I am purchasing a SC this spring and I'm leaning toward tthe Kenne Belle system. I know that their systems come with the "Optimzer", which adjusts you fuel and timing for the blower. Question is, with this installed, is it still possible to get a Superchip for this? Or would it cause a problem? I've read through various topics and Kenne Belle literature that adding headers not efficient at all on the 5.4 due to the stock setup being already a good setup. They so far as to say that you con lose HP if you did this. Can anyone verify this?

Thanks to everyone. I have done several additions to my Expy due to what everyone has said here!

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'98 5.4 EB Expy
Gibson catback
IPD Rear swaybar
Bilstein Shocks
Hood Guard
Manik Grill Guard
PIAA Foglights
Stull Billet Grill and Bumper

"Its so big... It's gotta be blown!"

 

Dear Way2big,

JBA headers on the 5.4 engine show consistent gains in the 12-14 hp range, but that is on a stock engine, not a supercharged engine. Without actually seeing and knowing the exact wording of whatever it is you've read that's telling you that headers can cost power on the 5.4, there's really nothing much that can be commented on.

We can make a custom Superchip program for virtually any blower kit on the market today for these vehicles, that isn't a problem. If this particular kit already has that, and it's done well, then it wouldn't make much sense to spend additional money on a custom Superchip. I'd suggest trying their setup as they have it configured, if it does indeed actually include a custom program for your computer. Extremely few supercharger manufacturers are actually doing their own programming; Superchips works directly with a number of them on an "OEM" basis, whee they put their name on the Superchip. Most blower manufactuers use either an FMU or an FRU, same thing basically, to increase fuel pressure in order to prevent the motor from going lean, and that's about as far as most of them go. That works, but it usually results in some lost power from a too-rich A/F ratio. So that's where the custom Superchip comes in.

If this kit you're thinking of going with already has this custom programming provided for, then you should be just fine with that. Is it possible to still get a Superchip for that kit? Sure, that can be done. But if this kit already includes good custom programming, you should give that a try first, I would suggest.

Kenne Bell generally has a good reputation for quality components, and as you may have discovered, they are a bit pricey. As with most things, you get what you pay for, at best, and it nevers hurts to buy quality. A few months back our own "Neal the HP Freak" posted that Kenne-Bell's "Blowzilla" supercharger kit was the one that included the custom chip, if memory serves.

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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 03-12-2000).]

 

Mike, Thanks on your reply. I got the information form Kenne Bells information packet they sent me for their Sc systems. I have been holding off getting a Superchip due to the "optimzer" thats included with their system.

So if I was to install a Vortech system you could make me a chip that accounts for the blower, cat back and possibily headers? I like the fact that the Superchip improves transmmision shift points but I did not want to purchase a chip I didn't need.

BY the way Is it okay to give you a call today and if so when to discuss this in more detail?

Thanks, Willard

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'98 5.4 EB Expy
Gibson catback
IPD Rear swaybar
Bilstein Shocks
Hood Guard
Manik Grill Guard
PIAA Foglights
Stull Billet Grill and Bumper

"Its so big... It's gotta be blown!"

 

Dear Way2big,

Sure, by all means give us a call, & we'll be happy to go over this with you in greater detail.

And yes, we can easily make a custom Superchip for a Vortech and whatever other mods you need to have compensated for. Superchips has worked directly with Vortech for a number of years now, so we can easily make a custom Superchip for a Vortech or just about any other supercharger kit.

To really "fix" the automatic transmission's shift characteristics, that does take a Superchip, as it removes the shift delay signal that elongates and softens the upshift, and also removes the transitional spark retards that reduce engine power during and just after the upshifts, in addition to increasing line pressure. And of course we also remove the downshift delays and do other things as well, so there is quite a bit of transmission programming that needs to be done to really improve not only the feel of the upshifts, but to also improve overall driveability and make the powertrain as a whole more responsive in any situation. So when you can do *all* of that in the Superchip, the custom programming for the engine modifications in addition to all the transmission functions, it makes a very cost-effective package.

We'll be happy to go over all that with you when you call.

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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