Any Superchip related problems yet?
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Member
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Sunland, Ca.
Any Superchip related problems yet?
I've read many positive things about the superchip on this board but are there any negatives? Like how will it do in the long run. Has anyone had it for a long period of time, like say a 100K or so?
The reason why I'm a little skeptical about it is that I've heard from more than one source that changing the ignition time (or however you say it scientifically) can increase power but it also shortens the engine's life.
I would appreciate any comments but, no offense against Mike, I'd like to hear some unbiased opinions.
Thanks.
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2000 XLT 5.4L 3.55LS White w. greey interior, spray-in AND plastic bedliner, hitch
Jeff Emig Special Edition
Picture of my truck
The reason why I'm a little skeptical about it is that I've heard from more than one source that changing the ignition time (or however you say it scientifically) can increase power but it also shortens the engine's life.
I would appreciate any comments but, no offense against Mike, I'd like to hear some unbiased opinions.
Thanks.
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2000 XLT 5.4L 3.55LS White w. greey interior, spray-in AND plastic bedliner, hitch
Jeff Emig Special Edition
Picture of my truck
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
Hi new5.4,
I understand your intense desire to have un-biased information, and believe it or not my friend, that is *exactly* why we are here. We donate our profits to charity, so it doesn't put the food on our table, so to speak. Therefore there is no advantage to any of us personally. We are very different from any vendor you'll ever work with in this business, most likely.
Our reputation for honesty is well known all across this country, and certainly on this website.
I'm still going to respond to your post, as I think it's important enough to be answered directly by an expert.
First, whoever told you that altering spark advance automatically shortens an engine's service life is just plain wrong, and doesn't apparently know much about how engines really work. There is no direct correlation between spark advance and engine life, all else being equal.
The ONLY time spark advance is going to have an effect on the actual service life of an engine is if it is not properly tuned for the fuel it's being run on. (I.E., too much spark advance for the octane of fuel being used and the engine is damaged from detonation, a very obvious & stupid move)
The Superchip re-tunes your engine specifically for the use of premium gasoline, so all you have to do is follow the instructions, install & use it as it was designed, and it will *NOT* shorten the service life of your vehicle.
To do you a favor and let you know what your question should *really* be, the real question therefore becomes, what does increasing power by roughly 10%-12% (which is what the Superchip does to these F-150's in terms of the horsepower increase) do to your engine's service life? The answer is, nothing.
What matters far more than an engines potential peak power output when run flat-out is how it is operated and maintained, not what performance it is capable of when pushed to the max. Increasing any computer-controlled vehicles peak engine power by 10%-12% is not going to shorten its service life; these vehicles are not so fragile that 10%-12% more power will harm them, for if they were, these F-150's that everyone is modifying here would spend their entire lives under repair!
As a matter of fact, automatic transmissions last longer with the Superchip than wihout it, due to the reduction of slippage.
We have the history of the effect of these products on vehicles from the very beginning, which was in 1983, when Superchips invented this industry. If there were any negative impact on these engines, either immediately or at 50,000 or 100,000 miles, it would be posted here long ago, as there are people right here with that many miles on their Superchip, and people across the country with far more miles on their vehicles with their Superchips.
There are some Superchip products, like those for certain turbocharged offroad applications, where the power increases (50% and more)are great enough that the added stress on the engine ***when driven hard*** can shorten it's effective lifespan a bit, usually on the order of about 5%, or 5000 miles over the course of 100,000 miles, to give you a rough idea. But here we're talking about increasing power far more than in these F-150's, and then racing the vehicles as well to do that.
Just to give you an idea, the engineers at Superchips have determined that over the course of 150,000 miles, there is no measureable increase in wear in these vehicles as a result of using the Superchip.
As a former professional drag racer and engine builder who has been installing these products for a decade, there have been no instances of reduced engine lifespan as a result of using the Superchip in these vehicles. We have customers who have as many as 300,000+ miles on their Ford Powerstroke diesel engines with the Superchip, and that is an application that adds over twice as much power to the engine than the Superchip for these F-150's.
We certainly understand wanting to talk to other people and get their opinions, that's one of the most very basic tenants of F-150 Online, the exchange of accurate information! And we're happy to see you do just that, this is exactly why we support this web site so heavily. Being able to talk directly to those who have "been there, done that" is invaluable, and we do the same thing.
Perhaps whoever you spoke to did not realize that the Superchip requries the use of premium gasoline, and maybe they have made some silly assumption that we are just adding lots of spark advance and sending your engine into detonation, I have no idea what they think.
