Superchip
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 1998
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From: Daleville, AL, USA
Superchip
I have read the posts about chipping a 4.9 I6 and want to understand a little more before I purchase one. Want I want is the most HP and TQ for the money. I'm totally stock right now but am thinking airflow, exaust, and superchip and wondering in what order I should purchase and if I'm on track. What gains will each one bring and any recommendations on specific products appriciated. My desire is not for speed but rather to prove that my 4.9 I6 with five speed manual transmission can tow respectably (or not?)
Thanks,
Randy Kleven
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Thanks,
Randy Kleven
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
Most people buy the Superchip first, simply because of it's bang-for-the-buck value as a power-gainer. For those on a tight budget, sometimes they'll go for the K&N filter first, because it's under $50.
Those three areas are the main areas to focus on, and in order of power gains, it's the Superchip, followed by exhaust, and then intake.
For the 4.9 engine, the Superchip adds 14 hp and 31 lbs./ft. of torque. Figure on maybe 10hp from the exhaust, and 5 hp from the intake, assuming you go with a cat-back exhaust system, and a K&N air filter. The sum of all that will be about 30 hp., and about 45-50 lbs./ft. of torque. That should be enough to significantly help it's ability to tow! It should also help to improve your fuel mileage a bit as well.
Good luck, whatever you decide!
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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 07-14-1999).]
Those three areas are the main areas to focus on, and in order of power gains, it's the Superchip, followed by exhaust, and then intake.
For the 4.9 engine, the Superchip adds 14 hp and 31 lbs./ft. of torque. Figure on maybe 10hp from the exhaust, and 5 hp from the intake, assuming you go with a cat-back exhaust system, and a K&N air filter. The sum of all that will be about 30 hp., and about 45-50 lbs./ft. of torque. That should be enough to significantly help it's ability to tow! It should also help to improve your fuel mileage a bit as well.
Good luck, whatever you decide!
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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 07-14-1999).]
Member
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 46
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From: Southern California
Hey Randy, Welcome!!! What year truck do you have? As you can see from my sig we have the same motor. I put on a 3in cat back and a K&N FIPK and it helped out. I'm also going to get a Superchip. Has anyone told you what your tow rating is? I have been told everything from 2000lbs to 5500lbs from different trailer mfg's.
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1989 F-150 XLT LARIAT 4x4 4.9L I6 5 speed manual tranny 3.55 gears K&N FIPK 3" Flowmaster.
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1989 F-150 XLT LARIAT 4x4 4.9L I6 5 speed manual tranny 3.55 gears K&N FIPK 3" Flowmaster.
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Joined: May 1999
Posts: 201
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Sounds like a winner to me! Glad to see some of these 4.9s around! As you can see from my signature we all have the same drivetrain. I have not yet ordered my superchip but plan to either next week, or the week after. I do believe that it will be the most bang for the buck! In terms of towing capacity........somewhere between 6-8 small neighborhoods!! We have one of the "torqiest", is that a word?, engine every made! It will never be a racing engine, but you won't have to be in the truck lane while towing! Keep us posted on what you decide to do, Mike has a great set of instructions regarding the Superchip work, contact him to get them.
Neal
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'94 F-150, 4.9 6cyl., Pioneer CD, 400 Watt amp, and a couple speakers to boot! K&N FIPK, Mangecor 8mm wires. Gibson 3" Side Swept. On order, Jacobs Pro Street Ignition. Soon to come; Superchip. Est. 200 hp 300ft/lb. Torque! Not bad for a straight 6!!
[This message has been edited by 94 F-150 (edited 07-14-1999).]
Neal
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'94 F-150, 4.9 6cyl., Pioneer CD, 400 Watt amp, and a couple speakers to boot! K&N FIPK, Mangecor 8mm wires. Gibson 3" Side Swept. On order, Jacobs Pro Street Ignition. Soon to come; Superchip. Est. 200 hp 300ft/lb. Torque! Not bad for a straight 6!!
[This message has been edited by 94 F-150 (edited 07-14-1999).]
Member
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 46
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From: Southern California
Hey Neal, did the guys at Jacobs or Mike at Superchips say how those two mods will work together? I was going to get the Jacobs system before I knew about the "Chip". Thanks, Steve
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1989 F-150 XLT LARIAT 4x4 4.9L I6 5 speed manual tranny 3.55 gears K&N FIPK 3" Flowmaster.
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1989 F-150 XLT LARIAT 4x4 4.9L I6 5 speed manual tranny 3.55 gears K&N FIPK 3" Flowmaster.
