Car and Driver chip test
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 276
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From: Tacoma, WA, USA
Mike has been accused several times of mascarading as someone else in order to post positive comments on this message board. Other's have alluded to paid endorsements.
I say this with my hat in hand (to Mike): The Superchip is performing better than I was hoping for. My apologies to Mike - for, you see, I didn't by my chip from him - I bought it from a fellow message board member. Mike, ol' pal, I should have listened to you a long time ago and just bought it - but when did I ever listen to you anyway?
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1998 F150 XLT S/C 4.6L Auto, 3.55LS, 4X2, Moonlight Blue, all the bells & whistles except for leather seats. Lund Deflector, K&N, Pentaliner S/R, Window tint, factory side-steps, Infiniti component speakers, Superchip. Tom in Tacoma (Washington not Toyota)
I say this with my hat in hand (to Mike): The Superchip is performing better than I was hoping for. My apologies to Mike - for, you see, I didn't by my chip from him - I bought it from a fellow message board member. Mike, ol' pal, I should have listened to you a long time ago and just bought it - but when did I ever listen to you anyway?
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1998 F150 XLT S/C 4.6L Auto, 3.55LS, 4X2, Moonlight Blue, all the bells & whistles except for leather seats. Lund Deflector, K&N, Pentaliner S/R, Window tint, factory side-steps, Infiniti component speakers, Superchip. Tom in Tacoma (Washington not Toyota)
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
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From: Virginia
Hi Tom,
You crack me up!
I'm just glad that you're finally enjoying the things you've been reading about for so long here about the Superchip. And I think everyone knows that I'm only one person, that was pretty well established in a few other threads.
You just have fun and enjoy your new (to you) Superchip!
Take care,
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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
You crack me up!
I'm just glad that you're finally enjoying the things you've been reading about for so long here about the Superchip. And I think everyone knows that I'm only one person, that was pretty well established in a few other threads. You just have fun and enjoy your new (to you) Superchip!
Take care,
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 276
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From: Tacoma, WA, USA
Well alright Steve!!!! (was it my unbiased testimonial that swayed you?)
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1998 F150 XLT S/C 4.6L Auto, 3.55LS, 4X2, Moonlight Blue, all the bells & whistles except for leather seats. Lund Deflector, K&N, Pentaliner S/R, Window tint, factory side-steps, Infiniti component speakers, Superchip. Tom in Tacoma (Washington not Toyota)
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1998 F150 XLT S/C 4.6L Auto, 3.55LS, 4X2, Moonlight Blue, all the bells & whistles except for leather seats. Lund Deflector, K&N, Pentaliner S/R, Window tint, factory side-steps, Infiniti component speakers, Superchip. Tom in Tacoma (Washington not Toyota)
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 1999
Posts: 299
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Mike, get someone to check the spark advance on the Cougar. I bet Ford already has it optomized when you drive if off the floor.
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98 SC/XL/4.2/5 speed/3.08/MoonLight Blue Metalic/Mobil One Synthetic/235.70S.16 Michelin XC LT4/AR-136 Wheels/Chrome Nerf Bars/Bug Shield/Aluminum Tool Box/K&N/Superchip/NOS maybe. Soon.
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98 SC/XL/4.2/5 speed/3.08/MoonLight Blue Metalic/Mobil One Synthetic/235.70S.16 Michelin XC LT4/AR-136 Wheels/Chrome Nerf Bars/Bug Shield/Aluminum Tool Box/K&N/Superchip/NOS maybe. Soon.
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
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From: Virginia
Dear Webmaster,
OK Steve, just shoot me an email with your computer code, and I'll get it on it's way to you immediately! I'm glad you decided to take me up on it!
All the best,
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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
OK Steve, just shoot me an email with your computer code, and I'll get it on it's way to you immediately! I'm glad you decided to take me up on it!
All the best,
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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
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From: Virginia
Dear Bill Bateman,
It would be a first for Ford, and, if true, the Cougar wouldn't have accelerated any quicker, which it did in almost every test. Superchips just needed to make an adjustment to throttle tip-in, as it was only in that area just off-idle that they experienced any spark knock, and that's an easy adjustment.
Bests,
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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
It would be a first for Ford, and, if true, the Cougar wouldn't have accelerated any quicker, which it did in almost every test. Superchips just needed to make an adjustment to throttle tip-in, as it was only in that area just off-idle that they experienced any spark knock, and that's an easy adjustment.
