Just got my superchip installed. Great performance really noticed the improved shifting, acceleration. Even dives much better in traffic. Can't tell about milage, have to wait until I quit flooring it! Buy it, you'll like it!

------------------
98 F150 Lariat extended cab, Pacific Green/Silver Frost,
Grey Leather Capt chairs, AM/FM/Cass/6-cd changer,
full tint, color matched bug deflector, vent shades,
A.R.E. hard bed cover, Ultra type 50 polished wheels,
BF Goodrich 315 55R x 16 Sport Truck Radial T/As, 4.6L,
AT, Towing Package, Airaid, Superchip, Flowmaster dual
exhaust, Flowmaster 50 series muffler, 3.55 gears

 

Easy, Rand. I was just joking about having the wrong vehicle. That's what the "wink face" is for. They are called emoticons and are here to help express emotion in this impersonal world of the Internet.
https://www.f150online.com/f150board/faq.html#smilies

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, Clarion In-dash CD player, Smitty Bilt push bars and nerf bars!!

2000 4x2 F150 XLT Reg. Cab LWB- 5.4L, Tow Pkg, 3.55LS, CD player,Remote Keyless Entry, Sliding back glass, Special Appearance Pkg.

http://members.visualcities.com/NoMo

 

I finally installed one about 4 months ago and have yet to regret it. I feel my truck now runs, shifts and performs like it should have from day one. As far as mileage, let's get real here, we all bought trucks. if you want mileage a Ranger would have been a better choice. I never expected great gas mileage when I bought my truck and didn't buy a Superchip for gas mileage, I was looking for performance and got exactly that.

 

I bought the Expedition for the following reasons:
safety (family)
size (family)
looks (vanity)
driveability (fun)
functionality (family)

The mileage is just one of its downfalls....You don't purchase a vehicle based on ONE THING!! Safety, by far, out weighs saving a few bucks at the pump!!! If it has a characteristic that you don't care for, why not try to improve upon that? As far as money/mileage goes, I am one of the fortunate people who can afford a luxury SUV... Moreover, I (unlike most people) care to keep my money and grow it! Poor gas mileage uses more of my money! Since the Super Chip claims to
"IMPROVE MILEAGE" I thought I would start a thread and get the skinny from owners!



I know its an oxy-moron for Super Chip to advertise "increase Horsepower" AND "Increase Mileage!"

Everybody knows to increase HP you must feed the engine more fuel and air!!!!!!!! I have heard that if you drive the thing, like I do (fairly easy), it should increase mileage based on a few other factors (type of fuel, etc...).......

HOWEVER, Super Chip is using a very basic selling tactic and attempting to appeal to the the following audience:

1. The HP junky - "More HP and Torque".
2. The HP Junky NOVICE - "Easy installation" (slight to no mechanical ability, very affraid of installation)
3. The THRIFTY - "Improved Mileage"
4. Any combo of all of the above!!!

Obviously I was interested in the 3rd because I am always thinking, "how can I have my money make or save money?" I thought perhaps this thing might pay for itself over time and eventually start saving me money!

WEW!!! I'm tired after explaining that! I'm not on the defensive... Just explaining to others that some people who appear to own a very expensive GAS HOG, can also have good reason for wanting to lesson the blow of the poor mileage!

Thanx for listening!



------------------
Rand

 

Dear Rand,

That was an excellent post!

And, you're probably right, I think very few people buy whatever vehicle they buy for just *one* reason, it's usually a combination of reasons. (Lightnings excepted)And rarely does any one vehicle fit *every* preference of it's new owner, it's usually a matter of the new vehicle filling *most* of their needs, and the customer being able to accept whatever else comes along with that particular vehicle, as the best choice all around for their needs.

Best of luck with yours!

------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Online Superchip ordering system:https://www.f150online.com/scpp/index.html

 

Okay - lemme throw this into the mix. I installed my Superchip about 6 months ago. Up to that point I got consistant 15 - 16 mpg returns. With the chip I'm seeing 17-18 consistantly (when I keep my foot out of the loud pedal - a tough thing to do sometimes).

Count me in on the side that says they not only get better fuel mileage - but their trucks run much better as a result of the chip.

Tom in Tacoma

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1998 F150 XLT S/C 4.6L Auto, 3.55LS, 4X2, Moonlight Blue, all the factory bells & whistles except for leather seats. Lund Deflector, Lund Premier Tonneau, K&N, Body-color painted Throttle Cover, Pentaliner S/R, Window tint, factory side-steps, Infiniti component speakers up front, Polk Audio speakers in back, Superchip. Tom in Tacoma (Washington not Toyota)
Go check out http://communities.msn.com/SS97FordsPics for the second best website for F150's

 

Does this Chip require you to use higher octanes than what the engine was designed for?

