Okay, this is my first post, so I'm sorry if this has been covered before...

What is the difference between buying a SuperChip versus buying the HyperTech reprogrammer? Which provides better power, response, shifting for the money?

I've got a '98 Expy 4x4 XLT w/4.6 ltr.

Thanks!

 

Dear kptaylor,

You're right, this is something that has come up on a fairly regular basis, as new people come to this site, quite naturally.

The short answer is, if the Hypertech were the better product, we'd be selling it. Hypertech tunes only on full-throttle, as during WOT (wide-open throttle) operation, there are no emissions standards that have to be met, and so consequently, this is how almost all chipmakers today program, only on WOT. This is due to how the Federal emissions laws are structured; if you only tune on WOT, you automatically reduce your R&D costs drastically, which is why they only tune on WOT. Tuning only on WOT means you do not have to certify for emissions compliance, as you automatically pass. While it's a much cheaper way to bring a product to market, you also get less as a result, generally speaking.

The Superchip gains more total power, and more importantly in my opinion is the fact that it works *all* the time, not just at WOT. The Superchip is the only one that can actually improve power all the time, improving overall driveability, and get better gas mileage, due to it's part-throttle tuning. So you get more power, and you get more power *all* the time. The Superchip also addresses other driveability-related areas that no other company does.

Beyond that, the Superchip is a less expensive product, and it also does not require you to use any other gimmicks to make it work, like the abnormally cold thermostats that most Hypertech products require you to use in conjunction with their programming. Best engine power is made at about 190 degrees of coolant temperature, so you generally want to stick with the factory thermostat, which is rated at 192-194 or so.

Another very important point is the fact that Hypertech makes "generic" programs, meaning one program for all 1998 4.6 F-150's, for one example. Each Superchip is made according to the exact software revision that came in *your* vehicle's computer from the factory, and this is perhaps the single most important difference. So you get a program that was made specifically for *your* vehicle, and not one that was compromised to run on all similar vehicles, and this yields much better results. It also places a larger demand on R&D resources, but it's the only way to fully optimize every vehicles programming properly.

One of the best ways to describe the differences between Hypertech and Superchips as companies is that Hypertech is a marketing-driven company that spends money on marketing first, and product R&D second, which is why some people have only heard of Hypertech, for example. Superchips is just the opposite; they are an engineering-driven company, not marketing-driven, and it shows in the quality of their programming.

Superchips is the company that invented the power chip concept, and this entire industry, back in 1983, and is still the only aftermarket programming firm that is hired directly by many of the worlds major automakers for help with many different projects, from racing applications to driveability issues, etc.

Please feel free to give us a call at our number listed below, and I'll be happy to go over this and any other questions you may have.

------------------
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

 

kp,
My 2 cents:
Take from someone who has been through it already. I asked the same questions. The answer is, call Mike and order the SuperChip. I have a number of vehicles with the hyperT set-up. None of them compare to the Super Chip. It works.

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2000 XLT supercab, 4x4 7700lb. package, 5.4L, 3.73 LS, CD changer, Flowmaster,Superchip, Airaid, Island Blue

 

Thanks guys! I just ordered my Superchip, so I hope to have some positive comments here in a few days.

Kevin

 

***** and kptaylor, is it possible to get the catchphrase (three letter and one number code) from your computer. We would like to perform some testing in house on our products.

Thanks!

Sean M. White
Technical Supervisor
Hypertech, Inc.

 

I would like for you to do test on my program. I am unable to use the chip because my computer needs to have some jumpers saudered together. I would like to use some type of programmer but have not heard very good results. My code is "DAH3". If someone could tell me something I would really appreciate it. My modifications are as follows.

------------------
Mods:K&N Intake,
3"Flowmaster,
Transgo Shift Reprogrammer
Dyno:228.6HP, 309.8TQ
4R100 TRANS
9.5" Converter 2500 Stall
Micheline 275 75 R16
Heavy Duty RearEnd W/355

 

I just installed my chip yesterday and I can really feel the difference! The shifts are much more crisp and they happen at the right times. The program seems to keep the engine more in the power band, too.

