I have a 97 F250 LD with 5.4L V8, 4x4, automatic trans and 373 limited slip rear end. I have a couple of horses, trailer and a truck camper. I sometimes haul a pretty heavy load (about 8000 pounds) for that little truck. I've gone through the mountains and on some several thousand-mile trips like that. That little 5.4 really pulls when it needs to, I'm impressed with that. I walked away from my friends Chevy and Dodge (Cummins) diesels pulling up some of the really big hills with similar loads on a recent trip... but they got twice the fuel mileage I did! I average about 14-15 mpg running empty, about 8.5-9.5 mpg pulling just the bumper pull steel horse trailer (~5000lbs w/ 2 horses) and 6.5-7.5 hauling the horse trailer and truck camper (about 8000 lbs and a lot more wind resistance). I'm not exceeding my load capacity and the truck performs well, but my check engine light usually goes on yellow after several hours of hauling the full load. After I run empty again for a little while, the check engine light goes off. Does anyone out there who places similar demands on their truck from time to time have any experience with the superchips to share? Would a performance chip get me better fuel economy and power when I'm hauling? What have been other people’s experiences? I'd like to get a bit more power and more importantly for me, better fuel economy. What would any of you recommend to best achieve that in a relatively simple way? I don’t want to make any major changes like putting on headers, etc. Something relatively plug & play is what I’d really like to find! Also, I have to pass an emissions test every two years to renew my registration. I’ll look for your feedback. Thanks!

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97 F250 LD XLT Supercab, 5.4 V8, 4x4, Towing, Load Leveling Suspension, 4 wheel Disk ABS, 3.73 Limited slip, payload #2, CD, Navigation System (wife), intruder alert system (two dogs)...

[This message has been edited by AndyU (edited 07-08-2000).]

 

Get yourself a K&N filter and a Superchip. Just keep in mind that you will need to run premium fuel with the Superchip. You'll notice a power difference.

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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.

 

You can't get anymore plug and play than a Superchip. Emission legal most bang/HP for least bucks/effort. Eliminates the shift lag superbly. Sounds like you have a great truck with great gears suited for your needs.

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2000 F-150 XL,RC,LB,5.4,4R70W,3.55LS,
Class III tow/Payload #3/Convenience pkgs.,
4-wheel disc/ABS,Chestnut/Parchment 40/60,
Ford bedliner & gas/wheel/spare locks,
3" cold air box modification,Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back.

 

Hi AndyU,

Welcome to F-150 Online!

It sounds like you did very well to run with those diesels towing up those big hills!

The Superchip will add 28 horsepower and 46 lbs./ft. of torque peak to the 5.4 engine. It does require the use of premium gasoline, and one of the by-products of tuning the engine specifically for premium gas is a little bit better gas mileage. When not towing heavy loads, most people average 1.5 - 2.0 more mpg using the Superchip in these V-8 F-150's. What will happen to your mileage when towing heavy loads nobody knows for sure until you actually do it, but I wouldn't expect to see any big gains there when under a really heavy load. Put it this way: You'll see better mileage anytime you're not using a lot of heavy throttle; the Superchip will not reduce your mileage, but how much of an increase you may see when towing just isn't known until you do it in your situation, with your vehicle.

The way to think of it is basically as a 10%-12% power-gainer. It's not going to make 6500 lbs. feel like 3500 lbs., but what it will do is give you 10%-12% more horsepower and 13%-17% more torque with which to tow that load, is the best way of describing it I think.

One thing that people towing heavy loads have sometimes done is to use our 2-program Superchip Flip Chip, and have us load it with one program for regular gas, and then our normal performance program for premium gas on the other side. that way, you have maximum gasoline flexibility, and maximum power on tap when you want to run premium. It's a bit more expensive than the single-program Superchip that most people here are using, but I just wanted to let you know that there is a way to still allow the use of regular gas when you want, should that be a consideration.

If you are looking for longer autoamtic transmission life, better power, mileage, and noticeably improved overall driveability and response, then the Superchip will suit you well.

Please feel free to give us a call at our number below, and we'll be happy to go over all the details of the Superchip, and your particular situation, to see if it will work well for your purposes.

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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

 

Thanks for the feedback. I'd still like to hear from anyone who can share their personal experience with superchips and towing. I also now have some new questions. I've noticed many people recommend the K&M airfilter. There seems to be two implementations, one with just a repacent filer in the stock housing and another that replaces the entire assembly. What is the real benefit gained from these systems? Does the superchip program need modification if you use one? What would be recommended and what kind of overall performance gain could be expected?

FYI, I have 87,000 miles on the engine and it's running great. I have always used synthetic oil. I plan to run this truck until it coughs up gears and springs and finally dies. My computer code is ADX3.

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97 F250 LD XLT Supercab, 5.4 V8, 4x4, Towing, Load Leveling Suspension, 4 wheel Disk ABS, 3.73 Limited slip, payload #2, CD, Navigation System (wife), intruder alert system (two dogs)...

 

Hi Andy,

Of course you want to hear back from individuals, that's always good. We just wanted to make sure you have all the appropriate info and perspective on the product.

With regards to your question about the difference between the replacement K&N air filter element and their FIPK kit (airbox elimination kit), that pretty well explains it. The drop-in replacement K&N air filter is worth about 5 honest horsepower in either of the V-8 F-150's.

