To Chip or not to Chip!
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Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 13
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To Chip or not to Chip!
So is there really a big difference in before and after? I caught the end of a show on Speedvision last weekend and they were doing a dyno on a 2000 Mustang with and without the superchip. Did'nt seem to change much.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
I've never had my truck on a dyno, so I can't talk numbers, but I can say I felt an immediate improvement in the driveability of my truck after installing the chip.
I opted for the more expensive Flip Chip, but with gas prices they way they are now, I'm thankful I did! The improvement to the transmission alone makes the truck drive 100% better than it did before, and when I can afford to fill it with 92 octane, there is a significant difference in the way the engine responds as well!
Bang for the Buck:
(Five Smiles!)
------------------
Paul...
99 F-150 XLT SC Sport, 4.6L, Auto, Captain Chairs, Class III Towing Package, 3.55 LS, Sliding Rear Window, White, 4X2, CD, Soft Factory Tonneau Cover, K&N Filter, WMS Velocity Tube, Line-X Spray on Bed Liner, Gibson Side Swept Cat Back System, Superchips Flip Chip, and the Original F150online Decal...
What more is there!
PaulT@f150online.net
I opted for the more expensive Flip Chip, but with gas prices they way they are now, I'm thankful I did! The improvement to the transmission alone makes the truck drive 100% better than it did before, and when I can afford to fill it with 92 octane, there is a significant difference in the way the engine responds as well!
Bang for the Buck:
(Five Smiles!)------------------
Paul...
99 F-150 XLT SC Sport, 4.6L, Auto, Captain Chairs, Class III Towing Package, 3.55 LS, Sliding Rear Window, White, 4X2, CD, Soft Factory Tonneau Cover, K&N Filter, WMS Velocity Tube, Line-X Spray on Bed Liner, Gibson Side Swept Cat Back System, Superchips Flip Chip, and the Original F150online Decal...
What more is there!
PaulT@f150online.net
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Richardson, Texas USA
Ponyfan2,
Like Paul, I have not had mine on the dyno. However, it was the best $225.00 I have spent. Just the improvement in the shift is incredible, the bottom end pull is much greater as well. Well worth the cost of the chip and the premium fuel.
Joe
------------------
99 F150 XLT SC/SB Oxford White, 5.4, 3:55.
Mods: K&N, Gibson Super Truck, Superchipped.
Future Mods: 4:10 gears (when the money tree grows)
Like Paul, I have not had mine on the dyno. However, it was the best $225.00 I have spent. Just the improvement in the shift is incredible, the bottom end pull is much greater as well. Well worth the cost of the chip and the premium fuel.
Joe
------------------
99 F150 XLT SC/SB Oxford White, 5.4, 3:55.
Mods: K&N, Gibson Super Truck, Superchipped.
Future Mods: 4:10 gears (when the money tree grows)
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
Dear Ponyfan2,
Great post, and you are right on the money on that *one* vehicle, and I will explain.
Right now Superchips is doing more dyno work on the 2000 Mustang GT to get more power from it, as *they* are not satisfied with the gains at this point. I have spoken directly to the development engineer about this, and just recently, as we were just recently made aware of this situation. The Mustang is about the most modified production vehicle on the planet, and Ford made some changes in it for 2000 that have caused Superchips to have to do more development work on it as a result. That work is being done literally as we speak. The point being, you can only compare the results of the Superchip on the 2000 Mustang to the 2000 Mustang, this does not affect or transfer across to the other Ford vehicles, or any other vehicles at all. It's a situation limited strictly to that one vehicle, and we're well aware of it.