Bests,
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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Member
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 45
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From: Dallas
Everyone can do as they please regarding this chip "controversy" but I can attest that after running 6 full tanks of Texaco hi-octane fuel (as recommended by Mike T) my 4.6 still had a ping with my new Superchip. I sent the chip back to Superchips for an adjustment. Got it back and reinstalled it. After one full tank the ping went away. I was told it was an adjustment for the quality differences in fuel, but the adjustment probably needed to be made anyway. In my opinion, shifting is by far the most noticeable difference (I've installed shift kits in other automatic transmission vehicles that I've owned and the Superchip rivals or bests their results). In addition, the "seat of the pants" test everyone talks about is very noticeable throughout the RPM range.
As for trusting everything Car & Driver reports(or even every report from f150online members), healthy skeptism is wise. Nobody knows who I am and should not trust ONLY what I say, however, there is sufficient "smoke" here regarding the validity of the Superchip for even the biggest skeptic to know there must be some "fire" here, too.
Car & Driver isn't perfect in 100% of their research methods or in their reporting, anymore than all f150online members are. It's information, to be sifted through so the buyer can make the wisest decision. Let the buyer beware, no matter who says what.
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1998 Fire Engine Red F150 Flareside Extended Cab with Snuglid 4.6L with Superchip, Airaid, Dual Flo-Pro exhaust system, etc.
As for trusting everything Car & Driver reports(or even every report from f150online members), healthy skeptism is wise. Nobody knows who I am and should not trust ONLY what I say, however, there is sufficient "smoke" here regarding the validity of the Superchip for even the biggest skeptic to know there must be some "fire" here, too.
Car & Driver isn't perfect in 100% of their research methods or in their reporting, anymore than all f150online members are. It's information, to be sifted through so the buyer can make the wisest decision. Let the buyer beware, no matter who says what.
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1998 Fire Engine Red F150 Flareside Extended Cab with Snuglid 4.6L with Superchip, Airaid, Dual Flo-Pro exhaust system, etc.
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
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From: Virginia
Dear Belvadere,
Yes, there are in fact adjustments that have to be made sometimes to compensate for local fuel quality. The gasoline that these applications are developed on is the premium gas in the Orlando Florida area, and there are areas of the country where the same computer code that runs fine everywhere else has to be adjusted to compensate for your local fuel quality in a particular area. Unfortunately, not all gasolines are equal, it sure would be nice if they were, it would make chipmakers jobs a lot easier!
I'm glad you are enjoying your Superchip,
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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Yes, there are in fact adjustments that have to be made sometimes to compensate for local fuel quality. The gasoline that these applications are developed on is the premium gas in the Orlando Florida area, and there are areas of the country where the same computer code that runs fine everywhere else has to be adjusted to compensate for your local fuel quality in a particular area. Unfortunately, not all gasolines are equal, it sure would be nice if they were, it would make chipmakers jobs a lot easier!
I'm glad you are enjoying your Superchip,
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 229
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From: Ypsilanti, michigan
Mercury Cougar 4 cyl engine for 1999:
2.0L 16-VALVE DOHC ZETEC I-4 ENGINE
"This potent powerhouse comes standard on the I-4 Cougar. With 125 hp and 16 valves, it's quite a performer."
I wonder how much this performer weighs? could anyone truly find anything which would make this thing noticeably standout at the track????
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David
'99 F150 XLT SC, STYLESIDE
4X4 ORP 5.4L, AUTOMATIC,
139wb, Rhino, K&N,
BugGuard, RainGuards
SHE SAID YES! SHE SAID YES!
SUPERCHIP MOD SOON!
2.0L 16-VALVE DOHC ZETEC I-4 ENGINE
"This potent powerhouse comes standard on the I-4 Cougar. With 125 hp and 16 valves, it's quite a performer."
I wonder how much this performer weighs? could anyone truly find anything which would make this thing noticeably standout at the track????
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David
'99 F150 XLT SC, STYLESIDE
4X4 ORP 5.4L, AUTOMATIC,
139wb, Rhino, K&N,
BugGuard, RainGuards
SHE SAID YES! SHE SAID YES!
SUPERCHIP MOD SOON!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 1999
Posts: 923
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From: MO, USA
I'm a little slow. I just got my issue of C&D. The way I read their review, they liked the chip (hell, it was one of only two that actually did anyhting.) It was interesting to note though, the Silverado gained almost a full second in it's 0-60 time (was it the Hypertech or does Chevy not know how to program.)