What I can tell you is that there is no correlation between spark advance and engine lifespan. You set the spark advance for the level of octane and energy content of the fuel being used, plain and simple. It's been that way since the earliest days of this century, and still is today!
We wish you all the best in your search for information, and I'll leave you with this one last thought.... when you see a product that is so widely used and hailed, it's generally because it works well.
There's no hidden "time bomb" in the Superchip that is going to spring up and shorten your engine's lifespan, regardless of how long you use it.
Best of luck with your truck,
------------------
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
First National F-150 Online Rally Info:https://www.f150online.com/rally2000/index.html
I understand your intense desire to have un-biased information, and believe it or not my friend, that is *exactly* why we are here. We donate our profits to charity, so it doesn't put the food on our table, so to speak. Therefore there is no advantage to any of us personally. We are very different from any vendor you'll ever work with in this business, most likely.
Our reputation for honesty is well known all across this country, and certainly on this website.
I'm still going to respond to your post, as I think it's important enough to be answered directly by an expert.
First, whoever told you that altering spark advance automatically shortens an engine's service life is just plain wrong, and doesn't apparently know much about how engines really work. There is no direct correlation between spark advance and engine life, all else being equal.
The ONLY time spark advance is going to have an effect on the actual service life of an engine is if it is not properly tuned for the fuel it's being run on. (I.E., too much spark advance for the octane of fuel being used and the engine is damaged from detonation, a very obvious & stupid move)
The Superchip re-tunes your engine specifically for the use of premium gasoline, so all you have to do is follow the instructions, install & use it as it was designed, and it will *NOT* shorten the service life of your vehicle.
To do you a favor and let you know what your question should *really* be, the real question therefore becomes, what does increasing power by roughly 10%-12% (which is what the Superchip does to these F-150's in terms of the horsepower increase) do to your engine's service life? The answer is, nothing.
What matters far more than an engines potential peak power output when run flat-out is how it is operated and maintained, not what performance it is capable of when pushed to the max. Increasing any computer-controlled vehicles peak engine power by 10%-12% is not going to shorten its service life; these vehicles are not so fragile that 10%-12% more power will harm them, for if they were, these F-150's that everyone is modifying here would spend their entire lives under repair!
As a matter of fact, automatic transmissions last longer with the Superchip than wihout it, due to the reduction of slippage.
We have the history of the effect of these products on vehicles from the very beginning, which was in 1983, when Superchips invented this industry. If there were any negative impact on these engines, either immediately or at 50,000 or 100,000 miles, it would be posted here long ago, as there are people right here with that many miles on their Superchip, and people across the country with far more miles on their vehicles with their Superchips.
There are some Superchip products, like those for certain turbocharged offroad applications, where the power increases (50% and more)are great enough that the added stress on the engine ***when driven hard*** can shorten it's effective lifespan a bit, usually on the order of about 5%, or 5000 miles over the course of 100,000 miles, to give you a rough idea. But here we're talking about increasing power far more than in these F-150's, and then racing the vehicles as well to do that.
Just to give you an idea, the engineers at Superchips have determined that over the course of 150,000 miles, there is no measureable increase in wear in these vehicles as a result of using the Superchip.
As a former professional drag racer and engine builder who has been installing these products for a decade, there have been no instances of reduced engine lifespan as a result of using the Superchip in these vehicles. We have customers who have as many as 300,000+ miles on their Ford Powerstroke diesel engines with the Superchip, and that is an application that adds over twice as much power to the engine than the Superchip for these F-150's.
We certainly understand wanting to talk to other people and get their opinions, that's one of the most very basic tenants of F-150 Online, the exchange of accurate information! And we're happy to see you do just that, this is exactly why we support this web site so heavily. Being able to talk directly to those who have "been there, done that" is invaluable, and we do the same thing.
Perhaps whoever you spoke to did not realize that the Superchip requries the use of premium gasoline, and maybe they have made some silly assumption that we are just adding lots of spark advance and sending your engine into detonation, I have no idea what they think.
What I can tell you is that there is no correlation between spark advance and engine lifespan. You set the spark advance for the level of octane and energy content of the fuel being used, plain and simple. It's been that way since the earliest days of this century, and still is today!
We wish you all the best in your search for information, and I'll leave you with this one last thought.... when you see a product that is so widely used and hailed, it's generally because it works well.
There's no hidden "time bomb" in the Superchip that is going to spring up and shorten your engine's lifespan, regardless of how long you use it.