Not tire-squealing increases, but definitely a better performing truck. BTW, I'm driving a 4.6L 4WD Expedition, so any increase in performance is noticeable and welcome!

I appreciate all the help that I've found here, especially from Mike.

Thanks!

 

Hi kptaylor,

You're very welcome. You'll notice that there is more power at *any* throttle position, from 1000 rpm on up, that is just one of the keys to the Superchip's superior performance enhancement.

Have fun,

------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System

 

Well, it looks like the chip is a break-even for me. My mileage in the first two tanks post-chip is 1-2 mpg higher. That should offset the cost of premium gas while still giving me the better power and driveability.

Just back from a weekend in the mountains around Payson, AZ and the difference in the shift patterns has been amazing! My 4.6 Expy no longer hunts and pecks in the hills. I'm able to keep it in the power without having to switch off the overdrive and constantly nudging the gas to keep in in the right gear.

Great product! Money well spent.

Kevin

------------------
1998 Expedition XLT 4x4 w/4.6L

To date just a Superchip upgrade (Well worth it!)

Planned upgrades:
K&N FIPK
Jardine exhaust
17" or 18" wheels - undecided on these and tires

 

Question for both distributors:

What is your opinion as to why Ford hasn't utilized your HP/driveability algorythm in their own computers right from the factory?

My question is serious, and without challenge or inflamatory undertones; and I'm not referring to tranny shift points or the obvious century-mark limit.

------------------
Y2K™

Toreador Red, Keyless XLT SC SB 5.4L E4x4 4wDisc/ABS, 3.73LS, Skid, HD 7700# Towing, LT-245's on Chrome, Tube-Steps, Captain's, 6CD, Tonneau, named: "Nick"

 

Red97,
Excuse my expression. "It's like trying to verbally describe an orgasm"..one of those things you have to EXPERIENCE to fully appreciate it.

The premium fuel image leaves your mind after you take the chip out, thinking things are not any different with it in.

------------------
1999 F250 SD CC, LWB, 5.4L, Auto, 3.73, 4x4, Power TT mirrors w/ marker lights, White, Full Tint, PendaPro SR, Flowmaster Delta 40 series, K&N filtercharger, Superchip (Airbox removed for a second try, maybe in the winter it will be advantagous?) Lund Elite soft tonneau

www.angelfire.com/pa3/spaceace/index.html

 

It's because the "masses" don't want firm shifts, higher shift points or to buy premium gas - It's people like you and I who want better performance!

Like anything else, there's always a way to fine tune a good program to meet an individual's needs.

------------------
1998 Expedition XLT 4x4 w/4.6L

To date just a Superchip upgrade (Well worth it!)

Planned upgrades:
K&N FIPK
Jardine exhaust
17" or 18" wheels - undecided on these and tires

 

So as I understand it, if you get the super-chip you HAVE to buy premium gas?? So that's over $200 for the chip and then another $5-$10(depending on the price where your at) for every tank fill?

 

Red97 - for me it's very clear-cut. Regardless of the price of fuel - the chip will stay installed. The increase in fuel cost is only about $4.00 per 20 gallon fillup. My mileage increased from 15 to 17.5-18mpg - almost negating higher cost of premium fuel.

With the improvement in the truck's driveability there's nothing to consider - the Superchip is staying regardless of the cost.

Try one - you'll see what we mean.

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 Cover
• K&N Filter
• Body-color painted Throttle Cover
• Blue wire-looms
• Pentaliner S/R
• Window tint
• Ford side-steps
• Infiniti component speakers - front
• Polk Audio speakers - back
• Superchip (OH YEAH!!)
• Flowmaster 50 Series 'Delta-Flow' w/ 3" pipe
• Clear turn signal lenses
  
• Next up - billet grill.

Tom in Tacoma

(Washington not Toyota)
Go check out http://communities.msn.com/SS97FordsPics for the second best website for F150's

 

Sounds excellent!! I'll have to get one.