If so, thats probably whats giving you the better mileage?

Did you use 87 before and 93 after?

People on this site have claimed to get better gas mileage using 93 octane. I am NOT one of those who advocates using an octane rating that was NOT designed for that engine due to the MAJOR CARBON BUILD-UP it can cause!
I don't know all the parameters for building an engine that should use high octane (other than timing and compression).... Moreoever, what exactly is this CHIP doing? Is it advancing the timing only???

I am being VERY critical in making my decision because I can't find a definitive reason! I am skeptical!!!

I was also skeptical about Amsoil, but I did my homework, read some threads, and was convinced that its a very good product....Worth the money....Will save me money....Give me some of the best protection for my engine money can buy! I bought it!

Where's all the info on this CHIP?? The Super Chip website sure doesn't have any!


I don't like how my Expy shifts. What exactly does this Chip do to my trans?




------------------
Rand

 

Rand,

Do a search for SuperChips within this forum, and you'll see all the previous posts. Mike Troyer, who goes by Superchips_Distributor has posted more information about this chip than any web site could ever hold! There are also posts in the Ask a Vendor forum as well. After reviewing all these posts, if you still have a question, e-mail Mike, he's great to work with and will answer any question you have!

I just ordered a Flip Chip from him on his recommendation. I too was concerned about having to use high test ALL the time. This seemed the perfect solution for me, as I'll have the improved transmission performance all the time, and have the option of all the engine performance tuning when I want it (or can afford the high test gas!)

[This message has been edited by PaulT (edited 02-01-2000).]

 

Rand: I can tell you about my 97 truck and how it did on premium vs reg gas. I saw NO gas milage improvement when I used premium!! NONE!! The truck ran just as well wheather I put in reg or premium so I ran reg. In my opinion, premium was a waste of money as it did nothing for my truck. That changed when I added the chip. The superchip changes the way your engine uses the octain in the gas. Therefore it has to have premium to do all the performance things it does. If I kept the chip in and used reg gas, it would run like crap and get awful gas milage. I bought the chip for the performance, it delivered!! I didn't see the firmer shifts because I drive a "manual" but any automatic will be improved. Check w/Mike on exact specs or read all the old posts here. Just about everyone that's tried this chip has been extreamly pleased. I, for one, am a "repeat" customer!!!

A lot of us get together on Thursday night 9pm est in the CHAT room. Meet there and ask the others what they think of Superchips Sometimes Mike T. even shows up and if he does you could talk straight to him.

------------------
2000 F250 Crew Cab 4x2 6 speed Diesel XLT Super Duty, Woodland Green
Power Mirrors, 3.73 LS, Captains Chairs, ARE tonneau top, mud flaps
Trailer tow Pkg, Class IV hitch, sliding rear window, running boards
rear privacy glass, 265/75/16 AS OWL tires, am/fm/cassette/cd
Clarion APA 5240 amp, Memphis speakers:Components front, 5.7 rear, 10"sub
SuperChip


[This message has been edited by Tina (edited 02-01-2000).]

 

Dear Rand,

Easy there, big fella, the manufacturer's website has a lot of information! When you read the spec sheet for each vehicle application, they describe the tuning process for each vehicle. Not only that, but each of your *specific* questions here have been answered in great detail by me personally and by others here who have been gracious enough to spend their time trying to help you get the very information you ask for.

That's the whole reason I'm here, to help answer those questions. All you have to do is *ask a specific question*, and you'll get an answer, ok?

Let's tackle your 2 points in your last post.............

With regards to your automatic transmission, it's the *programming* that is the problem, and not the hardware itself. Ford uses a shift delay signal to elongate and soften the upshift, and that is what helps to induce slippage and a long, slow and sloppy upshift, particularly as you give it more throttle. They also reduce engine power by retarding the timing severely during and just after the upshift, which is why it "noses over" going into 2nd gear, and doesn't start pulling hard again for a couple of seconds. Also, they do not use anywhere near enough line pressure to make the shift feel positive, forget about firm. This is Ford's implementation of what they call their "soft-shift" strategy, and it is designed to accomodate the female buyer, who they figured out some years ago averages buying more than 50% of all new vehicles sold. So they do silly things like shortening seat cushions in their passenger cars so that a 6-footer rarely can have most of their upper leg supported by the length of the lower seat cushion, relocate and resize armrests even smaller, etc. Now they are basically trying to "entomb" the driver in an environment where you cannot hear the intake or the exhaust, and you can hardly feel the transmission shift! These are 3 things that most "enthusiasts" *want* to hear and feel, but they build and program these vehicles for "the masses", as a work truck that can operate on the worst fuels available anywhere on this entire continent! And it's not just Ford, it's most automakers.

