Mike, I've been reading on the diesel board that a chip "will" void the warrenty on the 100k powertrain on the diesel!!! What gives here??? I didn't want to get into it with those guys until after posting here. Also, I've just ordered a 250 diesel 6speedmanual. EXACTly what does the superchip do for these engines???

 

Thanks Mike, I knew all that. I just wanted to hear it again

OK, so the vanilla flavor Superchip gives you 50/100 (HP/torque) and the chocolate give you a little more and the strawberry is way way more than I need/want. What else does the vanilla chip do??? Remember we're talking manual here

 

Tina,

First you need some toppings....

Mike,

Isnt there a HOT chip and a EXTREME chip?

 

Mike and Tina,

This is a very valuable post for all truck owners, thank you! And also thank you Tina for your analogy of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry! You have a very warped mind that we all appreciate!! Can I have your "old" truck!?! Also, there's nothing better than a woman that loves to row her truck through the gears!! Best of luck with your new truck and I know I'll be waiting patiently to see pictures of it the day it arrives!!
Take care,

Neal Coppola
Las Vegas, NV

------------------
'94 F-150, 4.9 6cyl., K&N FIPK, Mangecor 8mm wires. Gibson 3" Side Swept, MSD Blaster Coil, superchip. Pioneer DEH-P835R Head Unit, Rockford Fosgate 200a1 pushing 2 RF 10" subs, components and another amp will go in when funds are allocated! Est. 200 hp 300ft/lb. Torque! Not bad for a straight 6!! New project: '82 Stang, 351 Windsor, now on jackstands....blew up the rear end, oops!

 

Tina,

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act applies to the diesels just like it applies to all other vehicles. We have Ford dealers selling and installing them, so this all gets down to the dealer you're working with. Remember, the law states that the automaker must prove that the aftermarket part in question was the sole cause of a related parts' failure, and further, they must also prove that had the aftermarket part not been used, the related part would not have failed. It's that last part that gets them, the part about them having to prove that the part would not have failed if the aftermarket part had not been used.

As a matter of fact, one of my Ford dealers in Odessa, Texas, just saved having to buy back a Powerstroke diesel with 6-speed by using a Superchip to cure the problem of the fuel curves being flat from 3000-3500 rpm! This is a dealership that Ford themselves send customers to with warranty problems that no other dealer in the area can solve, so this is a particularly capable dealership service department.

Ford Motor Company knows all about the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, but sometimes dealerships do not. Remember, it's not what somebody says in a message board, it's the law that matters. And if your dealer tries to pull that on you, then you go thru the chain of command, by immediately taking it up with their Zone Rep, after talking with the service manager and the dealership's General Manager.

Another point is that there are several flavors of Superchips available for the Powerstroke's and one of them, the racers chip that adds 100 more hp, *could* cause warranty concerns, because of how large the power gain is. The "standard" Superchip adds 50 hp and 100 lbs./ft. of torque, and it does not cause any loss of reliability or durability. Then there is the "Offroad" version, that adds 65 hp, and then finally, there is the racer's version, and that adds 100 hp and I don't remember how much torque off the top of my head, but it's in the neighboorhood of 200 lbs./ft.! Also please remember that it's not the poower output level, but it's how the vehicle is operated that matters most. If you drive it like you hate it everyday, it's not going to last as long, no matter what the power output is!

Tina, please feel free to give me a call if you'd like to discuss this in greater detail. I don't think I would waste my time arguing on a message board over this, but of course I understand your concerns! I think between all the different power levels of Superchips available for these vehicles, and all the different responses you can get at a dealership if they don't know about Magnuson-Moss, it's no wonder that these things are being said.

One thing I can tell you is that the Powerstroke programs have gotten so much R&D that it's a very safe product, meaning the "standard" 50/100 Superchip. For example, when Superchips was first doing all the R&D work, they wanted to develop a chip for the GM diesel too. Well, they did destructive testing, and the GM diesels tended to shear off the snout of the crankshaft with any substantial power gain, and so Superchips has never released a chip for the GM diesel, due to it's fragile nature! The Powerstroke has not shown any failures of any kind in any of the R&D work that was done. This product was developed in conjunction with another aftermarket manufacturer that supplies other go-fast diesel goodies, and it was designed to work in conjunction with those parts, for an ever larger power gain, and that testing showed not one failure of any kind!

I guess I can only say that if it were me, my vehicle would be wearing a Superchip, but that's me. My knowledge gives me an advantage that the "average end user" most likely does not have, and that is why I talk so much about the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, so people will know their rights under the law. I don't mean to say that automakers should be expected to honor their warranty no matter what the customer does to their vehicle; we have appropriate legislation to make sure it's a fair and even playing field, so to speak, and that is what the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act gives us.