Ford always tries to make it harder for us to make more power on the Mustang, as that is their first-line musclecar, and they *know* that their owners modify Mustangs more than any other vehicle, these trucks included. So they always pick that vehicle to make harder to gain additional power via programming, and in every case, we always get the job done with enough R&D. For example, back when the 1996 Mustang Cobra 4.6 DOHC came out, it was a solid year and maybe even longer before we really got good gains from tuning that engine. That same engine had already been used in the Lincoln Mark 8 for 3 years at that point, and we were getting 28 more horsepower from that engine all during that time in the Mark 8. But as it was installed in the Mustang, it took a lot more R&D work to get a good result. That motor has different camshafts in the Cobra as compared to the Mark 8, and in the Mark 8 the ECU tuning is more conservative than it is in the Cobra. Very interesting differences in what is basically the same engine, and they had a profound impact on Superchips R&D work. Another point is that ever since the introduction of the DOHC Cobra, rarely has that stock vehicle made it's rated power. The best stock 96 Cobra on the Superchips dyno during that period of time never made more than 266 hp stock, and was rated at 305. And while the 2000 Mustang GT *is* making it's rated stock power (260 hp), it's simply going to take more R&D before Superchips is satisfied with the results on that vehicle. So don't try to compare what happens at this moment with the 2000 Mustang Superchip to any other vehicle, as there is simply no valid comparison you can make, it's apples and oranges, just so you know.
These trucks and in fact every other Ford vehicle are getting very nice gains from the Superchip. This is a big point of pride with Superchips, the fact that they gain more power than any other chipmaker, and that is exactly why they are doing more work on that vehicle literally "as we speak".
Now, let's address your basic question, which was "Is there really a big difference in before and after?" The Superchip adds anywhere from 10%-13% more peak horsepower on these Ford trucks (and most of their other gas engines as well), and anywhere from 13% to 18% more peak torque. So what I generally tell people to expect from the Superchip is roughly about a 10% power gain, which is a great result for the price of the product. Now, is a 10% power gain (I'm using the low side of these numbers here) enough to make a "big difference?" That all depends on your perspective, but it's not what I call a "big difference". However, if you actually drive on of these late-model F-150's with and without the Superchip, I think you'll feel it makes a big difference, especially if it's an automatic, because the factory transmission programming yields a sloppy shift feel and slower acceleration. For example, the late-model (1997 & up) V-8 F-150 automatic uses a shift delay to elongate and soften the upshift, they use a stiff spark retard to reduce engine power during and after the upshift, and the Superchip removes all that. The end result is a much better feeling shift, and quicker and firmer shifts with better acceleration. Another example on these V-8 F-150 automatics is in second gear, the torque converter locks up prematurely when you're accelerating at full-throttle, and when that happens, you lose about 100 lbs./ft. of torque, it's very noticeable. Again, the Superchip restores that lost 100 lbs./ft. of torque by delaying the onset of torque converter lockup in second gear, when you have your foot to the floor. So in second gear on the automatics, it *is* enough of a difference to call it "big", in my book.
At any rate, this should give you a better picture of what is going on with the Superchip for the 2000 Mustang, and what you can realistically expect from the Superchip for any other Ford vehicle, and especially these late-model F-150's. Please feel free to give us a call if you'd like to go over this in greater detail.
Good luck,
------------------
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
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 02-25-2000).]
Great post, and you are right on the money on that *one* vehicle, and I will explain.
Right now Superchips is doing more dyno work on the 2000 Mustang GT to get more power from it, as *they* are not satisfied with the gains at this point. I have spoken directly to the development engineer about this, and just recently, as we were just recently made aware of this situation. The Mustang is about the most modified production vehicle on the planet, and Ford made some changes in it for 2000 that have caused Superchips to have to do more development work on it as a result. That work is being done literally as we speak. The point being, you can only compare the results of the Superchip on the 2000 Mustang to the 2000 Mustang, this does not affect or transfer across to the other Ford vehicles, or any other vehicles at all. It's a situation limited strictly to that one vehicle, and we're well aware of it.
