Is there any difference between the regular superchip chip and the superchips max microtuner? I currently am running the chip in my 97 f150 4.6. Since the tuner was released I have wondered what the differences are between the two. I know with my chip the speed gov. was removed, has alot more pickup and go but the tranny still lags. I can't see myself spending another $100 for a chip reburn to have better shifts if I can spend $300 to have more power and better ****s all in 1.

I have currently the af1, chip, true dual flow 40 exhaust (soon to be replaced with magnaflow dual in/out with x pipe)

 

Hi 97,

Well, there is no inherent difference in the "standard" Superchips tuning in either device - meaning if you are using a non-custom program, and I think you probably are since it appears you don't seem to have mods that would require custom tuning to compensate for them.

However, if you are using a single-program Superchip now, you would gain a couple of additional different tunes by using the Micro Tuner - it now has 3 programs, one for 87 octane tow-safe, then premium gas tow-safe, and finally, the "max" performance tune that requires premium gas that you *cannot* tow with. And of course, you know it gives you some manual control over shift points and shift pressures, as well as it's built-in OBD-II code scanner, etc.

the real key here is if you are going to be doing any mods in the future that would require custom tuning - if so, then you;d want to hang on to that Superchip, and just have it's programming changed to re-tune the vehicle as needed - you can't do that with the 1715 Micro Tuner. But as long as you are not going to do mods that require custom tuning (changing the MAF, bigger injectors, supercharger, nitrous, ported cylinder heads, etc. ), then you're generally going to be better served by the Micro Tuner, thanks to it's multiple programs and additional features, etc.

What I would suggest is to give us a call so we can go over all of this in detail with you - if you purchased that Superchip directly from us here at Troyer Performance/Performance Products, Inc., or sometimes from the info on the sticker on the back of your Superchip, we can look up whatever program you are running, and that way I can tell you just exactly what you would benefit by doing the most.

We can also check to see if there is an update perhaps to your program - some of the 1997 & 1998 truck programs got updated a while back, and we can check your purchase date to see if your program has had further changes - I say that because if so, then those who bought their Superchips from us get those updates almost free - we only charge a few bucks for return shipping to get the module back to you in those situations.

At any rate, regardless of where or how you got your present Superchip, please do feel free to give us a call & we'll be happy to try to look up the program for you, go over when you got it, etc. to see if there is an update, and to let you know just exactly what benefits you would get by going with the Micro Tuner, which is actually going to be the best way to go, either reprogramming your existing Superchip or getting into the 1715 Micro Tuner, etc. - we'll be happy to help.

Have fun,

 

Thanks Mike for that info.

I belive my code is IMP4 as the code on the doorjam says. Or do you need another code to look up an update.

I bought the chip I believe in april of 2002 maybe march. I don't plan on doing any mods that would require a custome burn.

Actually i wanted to know if I would have a power difference if I used the tuner of the chip now?

I'll try and give you a call monday if possible. I have a job interview and don't know when i'll be back. Other then that these forums and email are the best way to communicate with me.

 

Hi 97,

Ok, since you got your chip just last year, you've got all the latest R&D in there - so there aren't any updates to the "standard" IMP4-code tunes after you got yours - and that IMP4 *is* a correct and valid code for some of the 1997 4.6 automatics, by the way.

Now what you most likely have there is what we call the premium gas tow-safe program, which usually adds about 16-18 HP - unless you got it from us and specifically asked for the"max" performance tune, you've got the premium gas tow-safe rs file. So yes, if we reprogrammed it with the "max" performance tune, we can get you roughly another 8-10 HP over whatever it's making on that tow-safe tune - it's just that with the "max" performance tune, you can't tow anything.

Now only you can decide if it's worthwhile to have that chip reburned to get another 8-10 HP - feel free to give us a call or shoot us an email to sales@troyerperformance.com and we can quote you a price on that - and that price *does* vary, as we charge those who bought their Superchips directly from us less for that particular type of program change than what we charge someone who bought it elsewhere - but in either case, regardless of where you got your Superchip that cost is significantly less than the figure you had mentioned in your earlier post, so it's worth checking with us on that - we just can't quote pricing here on the boards. Address your email to my attention, and I'll make sure you're taken care of there, ok? That way, at least you'll know what the actual cost would be, so then you can think about it and decide if that cost is worth it to you to get another 8-10 HP -that is, if you don't need to tow.

Thanks for that info, & enjoy your Thanksgiving!