who have the passive anti-theft system that the new computer will not recognize the code in their keys.
Not for me since I wanted to be able to go back and forth between using the TCS and using the normal transmission controls.
I guess a Superchip re-burn is the best solution for me.
One more question, can the Superchip be programmed to eliminate the Torque Converter lock up in 1-2-3 gears with normal operation in Fourth? What would be the down side other then gas mileage?
Again thanks.
This is a follow-up to this earlier post. I contacted Baumannator about the compatibility of the TCS Electronic Shift Controller with the Superchip. I get the impression this is not a question they have been asked before.
Essentially what they told me is that the engine controls would not be changed. The problem is that the Baumannator TCS Electronic Shift Controller in fact severs the link between the computer and the transmission. This makes the computer think the transmission has just fallen out of the truck and you can imagine the error codes that would follow. Many of the Mustang guys are using aftermarket engine control computers so this is not a problem, in fact they then need some way to control the transmission.
Also, you can install a computer from an F-150 of the same year that was equiped with the manual transmission to eliminate the transmission codes. There may then be a problem with those who have the passive anti-theft system that the new computer will not recognize the code in their keys.
Not for me since I wanted to be able to go back and forth between using the TCS and using the normal transmission controls.
I guess a Superchip re-burn is the best solution for me.
One more question, can the Superchip be programmed to eliminate the Torque Converter lock up in 1-2-3 gears with normal operation in Fourth? What would be the down side other then gas mileage?
Again thanks.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
Hi WLF,
There already is no TQ lockup @ WOT in the first 2 gears, and only later (higher) in rpms in 3rd & 4th. So eliminating TQ lockup everywhere except 4th gear would cause more heat, about 400-500 more rpms all the time in any of the first 3 gears at *any* speed, more wear, worse fuel mileage, etc., and would give no real performance benefit over what you have now. Well, unless you're towing a heavy load, I suppose.
For some of our drag racers with normally aspirated applications, we'll completely delete TQ lockup altogether on Side 2 of their Flip Chip, and that would be used for an all-out drag strip program. Aside from that, I usually don't advise changing what we're already doing with TQ lockup.
Give me a call to go over this in more detail to really decide if this would be something that could benefit you.
There already is no TQ lockup @ WOT in the first 2 gears, and only later (higher) in rpms in 3rd & 4th. So eliminating TQ lockup everywhere except 4th gear would cause more heat, about 400-500 more rpms all the time in any of the first 3 gears at *any* speed, more wear, worse fuel mileage, etc., and would give no real performance benefit over what you have now. Well, unless you're towing a heavy load, I suppose.
For some of our drag racers with normally aspirated applications, we'll completely delete TQ lockup altogether on Side 2 of their Flip Chip, and that would be used for an all-out drag strip program. Aside from that, I usually don't advise changing what we're already doing with TQ lockup.
Give me a call to go over this in more detail to really decide if this would be something that could benefit you.