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

 

Superchips just hashed all that over, in order to properly identify these three different "flavors" of Superchips available for the Powerstrokes.

The "Standard" Superchip gives the 50hp/100lbs./ft. gains. Then there is the "Offroad" chip, and that yields a 65 hp increase. Then last, there is the "Extreme" Superchip, which yields 100 hp gain.

Anyone who does any towing should *not* buy anything other than the "Standard" Superchip, which gives 50 hp and 100 lbs./ft. of torque improvement, and also increases fuel mileage significantly when under load (just the opposite of a gasoline engine!).

The "Offroad" and "Extreme" Superchips should only be used for racing, where gas mileage and warranty are not a concern to the vehicle owner. For example, there are a number of Powerstrokes doing sled-pulling, and they are now almost all using the Extreme chip.

In other words, the vast majority of Powerstroke owners should stick with the Standard 50/100 Superchip. Tina, that is what I would recommend for your Powerstroke, for example. To answer your question Tina, aside from the rather large power gains, the Powerstroke also tends to improve fuel mileage, usually by 3-4 mpg when the vehicle is under a load, such as towing. When the diesel is *not* under a load, there will be *no* mileage gain, so keep that in mind. Diesels work just the opposite of gasoline engines in terms of fuel mileage, they are more efficient when under a load. The independant lab that Superchips had verify the power & mileage gains on the Powerstroke Superchips told them that when driving the Powerstroke with the Superchip very conservatively, the mileage gain was only one tenth more mpg. But, when it's under a heavy load, such as towing, the mpg improves by 3-4 more mpg!

Tina, it will also remove the top speed limiter for your Powerstroke.

I hope this clears this issue up a bit. OH, pricing is different too, for the Extreme chip. It's a custom program, so you have to add the custom programming charges, which have been $100, but are being raised to $125 very shortly, the letter to all Superchips Distributors & dealers is about to go out from the manufacturer about that.

------------------
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 11-15-1999).]

 

Mike T,

What does the extreme program do? Does it increase the turbo boost by restricting the exhaust waste gate opening to a higher pressure? Well over acceptable warranty values? When they get around to making a chip for me can they do something like that with timing and fuel curves for my 4.6? I already know it will void my warranty because of the 6500 rpm I requested so lets go all out and make a monster out of it. Then I can go and kick Neal's but. ;-) I wish eh? Just kidding Neal, I am not ready yet. I will stick to Off road mods and use the chip to climb dunes.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

------------------
00 F-150 XLT SC Flairside 4x4 4.6 w/5spd
Warn XD9000i, skid plates, Draw tite class III,
Rancho RSX Reflex shocks,
SmittyBilt Nerfs, Borla Cat Back
Modified Air Cleaner Outlet Tube
To Be installed;
Superchips

 

Mike thanks for the info on the different chips. Another question: I'm reading a lot about people adding a pyrometer especially if they are using the extreme chip. I not real sure what a pyrometer is for, something about overheating the turbo because of temps generated by using the extreme chip??? Is a pyrometer needed for the standard chip???

 

Dear JMC,

The Extreme chip raises boost pressure, and sets fuel injector timing accordingly for the Powerstroke. It is not good for fuel mileage, it is strictly for those who *have* to have every last ounce of power they can get out of their Powerstroke. Interestingly, that engine is made in several configurations by it's original manufacturer (which is not Ford), one of which yields over 300 hp and 675 lbs./ft. of torque, with no changes to pistons, crank, etc., so the Powerstroke is very "over-engineered" from that standpoint.

Now with regards to *your* chip when we get your code JMC, there is only so much power that can be made using pump premium fuel, so unless you can somehow obtain higher octane fuel than pump premium, there is no way to get any more power out of it for you, as any more spark advance will send the engine into detonation. One thing that could be done, is for you to use a Flip Chip, which is the 2-program Superchip. You could have say, our regular performance program on one side of it, and then another program in Position 2. You could then use nitrous oxide, for example, to give it a real power boost if you like, and the custom nitrous program would protect your engine, assuming the nitrous kit itself is up to par. Or, you could have the second program set for higher octane fuel, like if your local drag strip, racetrack, or any gas stations in your area carry racing gas, you could have a program for that level of octane, and get more power that way, while still being able to use pump premium in the first program, or Position 1 of the Flip Chip. You have several options, probably having one program for pump premium, and then another for whatever racing gas might be available to you in your area might be your best bet. That way, anytime you want a burst of additional power, just load in some racing fuel and flip the switch, and voila! Give it some thought, and shoot me an email or give me a call, and we'll get it worked out for you, OK?

------------------
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 11-16-1999).]

