Mike T.,
I understand your position on fuel Additive advise. And yes, mixing a "home brew" of fuel is a dangerous game for the mixer and the engine. Do you have any other ideas on how to wake up the powerband and tighten the trans. shifts. I have about 1500 miles so far. I'd like to run a few more before I become one of your customers.

Cableguy,
Yes I'm very aware of all the benefits of breathing toluene.Like purging all the unwanted brain cells and not showing on a breathalizer. But I'm over that now and I'm going to keep the 3 I have left.

Redwing

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2000, F-150, XLT, SC, Flareside, 4x4, 5.4, 3.55ls, ORP,
Tow Package,BFG Allterrain T/A KO's
Downey soft tonneau, Black Westin step bars
Bright REDWINGS red
Rewired driving lights from low beam dependant
to keyed toggle switch

 

Dear Redwing,

In all honesty, the Superchip is the single best way to increase engine power *and* recalibrate the automatic transmission, as it does a complete recalibration of the transmission's shift characteristics, eliminating the need for a shift kit, which does much less anyway. For example, with the Superchip, the shift delay is removed, which elongates and softens each upshift, then we remove the power-robbing spark retards that occur in numerous places, like during and just after the upshift, and finally, we increase line pressure. We also remove those aggravating downshift delays, that retard the downshift by 1.5 seconds, and this helps with passing moves, especially on 2-lane roads.

So as far as other suggestions to increase power and tighten up the transmission shifting, there really isn't a better or more cost-effective product on the market today for this, as if there were, we'd be selling it, most likely!

With brand new vehicles, there is no particular number of miles you need to have on the new vehicle prior to installing the Superchip, and almost all of our new vehicles don't even get off the dealer's lot before we install ours. However, I think for most people who don't have my experience and knowledge of this particular product to go ahead and get 500 miles or so on the vehicle prior to installing the Superchip. That way, you'll know if there are any serious or glaring problems with your new vehicle that need to be taken care of first.

Other things to increase engine power are: 1.) The Airaid kit, which you can pick up right here in F150online's Digital Marketplace. Figure 10-12 hp. 2.) Cat-back exhaust systems. 10-14 hp 3.) Headers, and we recommend JBA's which are also available here in the Digital Marketplace. They're worth about 12 hp on a 4.6, 14 on a 5.4 engine.

Then for the transmission shifting, you could go with a Transgo shift kit, but that will in most cases void the transmission warranty, because it's a mechanical modification that is permanent, and you cannot reverse it. It will also not help firm up the shifts until *after* the upshift delay has executed, so it will not reduce the inherent slippage that Ford's upshift delay produces.

So yes, there *are* other ways to increase engine power and firm up tranny shifting, but none of them have anywhere near the actual power gain, effectiveness, or bang-for-the-buck value of the Superchip, which is why they're so popular.

The bottom line is that you have to do whatever makes you feel most comfortable, as it's your vehicle, and it has to make *you* happy.

I wish you the best of luck with your new truck,

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

 

since tolulene is the "key" to more octane, what about just adding some of that?

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97 f150,xlt,sc,4.6,auto,tow,3.55ls,mpc deflector,helwig,k&n-w/home made filter bracket,westin nerf,tekstyle tonneu cover,rhino lining,s&w.

 

Mike T.,
Thanks for expanding on the reason for the "dead" shifts. The only complaint on my truck and it is very minor, is the lazy shifting. I'm a manual trans guy from way back. But as we all know the 5.4 is not offered with a stick. If a Superchip can make the shifts firmer and omit the retarded spark then a 'Chip is worth it to me excluding all the H.P. improvements. Not that I would turn them down. And I will use every H.P. I get.BTW what is the H.P. of a "Chipped" 5.4.
Thanks again,
Redwing

------------------
2000, F-150, XLT, SC, Flareside, 4x4, 5.4, 3.55ls, ORP,
Tow Package,BFG Allterrain T/A KO's
Downey soft tonneau, Black Westin step bars
Bright REDWINGS red
Rewired driving lights from low beam dependant
to keyed toggle switch

 

Dear Redwing,

The Superchip adds 28 hp and 46 lbs./ft. of torque to the 5.4, and I have no doubt that you'll make use of every one of those ponies!

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