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Joined: May 1999
Posts: 201
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Steve,
I actually spoke with Mike about it yesterday. We also had a little debate over plugs that you can find in the "engine, bosch" board. Since I already have the wires and copper plugs I decided to opt for a hotter coil, went with MSD and it will be going on as soon as I'm done typing! This was as per recommendation of Mike. I'm very new to this performance addiction so when Jacobs tells me that they have an awesome product, I don't doubt them. Whether or not it's what my vehicle needs is a whole other issue! Part of my problem is that my head is too big, I think I'm hot-rodding a big block! I swear that my truck is fast!! I will let you know about the coil, it seemed a much better deal at $60, including wiring adaptor, compared to almost $500 for the Jacobs pro street. Glad I cancelled that order!!! What else do you have on your truck performance wise? And what has been the best buy? Thanks Steve, always great to have us "oldies" around!
Neal
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'94 F-150, 4.9 6cyl., Pioneer CD, 400 Watt amp, and a couple speakers to boot! K&N FIPK, Mangecor 8mm wires. Gibson 3" Side Swept. On order, Jacobs Pro Street Ignition. Soon to come; Superchip. Est. 200 hp 300ft/lb. Torque! Not bad for a straight 6!!
I actually spoke with Mike about it yesterday. We also had a little debate over plugs that you can find in the "engine, bosch" board. Since I already have the wires and copper plugs I decided to opt for a hotter coil, went with MSD and it will be going on as soon as I'm done typing! This was as per recommendation of Mike. I'm very new to this performance addiction so when Jacobs tells me that they have an awesome product, I don't doubt them. Whether or not it's what my vehicle needs is a whole other issue! Part of my problem is that my head is too big, I think I'm hot-rodding a big block! I swear that my truck is fast!! I will let you know about the coil, it seemed a much better deal at $60, including wiring adaptor, compared to almost $500 for the Jacobs pro street. Glad I cancelled that order!!! What else do you have on your truck performance wise? And what has been the best buy? Thanks Steve, always great to have us "oldies" around!
Neal
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'94 F-150, 4.9 6cyl., Pioneer CD, 400 Watt amp, and a couple speakers to boot! K&N FIPK, Mangecor 8mm wires. Gibson 3" Side Swept. On order, Jacobs Pro Street Ignition. Soon to come; Superchip. Est. 200 hp 300ft/lb. Torque! Not bad for a straight 6!!
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
To our 4.9 guys,
The Superchip will work just fine with the Jacob's Pro Street ignition system, that's not a problem. And, Jacob's makes some great products, no doubt! However, spending hundreds of dollars ($400-$500) for their ignition systems is *not* going to get you *significant* power gains, I'm sorry. We've seen dead-stock vehicles with that system on the dyno, and even though they were all V-8's, the gains just weren't there, they were all very close to their stock power levels, maybe 3-5hp more, and that was due to the larger plug gap, that's all. If it were me, as I advised 94F150, I would just get a set of good plug wires and a hotter coil, maybe try opening hte gap a bit if you like, and leave it at that. You'll save hundreds, and get about the same results. Or, if you're determined to spend serious money on an ignition system, take a look at Accel, Crane, and MSD for one of their CD multi-spark systems. They're considerably cheaper, and perform at least as well, if not better.
Don't get me wrong, I don't mean to bash Jacobs, just don't expect real power gains from their $400-$500 Pro Street system on your vehicle, that's all. You can get basically the same benefits by using good plugs & wires, and opening up your gap like Jacobs say to do with their system. It's the wider plug gap, that provides a bit bigger spark that provides the improvement. Any decent aftermarket coil can fire a .005-.007 larger plug gap, and voila`, you're there.
Just my .02,
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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 07-15-1999).]
The Superchip will work just fine with the Jacob's Pro Street ignition system, that's not a problem. And, Jacob's makes some great products, no doubt! However, spending hundreds of dollars ($400-$500) for their ignition systems is *not* going to get you *significant* power gains, I'm sorry. We've seen dead-stock vehicles with that system on the dyno, and even though they were all V-8's, the gains just weren't there, they were all very close to their stock power levels, maybe 3-5hp more, and that was due to the larger plug gap, that's all. If it were me, as I advised 94F150, I would just get a set of good plug wires and a hotter coil, maybe try opening hte gap a bit if you like, and leave it at that. You'll save hundreds, and get about the same results. Or, if you're determined to spend serious money on an ignition system, take a look at Accel, Crane, and MSD for one of their CD multi-spark systems. They're considerably cheaper, and perform at least as well, if not better.
Don't get me wrong, I don't mean to bash Jacobs, just don't expect real power gains from their $400-$500 Pro Street system on your vehicle, that's all. You can get basically the same benefits by using good plugs & wires, and opening up your gap like Jacobs say to do with their system. It's the wider plug gap, that provides a bit bigger spark that provides the improvement. Any decent aftermarket coil can fire a .005-.007 larger plug gap, and voila`, you're there.
