The article clearly pointed out that only the Superchip and the much more expensive Hypertech PPIII (which is only available for a few GM vehicles) unit showed *any* horsepower gains on their dyno, (and nowhere does it say anything about 3 hp) which, by the way, is not a dyno that is specifically configured to do the back-to-back types of tests to measure incremental gains, a point that Steve Dinan made in the article, when they asked him why his chips gave better acceleration in rolling-start tests, the hardest to show improvements on. Steve asked them how could his program could yield quicker acceleration in rolling-start tests if it didn't make more power, and he's right.

C&D pointed out that the only 2 products that showed any performance gains or power gains were the Superchip, and the Hypertech PPIII unit for the 99 Chevy. If you look at the acceleration charts, you quickly see that the Superchip improved performance in almost every single test!

They did report a problem with detonation on very light throttle tip-in, something that is very easily adjusted out, and could very well have been a problem with local fuel quality, though I tend to think that they probably did need to make an adjustment to that program, something that would take maybe 5 minutes start to finish. I happen to know Craig Ancel (who C&D's writer worked with at Superchips) very well, and can speak for his work, as can many F150online members who are running his programs.

It is a mistake to take this one test of a Superchip for a Mercury Cougar, a vehicle who C&D's article said was an "underperformer" from the factory, and then try to say that all Superchips are somehow worthless. That's quite a stretch, and is NOT in any way what the article said.

I do, however, agree completely that they could have picked a better format than just using one product on each of the vehicles, that's a very good point! They should have taken each product for each vehicle, and tested them all, to give us (meaning we readers) a much more balanced and fair test, and I thank you for pointing that out, I agree! Testing Steve Dinan's chip for a manual transmision BMW, and trying to say that this is an accurate representation of what *all* chips can do for *all* manual transmission vehicles is just plain wrong, and in gross error. The only thing this article is relevant to and for, are the exact vehicles they tested, and the exact product they tested on each, and nothing more. It says absolutely nothing about what all these F-150 owners are getting, or what owners of any other vehicle is liable to experience. That is the fallacy of the article, the fact that it lends itself to this type of thinking, that all chips are alike, and all vehicles are basically alike, and nothing could be further from reality. Very important point indeed.

The bottom line is that the Superchip showed both power gains, and better acceleration times.

Here are some relevant quotes from the article....

"Having confirmed that boosting highly tuned supermotors was a tall order for a mere chip, we were eager to find out if the Cougar's underperforming 24-valve V-6 (0-60 in a turtle-like 9.7 seconds) would respond more favorably to one. Turns out it does."

Here's some more....

"One could simply attach the chip for those stoplight drag races and immediately see a performance gain. Our Superchips-equipped Cougar went 0.3 second quicker to 60 mph than the stock Cougar and shaved 0.2 second off the quarter-mile time."

Their comment about top speed?

"The Superchips run was 3 mph faster."

They did make several comments about the tip-in detonation, ending with...

"If Superchips can remove the throttle tip-in knocking, there'd be some definite value in the chip, but as we tested it, we'd reserve it for occasional use only."

Again, this is a simple adjustment to make. There are perhaps a dozen or so F150online members who have needed adjustments to their Superchips programs to conpensate for local fuel quality, for example. I think that overall, it was very clear in that article that C&D liked the Superchip, and they said so. Looking at the acceleration charts clearly shows almost every other chip actually caused the vehicles to slow down! Only the Hypertech and the Superchip showed dyno gains and acceleration improvements.

It's very simple....the members here using the Superchip are all very happy with it, and that couldn't happen if it didn't work. Taking a few comments out of an article that tested one application (out of the over 4000 that Superchips makes), and trying to paint the entire aftermarket programming industry as ineffective just isn't accurate, sorry.

Hypertech units, like other programming products except for the Superchip, only work at wide-open throttle, so it just sits there doing nothing until you floor it. Superchips work *all* the time, and that is why the many members here using them love them. They work. We've had many hundreds of posts here about acceleration times reduced in 1/4 mile runs, improved gas mileage, improved driveability, and on and on, ad infinitum.

People who pay money for these products don't do so to come here and tell us they work, if they really don't. Very, very basic.