Ford always tries to make it harder for us to make more power on the Mustang, as that is their first-line musclecar, and they *know* that their owners modify Mustangs more than any other vehicle, these trucks included. So they always pick that vehicle to make harder to gain additional power via programming, and in every case, we always get the job done with enough R&D. For example, back when the 1996 Mustang Cobra 4.6 DOHC came out, it was a solid year and maybe even longer before we really got good gains from tuning that engine. That same engine had already been used in the Lincoln Mark 8 for 3 years at that point, and we were getting 28 more horsepower from that engine all during that time in the Mark 8. But as it was installed in the Mustang, it took a lot more R&D work to get a good result. That motor has different camshafts in the Cobra as compared to the Mark 8, and in the Mark 8 the ECU tuning is more conservative than it is in the Cobra. Very interesting differences in what is basically the same engine, and they had a profound impact on Superchips R&D work. Another point is that ever since the introduction of the DOHC Cobra, rarely has that stock vehicle made it's rated power. The best stock 96 Cobra on the Superchips dyno during that period of time never made more than 266 hp stock, and was rated at 305. And while the 2000 Mustang GT *is* making it's rated stock power (260 hp), it's simply going to take more R&D before Superchips is satisfied with the results on that vehicle. So don't try to compare what happens at this moment with the 2000 Mustang Superchip to any other vehicle, as there is simply no valid comparison you can make, it's apples and oranges, just so you know.
These trucks and in fact every other Ford vehicle are getting very nice gains from the Superchip. This is a big point of pride with Superchips, the fact that they gain more power than any other chipmaker, and that is exactly why they are doing more work on that vehicle literally "as we speak".
Now, let's address your basic question, which was "Is there really a big difference in before and after?" The Superchip adds anywhere from 10%-13% more peak horsepower on these Ford trucks (and most of their other gas engines as well), and anywhere from 13% to 18% more peak torque. So what I generally tell people to expect from the Superchip is roughly about a 10% power gain, which is a great result for the price of the product. Now, is a 10% power gain (I'm using the low side of these numbers here) enough to make a "big difference?" That all depends on your perspective, but it's not what I call a "big difference". However, if you actually drive on of these late-model F-150's with and without the Superchip, I think you'll feel it makes a big difference, especially if it's an automatic, because the factory transmission programming yields a sloppy shift feel and slower acceleration. For example, the late-model (1997 & up) V-8 F-150 automatic uses a shift delay to elongate and soften the upshift, they use a stiff spark retard to reduce engine power during and after the upshift, and the Superchip removes all that. The end result is a much better feeling shift, and quicker and firmer shifts with better acceleration. Another example on these V-8 F-150 automatics is in second gear, the torque converter locks up prematurely when you're accelerating at full-throttle, and when that happens, you lose about 100 lbs./ft. of torque, it's very noticeable. Again, the Superchip restores that lost 100 lbs./ft. of torque by delaying the onset of torque converter lockup in second gear, when you have your foot to the floor. So in second gear on the automatics, it *is* enough of a difference to call it "big", in my book.
At any rate, this should give you a better picture of what is going on with the Superchip for the 2000 Mustang, and what you can realistically expect from the Superchip for any other Ford vehicle, and especially these late-model F-150's. Please feel free to give us a call if you'd like to go over this in greater detail.
Good luck,
------------------
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
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 02-25-2000).]
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Great Falls,VA
Mike @ Superchips_Distributor,
Is there a Superchip available for the 2001 SuperCrew 5.4L? What are the expected benefits? Can you provide comparative HP & torque measurements on the Dyno or with 0-60 ETs? How will it improve performance while towing?
------------------
2001 SuperCrew, 4x4 Lariat, Blue/silver, 5.4L Auto Leather, Moon roof, everything but the TV (On Order)
Is there a Superchip available for the 2001 SuperCrew 5.4L? What are the expected benefits? Can you provide comparative HP & torque measurements on the Dyno or with 0-60 ETs? How will it improve performance while towing?
------------------
2001 SuperCrew, 4x4 Lariat, Blue/silver, 5.4L Auto Leather, Moon roof, everything but the TV (On Order)
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
Dear SuperCrew,
The vehicle is too new for Superchips to have any dyno results specifc to that vehicle; that said, it's most likely going to gain the same as all of the 1999 & later 5.4 F-150's, which is 28 horsepower and 46 lbs./ft. of torque. Almost all Ford normally aspirated gasoline engines make the same approximate gains from the Superchip tuning, which is 10%-12% more peak horsepower, and 13%-18% more peak torque. As far as the performance increase, most of the V-8 automatics see about a half-second reduction in their 0-60 & 1/4 mile times, that has been pretty consistent on the V-8 F-150's since the redesign in 1997. It helps with towing by providing more torque on part-throttle. It can't make 5000 lbs. feel like 3500 lbs. of course, but more torque on part-throttle is exactly what helps best when towing, and the Superchip does that.
