I have read and read til I have fallen asleep on my keyboard about the Superchip.

Here's my dilemna: I carry around a lot of weight 1,000-1,500lbs. constantly and I do quite a bit of light towing. Most of my driving is short hops across town. I like the idea of firmer shifts and more torque but I don't neccessarily need to be buying Premium gas all of the time. My mileage has settled in to the 15mpg range on average and I fill up sometimes as much as three times a week.

I am concerned about the Superchips' compatibility with my situation. I am not much of a speed freak but I do drive faster than the average person. Does anyone have a Superchip in a truck they use for more than a daily driver? How has it affected your towing? Is there a special Superchip for my situation?

I have to admit I am skeptical. It seems like every engine mod I tried on my old trucks blew up in my face. I am also interested in intake and exhaust mods too but I am worried about the possible loss of torque. Any info would be appreciated.

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'99 XLT S/C 4.6 Auto 3.55 LS Oxford White,Orlando appearance package, trailer tow package, keyless entry, A.R.E. Hard tonneau, ventvisors and bug guard all painted to match, limo tint, 5 spoke aluminum wheels, Kenwood 6 Disc, black Back Country nerfs, Buccaneers front license plate! I Luv it!

 

You won't have much of a noticable increase in PUNCH much below say 2500rpm if you are a mild driver. Shifting will be better though. From your point of view a shift kit would be cheaper if your worried about dollars. But let me make the point that the Superchip is NOT that costly and is a simple in/uninstall. If you don't like it you just take it out and sell it. You will have lost some money but if you punch it wind it over 2500rpm a few times then pass off the cost as amusement.

 

I didn't put the superchip on my truck for speed either! I just wanted the engine to perform a bit better. After all it is a V8 but with all the weight of my truck, it was like I was driving a 4 cylinder Forget trying to pass, it couldn't beat a snail downhill!! And if I was pulling a load, well I either let everyone pass me or I had a lot of upset people behind me. The chip promised me more HP & torque. I don't get the shift improvements because mines a 5speed. I didn't put much thought into premium gas because these are big trucks and they inhale gas anyways. Since adding the chip, my milage has evened off at 17mpg. That's better than yours and I'm a 4x4 Also that's city, stop and go, and with a serious case of lead foot!! I get even better milage, around 20mpg on highway but I have to leave the lead foot home! The engine has more pep. If I have to pull out into oncoming traffic, I can now get that beast moving much quicker. As for pulling, I've also noticed it gets moving much quicker now with a load on. My truck isn't a speed demon but that chip sure improves it's working abilities. I highly recomend it.

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97F150 XLT SC 4x4 Flairside 4.6 V8 5sp Dk Toreador Red, 3.55LS
ARE tonneau cover, p255/70rx16 tires (came w/235), Superchip
Pioneer CD w/4 Polk Speakers & Clarion APA5240amp, skid plates
bed liner, side window deflectors, reese hitch, K&N air filter
40s-2chamber Flowmaster, Bosch +4 spark plugs, rustproofing
Better Built Stainless nerf bars

 

Dear seacrow,

Perhaps the biggest benefit of the Superchip to someone in your situation (which is a lot more common around here than you might think at first)is the fact that it works *all* the time, not just at WOT (wide-open throttle), like all other similar products.

Your vehicle is basically going to act as if it had a larger engine,(with the exception of eating more gas) as far as what you will feel as a driver. From 1000 rpm on up, regardless of throttle position, you will have more available power. Most users also see a nice improvement in gas mileage as well, though this is just a by-product of the increased spark advance used on part-throttle. The engine is precisely tuned every 400 rpm for the optimal settings, using premium gasoline.

So the benefits to you are noticeably improved driveability, better throttle response, more power in all situations, and more efficient engine operation. And if you happen to drive an automatic, the Superchips programming reduces slippage, allowing for a quicker and firmer upshift.

Is the Superchip for everyone? As the National Distributor, of course I'd love to say yes. However, that wouldn't be true. There are people who don't care about improving the performance of their vehicles, for whatever reason they just are not concerend with that, so it wouldn't be a first choice for them.

I can tell you all about it's benefits, and extoll it's virtues forever, but you're best bet is to listen to what the people who use the every day say about them, just like you've done here by asking. Luckily for those who would like to know more about the product, there are many members here using the Superchip who are happy to share their experiences and thoughts with you. That's worth far more than anything I could say!

Good luck in everything you do,

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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 09-04-1999).]

 

Seacrow is driving 85 mi and making 60 business stops in 10 hrs like your driving? well thats what I do on mondays plus on the way back I'm carrying weight and have to get on the freeway! Do I have the Superchip? YES!
Do I like my chip? Absolutely!
btw, I fill my tank 2 or 3 times a week also.

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98 F150 SC XLT 2WD 4.6, 3.55 LS Tow Pkg. CHIP K&N Airbox mod. Mobil One Oil "Moonlight Blue"
Crome Rails (currently off to make room for)
New Fastback/spoiler
Lund Lighted visor
Lund Runninng Boards
"Andthensometoo" in silver letters 3" high on tailgate, Crome Taillight covers, Smoked Bug and Rain guards, Shelf-it, Carpet dash cover, Red Wings license plate in front, Red Wings license plate frame in back, Little Detroit Viper hanging from mirror, Oh yeah, and one "Blacked-out" grill
LOOK-OUT! Can't jump curbs anymore RB's make it look lowered!
http://www.fortunecity.com/silverstone/daytona/843/