I'm sorry you are not happy with your Hypertech unit, but you're not the first, by a long shot. We get people every single day telling us the same thing, who then install the Superchip, and who are delighted with the difference. The Superchip is quite simply the most cost effective bolt-on for a computer controlled vehicle, and C&D apparantly agreed, because the very last sentence of that article said "We know of no other way to spend less than $500 and realize such dramatic improvements"

Last, why is it that the automakers themselves come to Superchips for help?!? Because they are the best programmers in the world, that's why. It's the only reason the automakers come to them. Automakers do everything from make their own glass (Ford) to you name it. Superchips does one thing, and they do it well enough that the automakers themselves use them.

I wish you well in your "search for the truth", my friend.

Our bests to all,

------------------
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 09-10-1999).]

 

Knights: one of your questions has to do with all us here with the chip. You were wondering if we all were just giving the chip a good rating because we could feel the improved shifting. I, for one, don't feel any improved shifting! Nope, none, not even a little bit. But I can tell that when I have this beast out on the beach in wet sand, that it kind of digs in and goes!! And when I hook up the trailer, the beast pulls like there's no weight on it. Oh, if I need to pass someone, I've got lots of extra power to get ahead and keep on going. Before installing the chip, my 4.6 was a bit slow. It works a lot better now. If you notice my signature, you will see that my beast is VERY heavy and it's a 5speed so it shifts as hard or soft as I want it to I would NOT pull the chip now, I like the added power it gives me. I hope this clears up your question about the chip only giving shift improvements. I, for one, can tell a difference in the performance of my beast

------------------
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

 

I saw the article a few days ago and it wasn't pretty. They only tested one chip per vehicle and used (4) vehicles. A Hypertech programmer was used on a '99 Chevy truck with the 5.3L. Only gained 7 hp.(rear wheel I think) A '99 Cougar tested with a Superchips chip. Very bad-3 hp. Said it knocked bad so they took it out. Did test 1/4 mile with it. Said it was a little faster but no noticeable power gains and would not recommend it for everyday driving. I believe they talked with Superchips about the knock and were told they knew of some problems and were working on it. I guess this is mainly posted to Mike T. If such miniscule increases were seen in testing, are these things really worth it? I do have a Hypertech module right now and it seems like a waste of money. I used to have a '91 Z28 with a 350 TPI and was modified. I had a company called TPI Specialties custom burn a chip for my setup. I could tell that it brought all the modifications together and ran smoother, but they even said the gains from the chip alone would be minor. I've seen all the posts from very satisfied customers of Superchips here but still I have to wonder. Could all the seat of the pants testing be purely based on the transmission shifting firmer and not on engine performance? I mean if (2) identical trucks tested, one using Superchips and higher octane gas, the other using strictly a transmission shift improver, would they run about the same? Right now it seems like they would. And the second truck would save on gas prices. Any worthwhile comments other than trying degrade or put down someone wanting the truth?

 

I would lend a lot of credence to Car & Drivers' test. They are a very reputable magazine with a long and distinguished history of bringing automotive innovation and excellence to international print media.
I find it hard to believe that the average person could tell he or she had gained three TENTHS of a second in 0-60 time. Premimum fuel alone could gain that much. And if the dyno is flawed, why use ANY information from it. I guess only if it shows supporting data, then it is correct; at all other times it is not configured correctly.
I didn't see KnightSs' post as an attempt
to paint the entire aftermarket programming industry as ineffective; just simple questions asking for simple answers, not superfluous verbage.
I agree with you completely KnightS, your line of thinking and logical points deserve much merit. Just watch out for the lynch mob, my neck is already a couple of inches longer.

 

If you put my truck on the line with a 4.6 V8
with the same rear end and same body style. thats UNCHIPPED, I'd smoke him with my CHIPPED V6. Very noticable differences in power. I got used to the power once and was wondering if the chip was still working so I took the chip out. Made a BIG difference. Now I know I only have a V6 but It'll run with the big boys now. The fellas with the Lightnings are reporting HUGE differences too. One member mentioned that he couldn't lay rubber and the gear change from 1st to 2nd was very soft. That was Stock. After he chipped it he laid a 60 Foot patch of rubber on takeoff and the tires Chirped going into second. It could be that the tested Vechicle wasn't all that spiffy to begin with. And what I mean is How good would a chipped GEO be? They tested it in a Cougar? Thats such a crappy test car. Why didn't they use a mustang, Or even better use 4 different chips on the same truck? That way they'd be fair at least.