You'll need to check your vehicle's computer code, which you can find in the passenger's door frame, in between the door hinges in the front part of the door frame. There will be a sticker there with 3 letters and a number. If it's a UAT2, like the other fellow here who just took delivery of his Super Crew, we do not yet have that code. I'd say to check back with us every 2 weeks or so, as soon somebody will have that vehicle either in the development facility, or send in their computer for us to "read" it's code. We used to get each new computer code on the Ford CD-Roms, but Ford now distributes that info by satellite, so now to get each new code for the 2001's we have to read a computer to get the new code for the first time. If you're in a hurry, we can do that for you too, meaning do a "read" omn your computer so we can get your Superchip done for that code, just shoot me a private email and I can give you all the details.
------------------
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
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 02-25-2000).]
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 02-25-2000).]
The vehicle is too new for Superchips to have any dyno results specifc to that vehicle; that said, it's most likely going to gain the same as all of the 1999 & later 5.4 F-150's, which is 28 horsepower and 46 lbs./ft. of torque. Almost all Ford normally aspirated gasoline engines make the same approximate gains from the Superchip tuning, which is 10%-12% more peak horsepower, and 13%-18% more peak torque. As far as the performance increase, most of the V-8 automatics see about a half-second reduction in their 0-60 & 1/4 mile times, that has been pretty consistent on the V-8 F-150's since the redesign in 1997. It helps with towing by providing more torque on part-throttle. It can't make 5000 lbs. feel like 3500 lbs. of course, but more torque on part-throttle is exactly what helps best when towing, and the Superchip does that.
You'll need to check your vehicle's computer code, which you can find in the passenger's door frame, in between the door hinges in the front part of the door frame. There will be a sticker there with 3 letters and a number. If it's a UAT2, like the other fellow here who just took delivery of his Super Crew, we do not yet have that code. I'd say to check back with us every 2 weeks or so, as soon somebody will have that vehicle either in the development facility, or send in their computer for us to "read" it's code. We used to get each new computer code on the Ford CD-Roms, but Ford now distributes that info by satellite, so now to get each new code for the 2001's we have to read a computer to get the new code for the first time. If you're in a hurry, we can do that for you too, meaning do a "read" omn your computer so we can get your Superchip done for that code, just shoot me a private email and I can give you all the details.
------------------
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
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 02-25-2000).]
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 02-25-2000).]
Trending Topics
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
Dear Black 98,
The Superchip adds far more actual engine power. So far, most of the people that we've talked to who have actually tried that unit have returned it due to no power gain being felt. Second, Hypertech only adds power at WOT (wide-open throttle), whereas the Superchip works *all* the time, and that is all the difference in the world. The Superchip modifies far more areas of the program, and does a much better job of improving power, performance, driveability, and even gas mileage in most cases. The Superchip also costs considerably less than the Hypertech PPIII.
The Hypertech unit requires that you change thermostats in most of their applications, to an abnormally cold thermostat, and we have seen this cause problems with heater operation in the winter, and can contribute to combustion chamber deposits over time. The Hypertech unit can only be used on one vehicle, and can never be reused on another vehicle as it is tied to your VIN number. The Superchip can be reflashed to your next new Ford vehicle in many cases, and even when it can't, you can always sell it to somebody else with the same computer code. Which brings to mind another big difference and that is, with the Hypertech you get a "generic' program for use on *all* 1998 4.6 F-150's, for example. With the Superchip, you get a program that is made specifically for *your* vehicle, and not a compromised program for all similar vehicles. If you look in your passenger door frame, in between the door hinges, you will find a sticker with 3 letters and a number on it, and that is your computer code. FOU1, JPL1, JLD2, etc., are just some examples of these codes for 1998 F-150's, and there are a lot of different codes. Each Superchip is programmed specifically for the exact software revision (computer code) that *your* truck was equipped with from the factory, and this makes quite a bit of difference in what you can control and change from one vehicle to the next.