While that's fine for those in Mexico and other areas that cannot get the types of gasoline that we have here in America, it rather severely compromises numerous aspects that affect the vehicle's character, driveability, and enjoyability as we know it here in this country.

The Superchip addresses the automatic transmission issues by removing the shift delay, removing the transitional spark retards, and increasing line pressure just a bit. The end result is the slippage is virtually eliminated, engine power is no longer reduced, the shift is more positive and firm as you give it more throttle, in a progressive manner, and the transmission tends to last a bit longer due to reduced heat over time, from the reduction in slippage. And it feels *so* much better to the driver.

The Superchip does far more than just address spark lead, (timing) as is mentioned in detail in the second paragraph at this URL on the manufacturer's web site: www.superchips.com/expedition.htm

As you can see, one of the very first things it says is that they alter the program to run the engine on premium fuel. The fuel curves have to be re-written specifically for the burn rate of higher octane gasoline. With the factory programming, there is no need to use anything higher than 87 octane unless you are getting spark knock, or detonation, as the factory program simply cannot make proper use of higher octane fuels. Many Ford owner's manuals will tell you not to use anything over 87 octane, and they are correct, FOR THE FACTORY PROGRAMMING. That changes with the Superchip, and is not harmful to your vehicle to use premium with the Superchip. That is what it is *designed* to do, to make the powertrain more responsive, without compromising reliability or durability.

The basic idea behind the Superchip, like any performance chip, is to program the vehicle *specifically* for the use of premium gasoline; to get all the power that can be made by programming specifically for the use of premium gas. That way, you do not get any driveability problems resulting from the use of premium that can sometimes be the result of using premium gas with the factory programming. It's all in the burn rate of the fuel. One of the end results over time is a *cleaner* burning engine, with *less* combustion chamber deposits. It shows in the emissions comparison testing when they develop each application to ensure proper emissions, and is why each Superchip is CARB-certified, making it 50-state emissions compliant and *certified*. That couldn't happen if the product *contributed* to the formulation of deposits in the combustion chamber, valves, etc. To contribute to deposits, it would *have* to increase emissions, and it does not. In fact, it does just the *opposite*. Every Superchip (custom applications aside) is CARB-certified, under CARB EO# D-330-4.

Your engine does not have to be somehow configured internally for higher octane gasolines, that is not the case at all. Engines are not generally built with the thought in mind that they can *only* be used with regular gasoline. They can and are *programmed* specifically for regular gas, but as far as their internal parts and the functions of those parts, that generally only changes when an engine is purpose-built as a high-performance engine, for just one example. You do not *have* to have high compression ratios, or alter duration & overlap in the valve events, etc. to properly utilize premium gasoline. Prior to computer controls, your advance curve in the distributor combined with the initial timing spec set by rotating the distributor was the primary compensation for octane. Sometimes changing jets in the carb was needed as well. Both of these aspects can now be controlled *far* more precisely than before, so it's very easy to program an engine specifically for premium gasoline, and have it live a very long service life, with no compromises in durability or longevity.

So there is *nothing* inside that engine that needs to be mechanically different to enable you to use any fuel between 87-95 or even higher octane, only the programming. And programming isn't just spark advance, that is merely one item out of many that has to be addressed.

I hope this helps your understanding of this issue a bit better!

------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Online Superchip ordering system:https://www.f150online.com/scpp/index.html

 

I just installed my SuperChip in my 2000 F150 5.4L 4X4 and IMMEDIATELY noticed a difference in performance. The truck runs so much better, shifts so much better, and all around has better driveability. These trucks are not slow from the factory, but I think with that little extra punch at the different throttle positions will make you think less about your vehicle and more about driving. I for one have noticed a big difference in the throttle response, shift points, and the all around willingness of the truck to kick down to pass or merge, etc.

It is definitely worth the money, and if you still have questions, talk to SuperChips_Distributor, Mike, and he can clear up all your questions.

 

Thanks Mike!

I read the site and since it comes with a gaurantee I think I might go ahead and pick one up!

Questions:

1. Where the heck is a 98 Expy's computer?
(it doesn't say on the website)

2. I notice a delay when I start out. It sort of feels like trans slipage. I have taken it in to the dealers twice, they say its fine! Is the stock programming doing this and will the chip help?

3. I do NOT want my Expy to shift TOO firm at all! I don't want it to rock your head back at each shift! My Z28 would kick pretty hard during shifts after I re-programmed it! Nor do I wish to "catch 2nd!" It doesn't do this right?