Just my .02,
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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 07-15-1999).]
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Senior Member
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 201
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Mike,
Thanks for sharing with us 4.9L guys and gals your opinion. Since I have talked to you I have cancelled my Jacobs order and bought a MSD coil. I have not yet had the chance to open the spark plug gaps. For those of us that are not mechanics, could you please explain what opening the spark plug gap does. For example, I have Champion Platinums in my truck and Auto Zone said to gap them at .030. With the new coil and Magnecor 8mm plug wires, what is a maximum I should open the gap and what will opening it up do? ie. gas milage, power, response? Mike, thanks once again for your help and for contributing to this awesome website!!
Neal
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'94 F-150, 4.9 6cyl., Pioneer CD, 400 Watt amp, and a couple speakers to boot! K&N FIPK, Mangecor 8mm wires. Gibson 3" Side Swept, MSD Blaster Coil. Soon to come; Superchip. Est. 200 hp 300ft/lb. Torque! Not bad for a straight 6!!
Thanks for sharing with us 4.9L guys and gals your opinion. Since I have talked to you I have cancelled my Jacobs order and bought a MSD coil. I have not yet had the chance to open the spark plug gaps. For those of us that are not mechanics, could you please explain what opening the spark plug gap does. For example, I have Champion Platinums in my truck and Auto Zone said to gap them at .030. With the new coil and Magnecor 8mm plug wires, what is a maximum I should open the gap and what will opening it up do? ie. gas milage, power, response? Mike, thanks once again for your help and for contributing to this awesome website!!
Neal
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'94 F-150, 4.9 6cyl., Pioneer CD, 400 Watt amp, and a couple speakers to boot! K&N FIPK, Mangecor 8mm wires. Gibson 3" Side Swept, MSD Blaster Coil. Soon to come; Superchip. Est. 200 hp 300ft/lb. Torque! Not bad for a straight 6!!
Thread Starter
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 1998
Posts: 5
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From: Daleville, AL, USA
Thanks mike for the reply. I'll call you soon about the chip.
When you say an increase in fuel mileage, about how much have you seen or heard? I get 16.2 consistantly bone stock. That even sounds high to my buds but it's true unless my odometer is off. I also run regular cause I haven't been convinced otherwise with my rig but willing to listen. Thanks.
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95 F150 4.9 I6 MT
When you say an increase in fuel mileage, about how much have you seen or heard? I get 16.2 consistantly bone stock. That even sounds high to my buds but it's true unless my odometer is off. I also run regular cause I haven't been convinced otherwise with my rig but willing to listen. Thanks.
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95 F150 4.9 I6 MT
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Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 10
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From: Ohio
I too, have the 4.9 with a five speed. I am considering the same mods Randy spoke of. But, I was always under the impression that opening the exhaust hurt low end torque but raised top end HP. Any comments? Thanks.
Chris
[This message has been edited by Oldsmoboat (edited 07-16-1999).]
Chris
[This message has been edited by Oldsmoboat (edited 07-16-1999).]
Senior Member
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 201
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Olds,
That all depends on what type of exhaust system you were to use. As you can see I went with the Gibosn 3" Side Swept. From what I understand is this: size and number of pipes play more of an influence in low end toque than anything else. ie. one 3" pipe will increase torque, two 2.5" pipe will decrease torque. This has to do with the increased air flow/decrease backpressure. Personally I am happy with my selection, it gives a slight rumble during acceleration and down shifting and is hardly noticeable during cruising. I believe by seat of the pants that it increased my low end. There engines weren't designed to have much of a top end, they are torque producing engines. If you have any other questions, let us know or search some of the other exhaust posts, there are some regarding our engine. Til then, keep us posted as to what you do and keep on truckin!
Neal
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'94 F-150, 4.9 6cyl., Pioneer CD, 400 Watt amp, and a couple speakers to boot! K&N FIPK, Mangecor 8mm wires. Gibson 3" Side Swept, MSD Blaster Coil. Soon to come; Superchip. Est. 200 hp 300ft/lb. Torque! Not bad for a straight 6!!
That all depends on what type of exhaust system you were to use. As you can see I went with the Gibosn 3" Side Swept. From what I understand is this: size and number of pipes play more of an influence in low end toque than anything else. ie. one 3" pipe will increase torque, two 2.5" pipe will decrease torque. This has to do with the increased air flow/decrease backpressure. Personally I am happy with my selection, it gives a slight rumble during acceleration and down shifting and is hardly noticeable during cruising. I believe by seat of the pants that it increased my low end. There engines weren't designed to have much of a top end, they are torque producing engines. If you have any other questions, let us know or search some of the other exhaust posts, there are some regarding our engine. Til then, keep us posted as to what you do and keep on truckin!