Basically, the Superchip is made for your specific vehicle, it's cheaper, it works *all* the time, and it can be used on other vehicles with the same code, or reflashed to the new code. The difference in actual performance is very noticeable with the Superchip, there will be no question in your mind that you have a performance chip working.
Please feel free to give us a call, and we'll be happy to go over all the specific differences and any other questions you may have, etc.
------------------
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
The Superchip adds far more actual engine power. So far, most of the people that we've talked to who have actually tried that unit have returned it due to no power gain being felt. Second, Hypertech only adds power at WOT (wide-open throttle), whereas the Superchip works *all* the time, and that is all the difference in the world. The Superchip modifies far more areas of the program, and does a much better job of improving power, performance, driveability, and even gas mileage in most cases. The Superchip also costs considerably less than the Hypertech PPIII.
The Hypertech unit requires that you change thermostats in most of their applications, to an abnormally cold thermostat, and we have seen this cause problems with heater operation in the winter, and can contribute to combustion chamber deposits over time. The Hypertech unit can only be used on one vehicle, and can never be reused on another vehicle as it is tied to your VIN number. The Superchip can be reflashed to your next new Ford vehicle in many cases, and even when it can't, you can always sell it to somebody else with the same computer code. Which brings to mind another big difference and that is, with the Hypertech you get a "generic' program for use on *all* 1998 4.6 F-150's, for example. With the Superchip, you get a program that is made specifically for *your* vehicle, and not a compromised program for all similar vehicles. If you look in your passenger door frame, in between the door hinges, you will find a sticker with 3 letters and a number on it, and that is your computer code. FOU1, JPL1, JLD2, etc., are just some examples of these codes for 1998 F-150's, and there are a lot of different codes. Each Superchip is programmed specifically for the exact software revision (computer code) that *your* truck was equipped with from the factory, and this makes quite a bit of difference in what you can control and change from one vehicle to the next.
Basically, the Superchip is made for your specific vehicle, it's cheaper, it works *all* the time, and it can be used on other vehicles with the same code, or reflashed to the new code. The difference in actual performance is very noticeable with the Superchip, there will be no question in your mind that you have a performance chip working.
Please feel free to give us a call, and we'll be happy to go over all the specific differences and any other questions you may have, etc.
------------------
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
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Bonners Ferry, Id, U.S.A.
Mike,
Ihave also read that you are the man when it comes to tracking down used chips for a good deal. My truck says FOU1. Almost thought it said FOUL when I first looked at it. If you know of one let me know.
Thanks
Black 98
Banshee1987@hotmail.com
Ihave also read that you are the man when it comes to tracking down used chips for a good deal. My truck says FOU1. Almost thought it said FOUL when I first looked at it. If you know of one let me know.
Thanks
Black 98
Banshee1987@hotmail.com
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
Dear Black 98,
Actually, we don't see many used Superchips here, it happens only rarely, and right now we don't have any used FOU1's.
Sometimes people will sell their Superchip in the classified ads here on F150online, so you might want to take a look there every so often. FOU1 is one of the more common codes for a 1998 F-150 4.6 automatic, so you might get lucky. Used Superchips, as long as it's the same computer code as your vehicle, can be a great bargain, so we do encourage their use when one comes up that will work in your vehicle.
Good luck Black 98!
------------------
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
Actually, we don't see many used Superchips here, it happens only rarely, and right now we don't have any used FOU1's.
Sometimes people will sell their Superchip in the classified ads here on F150online, so you might want to take a look there every so often. FOU1 is one of the more common codes for a 1998 F-150 4.6 automatic, so you might get lucky. Used Superchips, as long as it's the same computer code as your vehicle, can be a great bargain, so we do encourage their use when one comes up that will work in your vehicle.
Good luck Black 98!
------------------
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