Best of luck with your truck,
------------------
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
First National F-150 Online Rally Info:https://www.f150online.com/rally2000/index.html
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 237
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From: Buena Vista CO USA
I think Mike said it best. I don't think you will get many if any negatives other than those that may not have followed instructions
etc. correctly. I am convinced, and will get one from Mike as soon as I can convince my "VP of Finance" to authorized the expenditure. Right now I am up against new fencing for the horses!! Good Luck in your search for info.
etc. correctly. I am convinced, and will get one from Mike as soon as I can convince my "VP of Finance" to authorized the expenditure. Right now I am up against new fencing for the horses!! Good Luck in your search for info.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 1999
Posts: 299
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I've put about 40k on mine since I put the chip in without so much as a belch.
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98 SC/XL/4.2/5 speed/3.08/MoonLight Blue Metalic/Mobil One Synthetic/235.70S.16 Michelin XC LT4/AR-136 Wheels/Chrome Nerf Bars/Bug Shield/Aluminum Tool Box/K&N/Superchip/NOS maybe.
DAMN FLEXING DOOR CRACK!
Ford Engineering, reinforce the curve in the door! The cracks will stop.
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98 SC/XL/4.2/5 speed/3.08/MoonLight Blue Metalic/Mobil One Synthetic/235.70S.16 Michelin XC LT4/AR-136 Wheels/Chrome Nerf Bars/Bug Shield/Aluminum Tool Box/K&N/Superchip/NOS maybe.
DAMN FLEXING DOOR CRACK!
Ford Engineering, reinforce the curve in the door! The cracks will stop.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University
I have a 97 F150 with a manual transmission and was wondering if the same effects from the Superchip are seen in the manual as in the automatic. I went to the superchip web site and was looking at the graphs but couldn't make much out of them. I have also put 285/75/16's on my truck and have noticed a drop in power going up hills. I have read on this board that the superchip will help with that, but i was wondering if it is worth the price for a manual. Thanks. Eric
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'97 F150 4X4 Supercab XLT
Rhino Lining
285/75/16 BFG AT/KO
4.6L Triton V8
5 Speed Manual tranny
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'97 F150 4X4 Supercab XLT
Rhino Lining
285/75/16 BFG AT/KO
4.6L Triton V8
5 Speed Manual tranny
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 240
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From: Miami, Fl
Mike's statement "To do you a favor and let you know what your question should *really* be, the real
question therefore becomes, what does increasing power by roughly 10%-12% (which is
what the Superchip does to these F-150's in terms of the horsepower increase) do to your
engine's service life?" is not quite correct.
(Sorry Mike)
I think the question should be: "What does the Superchip do the the service life of one's driver's license?" With your new found power curve, you'll be testing it at every stop light and stop sign.
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'00 WHITE/GOLD F150 LARIAT FlareSide SC 5.4 Auto 3.55 LS
Black Westin Nerfs, White Prime Design BugShield,
White Vtech Taillight Covers, K&N Air Filter,
Sometimes Superchipped,
Leather Captain's Chairs (like a screen door in a submarine!),
and all the Lariat goodies
SOME SHOW and a LOTTA TOW
My am E, Fl *** Member of ??? Ford Group
[
[This message has been edited by rmarietta (edited 07-13-2000).]
question therefore becomes, what does increasing power by roughly 10%-12% (which is
what the Superchip does to these F-150's in terms of the horsepower increase) do to your
engine's service life?" is not quite correct.
(Sorry Mike)
I think the question should be: "What does the Superchip do the the service life of one's driver's license?" With your new found power curve, you'll be testing it at every stop light and stop sign.
------------------
'00 WHITE/GOLD F150 LARIAT FlareSide SC 5.4 Auto 3.55 LS
Black Westin Nerfs, White Prime Design BugShield,
White Vtech Taillight Covers, K&N Air Filter,
Sometimes Superchipped,
Leather Captain's Chairs (like a screen door in a submarine!),
and all the Lariat goodies
SOME SHOW and a LOTTA TOW
My am E, Fl *** Member of ??? Ford Group
[
[This message has been edited by rmarietta (edited 07-13-2000).]
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 1,565
Likes: 1
From: Columbus, Georgia
Not a single problem in mine. Several friends of mine have a Superchip and no one has had a problem at all.