------------------
98 F150 2WD,Bright Red, Regular Cab, 4.2, 3.55, 5 Speed, Superchip, 2 Superchip Decals (I Think They Add 5 HP Each), 3 Inch Bullseye Lift Spindles, Manik Grill Guard,Nerf Bars, Vent Visors, Fog Lights Mounted In Front Air Dam ,2 Kc DayLighters, Back Up Lights, Alpine CD Player, 2 Kenwood Amps, 10 Inch MTX Blue Thunder SubWoofer, Tinted Windows. And Coming Soon: 3 Inch Body Lift Kit, 16.5x9.75 American Racing Baja Wheels Wrapped With 33x12.5x16.5 BFG All Terrains




[This message has been edited by ccla (edited 09-10-1999).]

 

B!tch, b!tch, b!tch. You would complain if we hung you with a new rope.

 

Birddog: your right, I can't tell my truck has gained 3 tenths of a second on the 0-60 All I can tell is that the beast has more "get up" than before. And I'm also quite picky when it comes to the truck, a little scratch, some dust and I'm out there doing a 2 hour wax job. If the beast hic-ups, I want to know why. A new product on the market, I investigate to see if it works. And if it's right for me I get it. I'm not the average driver and most of the members here aren't either. I pay attention enough to my truck to know when it's running better or if it's not. I ask questions here about new products and listen to what people have to say that have actually tried these products. Example: there is a very reptable dealer here in town that sells the tornado air induction system. The dealer swears by it, greatest thing since sliced bread. So I asked him if he had one on his vehical, NO. And then I read the reports here on this board. Conclusion: product is junk. But the dealer still sells them. Am I going to get one? Noooo But would I advise someone not to get one? No, because I haven't tried it and I "really" dont know. But I would steer them to people that have tried it so they could get their opionon. I do have the chip on my truck. I can tell an improvement in performance. I can say that I like the chip and that I think it's worth the $$$ and that it WORKS As far as the actual numbers of the increased HP and torque, no I cant tell. I just can tell that it's more than stock.

[This message has been edited by Tina (edited 09-11-1999).]

 

It all boils down to who you trust-

Car and Driver and it's test of one chip in one car over one day

or

Dozens of F150 (and Expedition) drivers who are happy with their Superchips

Choose wisely.

Neal

------------------
1997 4x4 Expedition- 4.6L, true dual exhaust w/glass-packs, K&N air filter, SuperChip, airbox mods, Edelbrock shocks, 285/75R16 BFG ATs, Optima "T-Bone" wheels, and Clarion In-dash CD player.

1993 4x2 F150 Reg. Cab LWB- 5.0L, cat-back dual exhaust w/glass-packs, K&N air filter, Superchip, fresh paint, and Line-X bedliner.
http://members.visualcities.com/NoMo

 

Hi all:
Thought I would throw in my nickel's worth.
Did pretty much same research as Tina and others before deciding on Superchip.
Had it professionally installed at a local well known Speed shop that also is a sort of official Dyno station for some local Nascar and Busch series drivers (Atlanta Ga. area).
Their in ground dyno is certified by Nascar and had a current sticker.
My Lightning gained 8% in both torque and horsepower at the rear wheels with no learn time. Did the base test, installed the chip and ran it again. 8% gain.
I am no engineer, don't want to bore anyone, but I can say the truck was awesome stock but would not break the tires loose on non power brake full throttle starts. After chip, it will break loose until you let off, and will also spin the tires on the 1-2 shift. I attribute this at least in part to what I do understand about fuel flow and ignition advance/retard, two issues the Superchip addresses. The driveability is also much better. As it is a 140 mile round trip to the nearest 1/4 mile strip, my truck may never see a timing slip, but impromptu street encounters seem to indicate it is pretty quick.

I do believe that the methodology used in this test was not the most intelligent way to approach what any chip or other mod may have on a given vehicle. As several have stated, they should have spent the time/money to run all chips on all vehicles; this only makes sense to me.
My last comment is the rationale they used regarding the Mercury as a low performer and how could the chip help.
To keep the arithmetic simple, if you assume the chip gave a 10% improvement in horsepower, on a 150 horsepower engine that would be 15 extra hp. On a Lightning, it would be 36 extra. I don't see the logic really, in that the gain from 150 to 165 ain't that much but the gain from 360 to 396 is going to give you a lot of scoot. By the way, I don't know what horsepower the Merc makes, I am just assuming. I have not seen the article yet.