Appreciate your input and the time you spent!



------------------
Rand

 

Rand...Listen to Mike...I am a VERY satisfied customer, believer, and supporter!!! I had the same questions, and concerns myself (as well as most all of us). But hey keep reading stick around and you will probably not hear a bad thing about the chip. As Mike said we all use our trucks for different reasons, and the chip will help in any of them, the most important decision is that we ALL choose FORD!!!


------------------
1999 F-150 XLT, Ext.Cab, 5.4L, 3:55 limited slip, 4x2, Bright Torch Red(all color matched-bumpers, mirrors) "Sport" pkg., Tonneau,285/50/17, 3" custom catback, Superchips, Airaid, Lowered 4" rear & 3" front, Herculiner bed lining(self install) AWESOME! Newest E/T at the drags 6/26/99: 14.9sec at 90.4 mph. Billet Badges, Billet Antenna, Removal of "Sport" sticker and door guards. Just added (12/16/99) Billit oval rear view mirror, billit master cylinder cover, and billet third brake light cover.1/16/00 - added billet sill plates, "red" braided hoses, "Red" nut covers. Also, have added light gray tweed on the interior, Blaupundt "Nevada" CD (in Red of course), Q-Form Kick panels with 6"diamonds and tweeters, color coded lower front valance, and radiator cover. For photos e-mail me at: whtstuff@aol.com OR my web page at Http://members.aol.com/whtstuff/myweb.html


[This message has been edited by cableguy (edited 02-01-2000).]

[This message has been edited by cableguy (edited 02-01-2000).]

[This message has been edited by cableguy (edited 02-01-2000).]

[This message has been edited by cableguy (edited 02-01-2000).]

 

Cable Guy,

NICE LOOKIN TRUCK YOU GOT THERE!!!!!

WOW!



------------------
Rand

 

Dear Rand,

Can you believe Cableguy's under-hood appearance?!? WOW, to say the least!

OK, onto your questions.....

1.) In 1998, the Expy computer moved to being mounted under the hood, on the passenger side, in a recess in the firewall, and it's one of the easiest locations to get to. In the Expy you'll probably have to remove the battery to access it. It is held in place by a threaded post with a retaining nut, one on each side of the computer, and we call this a "flange mount". It will have it's wiring harness plugged straight into the front of the computer, so you'll recognize it from the single 10 mm bolt-head that is dead-center of the wiring harness "hub", which attaches right to the front of the computer. This "hub" is usually black in color, and you'll see the 10mm bolt head in the middle of it. Loosen the 10mm bolt head, remove the harness, then remove the 2 retaining nuts, and slide the ECU out! Just remember that they way it's mounted, you won't recognize the computer by looking for a computer, just look for that wiring harness "hub", with the single 10mm bolthead dead-center, and you'll see that it is attached to the front of the computer, which is the only part of the computer that protrudes out from it's recess. Let me know if you have any trouble.

2.)Gee, I'm not there to feel it or experience it, so I don't know what it is, nor can I promise that the Superchip is going to cure it. I can tell you that with the Superchip, the vehicle will be stronger across the entire power band, including off the line.

3.)Excellent question, and *very* important! No, you will not have jerky or stiff upshifts on light throttle, that is a characteristic of Hypertech's programming, not Superchips. (Hypertech doesn't know where all those maps are) With the Superchip, your transmission is still going to upshift very smooth and fluid when you are driving the vehicle conservatively. The upshifts will firm up progressively as you give it more and more throttle. It's not going to chirp the tires on the 1-2 upshift in that heavy Expedition, you would need a shift kit to modify the transmissions physical ability to generate line pressure to get that type of upshift. We always maintain the original character of the vehicle in our mods. If we're programming a Z28 automatic, it will still shift smooth and soft on light throttle, but in a muscle car like that, it *will* chirp the tires nicely on the 1-2 WOT upshift. The Expedition is not a Z28, so we don't try to make it act like one. You'll like it, it will eliminate the slow & sloppy shifts, while still shifting smoothly on light throttle.

4.)Don't forget that we'll need your Expedition's computer code! You can find this easily, just open the passenger door, and look in the front of the door frame in between the door hinges. There will be a sticker there with 3 letters and a number printed on it, like JAS3, JAS4, etc., there are many different codes.

You can order online here in our banner ad for Performance Products, which you've seen, or, the actual URL for our F150online ordering system is right there in my signature line, so you can simply type in that URL and it will take you right there. Or, you can always just give us a call, whichever you prefer.

Let me know if you have any problems finding your computer code!

------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Online Superchip ordering system:https://www.f150online.com/scpp/index.html