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2000 F-150 XLT, 4x2, 5.4L Supercab, Superchip, Styleside, Black with silver two-tone, 3.55 rear, class III towing package with heavy duty cooling package, Heavy duty shocks, 4 wheel disk ABS, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, dark graphite interior, in dash CD, factory leather wrapped steering wheel, Pendaliner bedliner, K&N air filter, rubberized undercoating, cabin filtration system, Bugflector II, 5W-30 Mobil 1, engine build 10/4/99
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2000 F-150 XLT, 4x2, 5.4L Supercab, Superchip, Styleside, Black with silver two-tone, 3.55 rear, class III towing package with heavy duty cooling package, Heavy duty shocks, 4 wheel disk ABS, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, dark graphite interior, in dash CD, factory leather wrapped steering wheel, Pendaliner bedliner, K&N air filter, rubberized undercoating, cabin filtration system, Bugflector II, 5W-30 Mobil 1, engine build 10/4/99
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
Hi klaibs27,
Welcome to F-150 Online!
Good question, and one that comes up fairly often.
With regards to the amount of power the engine gains, there are no real differences between an automatic and a manual transmission-equipped F-150. The manuals see more of that power actually get to the rear wheels, by virtue of the fact that manuals generally absorb about half as much power as automatic transmissions do. (4R70W automatic drivetrain loses 65 hp, manual drivetrain loses about 35hp; 4R100 automatic drivetrain, like the Lightning, loses 69 hp)
So more of the power gets to the rear wheels in the manuals, though the power gain in the engine is the same.
In the automatics, there are other performance gains we can get due to removing shift delays and transitional spark retards, that will give us another couple of tenths of a second in the 1/4 mile in addition to what the engine's raw power increase gives, though no more peak power is made in the engine versus the manual.
Because there are so many more automatics than manuals, people will sometimes ask if the Superchip is worth doing to a vehicle with a manual transmission, and yes, it certainly is, the improvements will be noticeable.
So while there are certain differences between automatics and manuals, either one benefits from the Superchip.
Also, this issue of installing taller tires is another really hot topic, that happens literally every day, we get calls aobut this. How much the Superchip will help with that depends in part on just how much of a difference in height you have between your original tires and what you have on there now.
Please feel free to give us a call if you'd like to go over this in more detail, we'll be happy to go over all of this with you. One of the thigns we should go over is the difference in rpm's at a given speed compared to that same rpm figure at the same speed *before* your tire size change, speedometer error, etc.
------------------
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
First National F-150 Online Rally Info:https://www.f150online.com/rally2000/index.html
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 07-12-2000).]
Welcome to F-150 Online!
Good question, and one that comes up fairly often.
With regards to the amount of power the engine gains, there are no real differences between an automatic and a manual transmission-equipped F-150. The manuals see more of that power actually get to the rear wheels, by virtue of the fact that manuals generally absorb about half as much power as automatic transmissions do. (4R70W automatic drivetrain loses 65 hp, manual drivetrain loses about 35hp; 4R100 automatic drivetrain, like the Lightning, loses 69 hp)
So more of the power gets to the rear wheels in the manuals, though the power gain in the engine is the same.
In the automatics, there are other performance gains we can get due to removing shift delays and transitional spark retards, that will give us another couple of tenths of a second in the 1/4 mile in addition to what the engine's raw power increase gives, though no more peak power is made in the engine versus the manual.
Because there are so many more automatics than manuals, people will sometimes ask if the Superchip is worth doing to a vehicle with a manual transmission, and yes, it certainly is, the improvements will be noticeable.
So while there are certain differences between automatics and manuals, either one benefits from the Superchip.
Also, this issue of installing taller tires is another really hot topic, that happens literally every day, we get calls aobut this. How much the Superchip will help with that depends in part on just how much of a difference in height you have between your original tires and what you have on there now.
Please feel free to give us a call if you'd like to go over this in more detail, we'll be happy to go over all of this with you. One of the thigns we should go over is the difference in rpm's at a given speed compared to that same rpm figure at the same speed *before* your tire size change, speedometer error, etc.
------------------
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
First National F-150 Online Rally Info:https://www.f150online.com/rally2000/index.html
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 07-12-2000).]
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
Hi Ron,
Good point!
Though some of us here would have license & ticket problems with out without it.
Nice to see you on the boards again, hope you're having a great summer!
------------------
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
First National F-150 Online Rally Info:https://www.f150online.com/rally2000/index.html
Good point!
Though some of us here would have license & ticket problems with out without it.
Nice to see you on the boards again, hope you're having a great summer!