 

Dear Tina,

A pyrometer is usually used to measure the EGT (exhuast gas temperature), as a safety gauge, so you can keep an eye on exhaust gas temps. Very common on diesel trucks. The 50/100 Powerstroke Superchip does not require this, and your EGT's will be safe with the 50/100 Superchip, however you use the vehicle.

A lot of diesel owners (and owners of any turbocharged engine they're "hot-rodding")like to have additional gauges to tell them exactly what's going on, so things like EGT gauges are usually one of the more common gauges they will install. Meaning, it's much more traditional to monitor EGT in *any* turbocharged engine, whereas it's not in normally aspirated gasoline engines. Diesels tend to get used to tow 10K-12K lbs. and more behind them, especially the Powerstroke, and when you're towing large loads and going over mountains for example, that is a situation of extreme load, when owners who like to keep an eye on these things want that kind of info.

So it this *required* with the 50/100 Superchip? No. Superchips put their Powerstroke programs thru far more R&D than any other product of theirs has ever required, and keeping EGT in line was of course one of their main concerns. So the 50/100 chip can safely be used, and you don't have to do anything special, or install anything else to make it work safely. It's when you really start "pushing" these engines hard, like with the Extreme chip, that you really want to keep an eye on these things, as a general rule, but don't let that stop you from installing an EGT gauge, by any means! If it makes you feel more comfortable, have at it! If I had a Powerstroke, I would probably want that gauge, just because.

The point is, with turbocharged engines in general (the Powerstroke is a turbocharged diesel), whether they are gas or diesel motors, when you start adding power, exhaust gas temperature is something that is usually monitored, with a gauge. There will be a probe that has to be installed in the exhaust stream, and how close it is to the cylinder head makes a difference in the temps that will be reported. Generally, the closer to the cylinder head, the higher the temps, so you generally want to install the actual "probe" as close to the exhaust port in the cylinder head as is possible, so you get the highest temps reported.

I hope this 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 11-16-1999).]

 

Mike: thanks for the info. It actually makes a lot more sense now

 

Mike T,

Thanks for the info and the heads up on the Flip Chip. Now I am in a quandary. Do I go for a NOS program or do I go for Aviation Fuel? They have both at the Dunes. I could just see me flip the switch on the way up a Dune and Boom the NOS kicks in and I go sailing off to the clouds. How do I explain to my dealer why the frame is bent like a pretzel? Now you have set my mind in motion I won't sleep till I get this worked out. Could I beat Neal the HP Freak on juice alone? Or should I go for Aviation gas, it will work at all RPM and I won't have bottle to freeze or explode.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

------------------
00 F-150 XLT SC Flairside 4x4 4.6 w/5spd
Warn XD9000i, skid plates, Draw tite class III,
Rancho RSX Reflex shocks,
SmittyBilt Nerfs, Borla Cat Back
Modified Air Cleaner Outlet Tube
To Be installed;
Superchips

 

JMC:

I would not go with ANY (even 100LL) aviation gasoline unless you put it in something without all the emission crap. Any aviation gasoline will be much higher in lead (or its modern equivelent) than anything on you can buy on the street. I have seen the deposits these fuels leave in aircraft spark plugs, it is not pretty.

------------------
98 F-150 4X4 Ext Cab ORP 4.6L Superchip, Gibson Cat Back Single exit exhaust, TransGo Performance Shift Kit, K&N Filter. Future: 4.56 gear swap, shorty headers.

[This message has been edited by wschubbe (edited 11-17-1999).]

[This message has been edited by wschubbe (edited 11-17-1999).]

 

Hello Mike T.

Sorry to jump onto anothers thread but my questions are along the same lines. I currently own a 1997 F-250 HD with the 7.5l and auto. I am in the process of ordering a jacobs ignition. Will this have any affect on a superchip's program?
I would like to know if I need to wait to order the chip or can I order the chip first and add the ignition system at any time?
Also are there different "flavors" availible for my engine also, if so what are the different gains achieved?

Thanks for any info.

Mike J.

Also does it matter if I am using side gapped plugs?

------------------
1997 F-250 HD Supercab 4x4 w/ 7.5l 460. Side-gapped Autolite plugs and Synthetic Oil are my only upgrades so far.

 

Dear JMC,

Wschubbe makes an excellent point about avgas, JMC. Whatever you decide to do, don't use *any* fuel containing lead!!

However, if you have access to high-octane lead-free gasoline, then you do indeed have a decision to make, eh? Nitrous or super-high test?

Check out just exactly what type of higher octane fuels you have access to, before making your decision. If you go the nitrous route, you may not want to have the rev limiter bumped up to 6500 like you did last time.

Decisions, decisions.

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