Anybody try the B&M ShiftPlus Kit? How difficult is it to install? Seems reasonally priced @ $40.00!

I have been watching the SuperChip postings with some interest, and have to agree that I don't want to give up the option of using a lower grade fuel in my truck, if I have to. This kit sounds like it just adjusts shift firmness.

Also, I do I identify which transmission I have in my truck? I'm guessing it the E40D, but would like to be sure before buying a product that won't work!


------------------
Paul... :-)
99 F-150 XLT SC Sport, 4.6L, Auto, CC
White, 4X2, Tow Package, CD, K&N Filter
More to come

 

Dear Paul T,

Is this the electronic unit that splices into the ECU's wiring harness? If so, most everyone here who has used that unit seems to like it. Especially given it's $40 price tag, it does a good job for the money. It will also work well with the Superchip if you ever decide to do that at a later date. Hey, for $40, it's hard to go wrong!

Let us know how you like it if you do it,

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

 

Mike,

Yes, it is an electronic device that offers two firmness levels plus stock at the flip of a switch.

After reading some more posts a couple people eluded to this device possibly voiding the warranty on the transmission! Is this true? I'm definately looking for inexpensive performance upgrades, but not at the cost of a lost warranty!

I have also seen other posts saying the superchip does the same thing for the transmission, so as I get better informed, I get more confused! I noticed in several postings that the superchip is individually programed to each truck's computer. I located my code (YBQ3), are there two codes alikle out there? Seems every post (especially folks selling chips) have a different code!

If these chips are individually programmed, why can't they custome program them, i.e. I'd like a little more firmness, more economical shift points, and still use 89 octane! Am I asking too much? Thanks again for all the good advise!


------------------
Paul... :-)
99 F-150 XLT SC Sport, 4.6L, Auto, CC
White, 4X2, Tow Package, CD, K&N Filter
More to come

 

Mike Troyer--

Is there a problem with your mtroyer@compuserve.com email account? I have sent you two messages recently within the last several weeks and both messages have gone unanswered. Sorry for posting this in a public forum, but other than your compuserve account, this is the only means I have to contact you.

--Steve

 

Mike,

Thanks for the fantastic reply! I just received your e-mail and responded, asking basically the same question, then was notified you responded to the post! Sorry for the redundancy! Any way, just in case, my code is YBQ3. Will it need the jumper mod? I guess I have to agree that it seems silly to pay more just to get less! I'll be calling when I return to town at the end of next month! I'm interested in checking gas mileage this trip, as I've only installed the K&N filter, and plan on adding the B&M Shift kit while in Georgia. My daughter's boyfriend has one on his GMC Sonoma, and says it's great when hauling his Jetski. He keeps his off (stock) unless he's hauling, he says it gets a little squirrely when the roads are wet! I'll be taking another trip in December, and hope to have the superchip in by then, so we'll see how this progresses! Thanks again...


------------------
Paul... :-)
99 F-150 XLT SC Sport, 4.6L, Auto, CC
White, 4X2, Tow Package, CD, K&N Filter
More to come

 

Dear Steve,

I did get your email, which I appreciated very much by the way, and I immediately responded to it. I'm sorry if you have not yet received my reply. That email account is the correct one, and I'm getting all my normal email back and forth ok. I'll re-send my response to you, and see if it gets thru, ok? If not, you can always reach me at our phone number too, and that is listed below in the signature line for your convenience.

All the best,

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

 

Dear PaulT,

No, that unit shouldn't cause problems with your warranty as a general rule. A lot of guys are using them with good results. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides legal protection for those of us that choose to use aftermarket parts. It requires that the automaker, to legally deny a warranty claim, must first prove that the aftermarket part in question was the sole cause of a related parts failure, and further they must prove that had the aftermarket part not been used, the related part would not have failed. So then it gets down to what does the aftermarket part actually do, and does *that* cause actual damage to the vehicle. In general, those electronic shift improvers don't tend to cause damage, unless you run them in the stiffest setting all the time, and most of them even warn you of this in the documentation. I think you're OK on this.

Yes, the Superchip performs this function too, but it's much more thorough, and it also adds power, so of course it costs more. It removes the shift delay, it also removes the power-robbing spark retard right after a WOT (wide-open throttle) upshift, and it increase line pressure. The shift commend unit your talking about only raises line pressure, so it cannot affect any other function. Again, it's only $40, so for the price, a lot of people like it.

Yes, each Superchip program is different, according to the computer code that came with *your* particular vehicle. And yes, a custom chip can be programmed to do exactly what you want, it just costs more. When Superchips makes a program for these vehicles, it is the same type of performance program for each code, so that each code sees the same level of power gains and other benefits. It requires the use of premium gasoline, for maximum power gain. These programs are developed both on the chassis dyno and on the street, and the end result is the product you buy when you give us your computer code. If you want something *different* from that, that is easily done, it simply costs more to do because it is additional work for the software engineers. It's the age-old story, you can get anything you want done, it's all just a matter of price. For me personally, I wouldn't pay more money for a chip that delivered less power gain, and that is how most people feel, so that is why every chipmaker develops performance programs based on the use of premium gasoline. It's easy to do what you have asked for, it's just a custom program.

Now as far as do any of these vehicle shave the same code, sure! There are thousands of YOB2's and YBQ3's out there. The automakers make running changes throughout the model year as they get feedback on issues from drivebility-related things to whatever. Also, different software isused on these vehicles depending on which emissions package they get, what equipment the vehicle has, is it a 4X4 or a 4X2, etc., etc., so there cvan be dozens of different codes each model year for the same basic vehicle, and, there will be thousands of vehicles for each of those codes, just to give you an idea on how that works.

I hope this information helps,

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

 

Anytime, Paul. I also sent you another email reply, and I hope that explains the issue for you, let me know.

Good luck, and we'll be happy to help you anytime,

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