------------------
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
First National F-150 Online Rally Info:https://www.f150online.com/rally2000/index.html
Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Hawaii
The only problem I had was the solder had to be built up on the computer terminal where the superchip is installed onto the computer (ATC2). No matter how much I cleaned the terminal it wouldn't start at times or stopped running in town. There was a document that came with the superchip, warning that some 2000 F150's would experience this problem. So I sent it back to the main office in Florida on a Monday, Federal Express and had it in my hands by Thursday in Hawaii! How's that for service! Now problems ever since! Superchips also took care of the overnight UPS shipping costs to Hawaii. AWESOME!
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Y2K, 5.4L, Black, Lariat Super Cab w/all options, 35" BFG MT's w/ 16.5" by 9.75" Eagle Alloys, 3" Performance Accessories Body Lift, Smitty Built Stainless Step Bars, Hellwig Anti Sway Bar, Hellwig LP 25 Overload Springs,K&N FIPK, Super Chip, Flowmaster Catback, Brahma Camper Top, Herculiner Bed Liner, Rancho Dual Steering Stabilizers
Waiting for Pro Comp Suspension Lift Production Fall/2000
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Y2K, 5.4L, Black, Lariat Super Cab w/all options, 35" BFG MT's w/ 16.5" by 9.75" Eagle Alloys, 3" Performance Accessories Body Lift, Smitty Built Stainless Step Bars, Hellwig Anti Sway Bar, Hellwig LP 25 Overload Springs,K&N FIPK, Super Chip, Flowmaster Catback, Brahma Camper Top, Herculiner Bed Liner, Rancho Dual Steering Stabilizers
Waiting for Pro Comp Suspension Lift Production Fall/2000
Banned
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 569
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From: DFW TEXAS
I most likely have had the most trouble with the Superchip. It started with the no start issue. Easily solved with the help of Superchip by overnighting it back to them and getting them to solder it. Worked like a champ. Since then I ran into the top end limiter problem as well as a rev limiter problem. Mike and many a person at Superchip have been working with me on this one. It's a very hard culprit to find since I have done many a mod on my truck: Supercharger, wheelsize, etc. We are still working on it and as soon as I find some time I will be getting some much need info back to Mike and the Superchip crew. Hopefully with this data we can get this bug out of it. Mike can relay this issues info better than I, but you can be sure that Mike will be there for any hicup that may occure. Most likely you will plug it in and be ready to play.
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Mumbly also known as Buck
Carrollton Texas (DFW), Part of the F150 Online Texas Chapter
Black 1999 Stage 3 Roush F-150 Super Cab Flareside
Here are all the goodies: Kenne Bell Supercharger, Roush Suspension, 18"x 9.5 Chrome Wheels, B. F. Goodrich Z295/45, Full Ground Effects, Roush Leather Signatured Interior (Front and Back), Flowmaster with Side Exit Infront of the Wheel, Embroidered Floor Mats, F1 Cobra Hood, ******* Hard Tonneau, Bedrug, Slide Window, and lots of other little odds and ends
Work rhigh@nortelnetworks.com
Anytime mumbly_f150@yahoo.com
Home mumbly@gte.net
[This message has been edited by Mumbly (edited 07-12-2000).]
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Mumbly also known as Buck
Carrollton Texas (DFW), Part of the F150 Online Texas Chapter
Black 1999 Stage 3 Roush F-150 Super Cab Flareside
Here are all the goodies: Kenne Bell Supercharger, Roush Suspension, 18"x 9.5 Chrome Wheels, B. F. Goodrich Z295/45, Full Ground Effects, Roush Leather Signatured Interior (Front and Back), Flowmaster with Side Exit Infront of the Wheel, Embroidered Floor Mats, F1 Cobra Hood, ******* Hard Tonneau, Bedrug, Slide Window, and lots of other little odds and ends
Work rhigh@nortelnetworks.com
Anytime mumbly_f150@yahoo.com
Home mumbly@gte.net
[This message has been edited by Mumbly (edited 07-12-2000).]
Thread Starter
|
Member
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 36
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From: Sunland, Ca.
Thanks for all the replies; especially to Mike, you must have spent some time typing that long message (or maybe I'm a slow typer). I guess you have confidence in your product. I feel much better about the Superchip now, I'm just waiting for my gas card from Priceline to see how much I can save on premium gas.
In the meantime, I have one more question for Mike. If I unplug the superchip from the computer when I take my truck to the dealer for warranty work etc. does the factory program have to relearn my driving habits again? Same question for the superchip. Do I have to drive my truck another 1000 miles when I plug it back in to get to where it was before I unplugged it?