Mike, is superchips working on a reprogramable module like Hypertech. It is a little more expensive but being able to tweak my motor would be very cool!
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'97 F150 Lariat, Flareside, white/sliver, SC, ORP, 5.4, Mods: 305/70/16 GY ATS, AR Baja wheels, dual exhaust, Smittybilt Nerf Bars, Edelbrock IAS Shocks, K&N Filter and Carbon Fiber Bug Gaurd. Rigged the fog lights too.
[This message has been edited by kkirt1 (edited 09-20-1999).]
Mike, is superchips working on a reprogramable module like Hypertech. It is a little more expensive but being able to tweak my motor would be very cool!
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'97 F150 Lariat, Flareside, white/sliver, SC, ORP, 5.4, Mods: 305/70/16 GY ATS, AR Baja wheels, dual exhaust, Smittybilt Nerf Bars, Edelbrock IAS Shocks, K&N Filter and Carbon Fiber Bug Gaurd. Rigged the fog lights too.
[This message has been edited by kkirt1 (edited 09-20-1999).]
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 2
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From: Independence, Mo. USA
As far as the 99 Lightning goes, when I get my chip installed I'll be heading back to the chassis dyno for some A-B testing. I plan to make a couple of runs with and without (probably alternating to allow for heat soak). I'll compare the results with the last session I had on 9/9 and post the results...
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
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From: Virginia
Dear Cloaker,
If memory serves, isn't that the same engine that is used in the Escort ZX2? Over on the ZX2.com website, there has been a lot of talk about those engines and their potential. The Webmaster of that site and I spoke a frew weeks ago, and he was telling me some of the things he has done to his own ZX2, and he has his running deep in the 15's. While it may not be everyone's first choice of powerplant in that vehicle, there is some potential there. The ZX2 owners are very attached to those vehicles, they have quite a cult following!
Bests,
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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
If memory serves, isn't that the same engine that is used in the Escort ZX2? Over on the ZX2.com website, there has been a lot of talk about those engines and their potential. The Webmaster of that site and I spoke a frew weeks ago, and he was telling me some of the things he has done to his own ZX2, and he has his running deep in the 15's. While it may not be everyone's first choice of powerplant in that vehicle, there is some potential there. The ZX2 owners are very attached to those vehicles, they have quite a cult following!
Bests,
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Thread Starter
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
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From: Virginia
Dear kkirk1,
Yes, Superchips has had this for years now, but currently it's only for GM vehicles, because that is what is required to be able to reprogram them. It's called the "Micro Tuner 2001", and it's a portable hand-held programmer you connect to the ALDL serial port under the dash that allows you to reprogram the computer, set shift points and firmness, etc. It is available for all 94 & later GM LT1 engines, and for the 96 & later GM trucks as well. They have a similar unit that will be coming out probably next year for Fords. Right now you can still reprogram Ford by using the edge connector, and that will always be a considerably cheaper way to reprogram them. But to get control over those various functions as an end user, or driver, a programming device of some kind, such as the Micro Tuner 2001, is required.
With regards to how Hypertech made the Chevy accelerate 0-60 1 full second quicker, it was very easy! The 99 GM trucks have an 11 second delay before full engine power is allowed after you hit the acelerator! Removing that alone will give those kinds of acceleration improvements! Luckily for all of us our Fords don't have this same type of full-power onset delay.
I hope that answers your question,
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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 09-21-1999).]
Yes, Superchips has had this for years now, but currently it's only for GM vehicles, because that is what is required to be able to reprogram them. It's called the "Micro Tuner 2001", and it's a portable hand-held programmer you connect to the ALDL serial port under the dash that allows you to reprogram the computer, set shift points and firmness, etc. It is available for all 94 & later GM LT1 engines, and for the 96 & later GM trucks as well. They have a similar unit that will be coming out probably next year for Fords. Right now you can still reprogram Ford by using the edge connector, and that will always be a considerably cheaper way to reprogram them. But to get control over those various functions as an end user, or driver, a programming device of some kind, such as the Micro Tuner 2001, is required.
With regards to how Hypertech made the Chevy accelerate 0-60 1 full second quicker, it was very easy! The 99 GM trucks have an 11 second delay before full engine power is allowed after you hit the acelerator! Removing that alone will give those kinds of acceleration improvements! Luckily for all of us our Fords don't have this same type of full-power onset delay.
I hope that answers your question,
------------------
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 09-21-1999).]