As to the detonation issue, it may be that Superchips may have to sort of take it on the chin on this one. Shouldn't have happened and kind of spoiled what was otherwise a good review from what I have read here. No criticism intended, just observing.

------------------
Bill Murray
Current year Lightning
Oxford Muy Rapido White
Tow Package CD Player
Superchip GTech Meter
HobbyTownUSA Graphics
Identical 1/10 Scale Tamiya RC Truck incl. graphics.
Truck interest e-mail:
fastwhitey@myf150.com
Two decals

 

When C&D tests a superchip on an F-150 I will live by their results.
My story:
Unfortunatly in 1996 when I wanted a Chip for my truck Superchips didn't have one and Mike told me to check back in a few months. Well my dealer had a Jet chip so I bot one. It did seem to improve the trucks performance. I had a 5 speed so it wasn't shift frimness.

Later in 1997 a chip was available from Superchips so I had one programmed. The revlimiter was moved to 6500 and the speed limiter was removed. I play in the sand with my truck and I noticed an improvement over the JET chip. You will definatly feel the improvement when your truck is under stress like towing or in the mud/sand or at WOT. The midrange responce is even more noticable.

Does the chip work. It does for me and that is all that I care about. I do not know if I could feel a 3 hp gain. HP is the speed at which you will get your work done. Torque is the amount of work you can do. That you can feel.

Kindest regards

Jean Marc Chartier

------------------
On Order: 99 F-150 XLT SC Flairside 4x4 4.6 w/5spd
using: Wife'S 99 Explorer till arrival

 

I can't dispute any "scientific" results BUT, My brother-in-law and I both have late 99 5.4L with LS 3.55 rear on a Lariat Supercab. Befor I Superchipped they were neck and neck. After the Superchip I can edge him out every time (it is more evident after the K&N Filter). Granted it is not by much but I am also getting 10% better gas milage than him. He is impressed with the additional power my truck has over his.

It would be interesting to see the various chip/computer products on one vehicle at a constant temp/humidity. Then I think it would be a more fair test. Additional bolt on mods and any performance changes would also be interesting.

------------------
99 F150 Lariat SC, 5.4, 3.55 LS, Superchipped, K&N filter, Full Window tint, Deep Wedgewood Blue/Gold, Factory Steps/Towing Package, Rear Slider, The Edge - Hard Tonneau

 

Guys,

No body ever claimed media reporters are intellectual giants, including specialized types like Car and Driver.

They have deadlines to meet and they will meet them in any way possible which may have easily consumed any logical approach to this article and to any other they write.

------------------
Dunbarton "The Middle Aged Kid" '99 XLT SC SB 4x2 4.6 auto 3.55 ls The occasional Z-71 Eater! Wedgewood & Denim, SuperChipped, Airaid FIPK, Rhino Liner, leaky rear slider. Man, I got it all! (New Jersey)

 

I chipped my truck last Saturday. I went from my driveway to the local gas station for 23 gallons of 92 octane. As soon as I left the gas station (you know where this is going - don't you?) I stomped on it. The truck took off - as I reached 3500 - 4000 rpm it pinged like a coffee can full of BB's.

Now that I've driven about 300 miles on that tank of fuel it doesn't ping anymore. Do you suppose that the good people at Car & Driver simply slapped the chip in the car and started their testing? Perhaps they weren't aware of the 'learning curve'?

Hey, I'm sold. I've been the only driver of my truck - all 49,000 miles. My highly calibrated butt tells me it's quicker, shifts better and the mileage has improved.

------------------
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)



[This message has been edited by TColegrove (edited 09-14-1999).]

 

.

[This message has been edited by ELKTAGAZ (edited 05-30-2001).]

 

Dear TColegrove,

What you experienced was perfectly normal, and is part of the relearn cycle. You're right, C&D didn't know anything about "relearn",or perhaps I should say that the writer didn't seem to know anything about it. However, while I am of course guessing, I don't think this was a relearn problem that C&D experienced, but instead I think that an adjustment to the program was probably needed, and it's a very simple adjustment.

I'm glad you're finally Superchipped! For everyone reading this, as I've mentioned before, Tom is on of my oldest friends in the world, and old high school buddy from the 60's. For many months I've been trying to get him to Superchip his truck, so I'm tickled pink that he finally did! Good for you, Tom!

Enjoy,

------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com