Thanks.
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2000 Supercab XLT 2WD 5.4L 3.55LS White w. grey interior, spray-in AND plastic bedliner, hitch
Jeff Emig Special Edition
Picture of my truck
In the meantime, I have one more question for Mike. If I unplug the superchip from the computer when I take my truck to the dealer for warranty work etc. does the factory program have to relearn my driving habits again? Same question for the superchip. Do I have to drive my truck another 1000 miles when I plug it back in to get to where it was before I unplugged it?
Thanks.
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2000 Supercab XLT 2WD 5.4L 3.55LS White w. grey interior, spray-in AND plastic bedliner, hitch
Jeff Emig Special Edition
Picture of my truck
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
Hi Y2K Hawaiian Lariat!
Good to see you again!
By the way, we just very recently made a change to the design of the contacts in the slot on the module, to take care of those vehicles like yours that had a connector that was thinner than the manufacturing specification.
The contacts now give a larger & longer contact "patch" and so that even those computers that have a thinner-than-spec connector will not have this problem. It's a very neat design that allows it to work no matter what the connector thickness is in a particular vehicle.
This issue of the actual thickness of the J3 connector on the back of the Ford computer didn't pop up until late in the 1999 model year, so for all the previous years it's not an issue. It affects only a very small percentage of late 99 and 2000 model year vehicles, and so the module was redesigned to allow for thinner connectors too. We don't know if this is something that will continue on Ford's part, but if so, we're already set for it.
Nice to hear from you again!
------------------
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
First National F-150 Online Rally Info:https://www.f150online.com/rally2000/index.html
Good to see you again!
By the way, we just very recently made a change to the design of the contacts in the slot on the module, to take care of those vehicles like yours that had a connector that was thinner than the manufacturing specification.
The contacts now give a larger & longer contact "patch" and so that even those computers that have a thinner-than-spec connector will not have this problem. It's a very neat design that allows it to work no matter what the connector thickness is in a particular vehicle.
This issue of the actual thickness of the J3 connector on the back of the Ford computer didn't pop up until late in the 1999 model year, so for all the previous years it's not an issue. It affects only a very small percentage of late 99 and 2000 model year vehicles, and so the module was redesigned to allow for thinner connectors too. We don't know if this is something that will continue on Ford's part, but if so, we're already set for it.
Nice to hear from you again!
------------------
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
First National F-150 Online Rally Info:https://www.f150online.com/rally2000/index.html
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
Hi new5.4,
Each time you change the computers program, there may be a certain amount of what we loosely refer to as "relearn", but this is going to be transparent to you as the driver, generally speaking.
Now when you first install the Superchip, you'll go thru this, but the only thing you are likely to notice is that as you accumulate the first 500 miles or so after installing it, it may feel a bit stronger.
After running the Superchip if you go back to stock, sure, there will be a little bit of that adjustment cycle once again, but that too is basically transparent to the driver.
You will probably notice gas mileage changes, as they can take as long as 1500-2000 miles to reach their peak amount of change after first installing the Superchip.
From a power standpoint, no, you do not have to wait another 1000 miles after putting it back in. As long as you disconnect the battery when you install it, you'll get the majority of what it's going to do power-wise, about 70-75%, right away. Since at that point you would have used it before, it will not take nearly as long to reach peak gains again, that happens quicker the second time around and subsequently, generally speaking.
------------------
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
First National F-150 Online Rally Info:https://www.f150online.com/rally2000/index.html
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 07-14-2000).]
Each time you change the computers program, there may be a certain amount of what we loosely refer to as "relearn", but this is going to be transparent to you as the driver, generally speaking.
Now when you first install the Superchip, you'll go thru this, but the only thing you are likely to notice is that as you accumulate the first 500 miles or so after installing it, it may feel a bit stronger.
After running the Superchip if you go back to stock, sure, there will be a little bit of that adjustment cycle once again, but that too is basically transparent to the driver.
You will probably notice gas mileage changes, as they can take as long as 1500-2000 miles to reach their peak amount of change after first installing the Superchip.
From a power standpoint, no, you do not have to wait another 1000 miles after putting it back in. As long as you disconnect the battery when you install it, you'll get the majority of what it's going to do power-wise, about 70-75%, right away. Since at that point you would have used it before, it will not take nearly as long to reach peak gains again, that happens quicker the second time around and subsequently, generally speaking.
------------------
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
First National F-150 Online Rally Info:https://www.f150online.com/rally2000/index.html
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 07-14-2000).]