Neal
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'94 F-150, 4.9 6cyl., Pioneer CD, 400 Watt amp, and a couple speakers to boot! K&N FIPK, Mangecor 8mm wires. Gibson 3" Side Swept, MSD Blaster Coil. Soon to come; Superchip. Est. 200 hp 300ft/lb. Torque! Not bad for a straight 6!!
Member
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 10
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From: Ohio
Neal;
What kind of gains did you see with your mods, other than the hp and torque?
Chris
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1989 F150 Custom, 4.9, 5 speed, Rhino Liner, Alpine AM/FM/CD, Polk Speakers, Bazooka Sub, MTX Amp, Considering Superchip and K&N to aid towing my Jetboat.
What kind of gains did you see with your mods, other than the hp and torque?
Chris
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1989 F150 Custom, 4.9, 5 speed, Rhino Liner, Alpine AM/FM/CD, Polk Speakers, Bazooka Sub, MTX Amp, Considering Superchip and K&N to aid towing my Jetboat.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
I wouldn't open the gap up any more than maybe 10%, say going from .030 to .033. And that's *strictly* a guess.
Good luck,
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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Good luck,
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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Senior Member
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Chris,
I am guess-ta-mating that my truck is pretty close to 200 hp/300 ft. lbs. torque. I am adding the superchip next week, have to mail my computer in and I have the usage of another vehicle for a week! As far as gas milage, I don't keep track so I don't have any before and after numbers to share. The last time I checked I was in the mid 15 range with a VERY heavy foot and running it to higher RPM's and cruising at higher RPM's. As far as the most effective mod, it will be here next week! The truck "feels" quicker, better response, runs smoother and quieter at idle and some speeds, (depends on the foot to floorboard ratio!) I have heard good things about the Jardine exhaust, and must admit, I didn't even look into it. At times I wish mine was louder, but at times I like it just the way it is. I'm sure my neighbors wouldn't like anything louder when I leave for work at 4 am!! If you have any other questions, feel free to let me know, I may not be able to answer all of them though! My motto: "Can't dazzle 'em with brilliance, baffle 'em with BS!"
Neal
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'94 F-150, 4.9 6cyl., Pioneer CD, 400 Watt amp, and a couple speakers to boot! K&N FIPK, Mangecor 8mm wires. Gibson 3" Side Swept, MSD Blaster Coil. Soon to come; Superchip. Est. 200 hp 300ft/lb. Torque! Not bad for a straight 6!! New project: '82 Stang, 351 Windsor. I'll keep ya posted.
I am guess-ta-mating that my truck is pretty close to 200 hp/300 ft. lbs. torque. I am adding the superchip next week, have to mail my computer in and I have the usage of another vehicle for a week!
As far as gas milage, I don't keep track so I don't have any before and after numbers to share. The last time I checked I was in the mid 15 range with a VERY heavy foot and running it to higher RPM's and cruising at higher RPM's. As far as the most effective mod, it will be here next week! The truck "feels" quicker, better response, runs smoother and quieter at idle and some speeds, (depends on the foot to floorboard ratio!) I have heard good things about the Jardine exhaust, and must admit, I didn't even look into it. At times I wish mine was louder, but at times I like it just the way it is. I'm sure my neighbors wouldn't like anything louder when I leave for work at 4 am!! If you have any other questions, feel free to let me know, I may not be able to answer all of them though! My motto: "Can't dazzle 'em with brilliance, baffle 'em with BS!"Neal
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'94 F-150, 4.9 6cyl., Pioneer CD, 400 Watt amp, and a couple speakers to boot! K&N FIPK, Mangecor 8mm wires. Gibson 3" Side Swept, MSD Blaster Coil. Soon to come; Superchip. Est. 200 hp 300ft/lb. Torque! Not bad for a straight 6!! New project: '82 Stang, 351 Windsor. I'll keep ya posted.
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 1998
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From: Daleville, AL, USA
Neal,
I'm curious as to what you did to get 200 h.p. with the mods on your signature. Whatta ya holding back on us, man?
I would love to see that much gain but will be happy with 14hp on the chip, 10 on a cat back system and 5-10 in the K&N FIPK for a total of about 175. You do have some mods like coil and plugwires that might give you one or two more but, dude, tell me how you did it!
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95 F150 4.9 I6 MT
I'm curious as to what you did to get 200 h.p. with the mods on your signature. Whatta ya holding back on us, man?
I would love to see that much gain but will be happy with 14hp on the chip, 10 on a cat back system and 5-10 in the K&N FIPK for a total of about 175. You do have some mods like coil and plugwires that might give you one or two more but, dude, tell me how you did it!
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95 F150 4.9 I6 MT