The airbox elimination kit (K&N's FIPK kit)does just that, it eliminates the entire restrictive assembly, and replaces it with a low-restriction much larger filter element, which gains about 14 horsepower on the 5.4's.

The airbox elimination kit adds considerably more power than just the drop-in replacement air filter element, but either one is fine, and a good bang-for-the-buck value.

You can use either of them with the Superchip, and not need any adjustments to it's programming.

Both K&N and Airaid make airbox elimination kits for these vehicles, and they are available right here in the F-150 Online store, which you can access by clicking on the link on the left side of your screen here that says "Online Store".

Best of luck with your truck,

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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

 

Mike,

Thanks for your info on the air filters & chips, I really appreciate getting the stats. That's the kind of real world info I'm looking for.



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97 F250 LD XLT Supercab, 5.4 V8, 4x4, Towing, Load Leveling Suspension, 4 wheel Disk ABS, 3.73 Limited slip, payload #2, CD, Navigation System (wife), intruder alert system (two dogs)...

 

One other aspect of using K&N (or any other 'permanent') air filter is that it will pay for itself over time. I priced a paper air filter at around $22.00. The price of two of those will pay for a K&N that will last the life of the truck.

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

Tom in Tacoma

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

 

Andy, my truck is the same version you have in a 1999 model. I pull a 30' 5th wheel RV that weighs around 8,000 lbs. When I first started pulling it I had the K&N FIPK and Flowmaster exaust. I could pull the trailer 70 mph in overdrive with no problems. I was getting around 9 mpg pulling and 14.5 to 15.5 unloaded. In my opinion, you can't go wrong making those two upgrades. They helped on the power but I didn't see an increase in milage.

I have put about 1,500 miles on the truck after installing the Superchip. The fuel milage is unchanged. Thats interstate driving at 70 mph. I run Texaco 93 octane and check the milage after every fill-up. There just has been no improvement.
The transmission shifts just like it did before installing the chip. That was the biggest dissapointment. I wanted a firmer shift for towing.
Power? I can't really tell a difference. I can tell you that after installing the chip I tried pulling at around 55 mph in overdrive. As long as there are no long hills she stays in overdrive. I never really tried that before the chip so I can't say the chip did it but thats pretty stout.

On the positive side. My truck wouldn't start after installing the chip. Turns out my truck has the jumper box. Mike Toyer at performance products talked me through everything and I was able to soilder the chip instead of sending it back. I've also contacted him about my curent problems. He suggested pulling the chip to see if I feel a power loss. I think that's a good idea. I agree that 10 to 12% could be hard to feel.
Every time I've dealt with Mike it has been a positive experence. He believes in the product and I think he will do what it takes to sort this out so I haven't given up on the chip yet.

1999 F-250 LD 4x4 Lariat Supercab, 5.4 W/3.73 Limited Slip. Wedgewood Blue & Silver.
K&N FIPK
Flowmaster Exaust
Superchip
Line-x

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[This message has been edited by Conocoan (edited 07-11-2000).]

 

Well, I ordered a K&N FIPK (generation II) and a superchip! I'll let you all know what the collective outcome is.

I'd like to know more about the Flowmaster exhaust, is this a new muffler, headers or what? Expensive, difficult to install? I guess I'll have to do some research.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

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97 F250 LD XLT Supercab, 5.4 V8, 4x4, Towing, Load Leveling Suspension, 4 wheel Disk ABS, 3.73 Limited slip, payload #2, CD, Navigation System (wife), intruder alert system (two dogs)...

 

AndyU,

I have a 98 Expedition 4X4 XLT 5.4 with 3.73s. I have a chip and have towed my boat & trailer @ approx 5300 lbs.

1. The chip will definately help with towing. I noticed a very nice increase in power with the chip. The chip will do NOTHING for your mileage when towing, thus, costing you more for gas (must use 91 or higher octane). I can garuantee you will feel every bit of the 46 ft/lbs of torque increase!! (I was getting 9 MPG too)

2. The chip might save you some serious money in the long run due to the effects on the transmission. The chip gets rid of the elongated sloppy shift of the stock trans settings. In other words, it makes the trans shift firmly, but not too firmly! Although, I dont know if a F250 has sloppy trans shifts? Probably not!


I modified my stock air box myself for about $20 and about 2 hours. Basically I increased the size of the air opening from the air box to the fender. I used a piece of 3" PCV pipe (painted black). I noticed a very nice gain from this mod!

I would do the following:

Purchase chip.

Modify your stock air box to draw from a 3" opening. Use K&N with a cone tip glued to the end!

Get a better flowing muffler.

Total cost about $300 - $350.

Total Gains: approx 35 - 40HP & 50 - 60 ft-lbs

LASTLY BUT NOT LEASTLY:

Thats a LOT of weight! I sure hope you use synthetics and have a trans & engine oil cooler!!!!!!!!!!

8000 lbs... HOLY MONKEY BATMAN!

 

Well, I installed the K&N FIPK generation II over the weekend. It's too soon to say if I'm getting any gains yet, but it sounds real cool!

I also installed a superchip today. That isn't working right at the moment. It's causing sputtering and backfires. The truck barely runs. I had to take it out for now and I'm checking with Mike Troyer to see what he thinks.

Finally, I ordered the Gibson Sport Truck cat back exhaust system. I hope it comes soon!

I'll let you know how this all works out.

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97 F250 LD XLT Supercab, 5.4 V8, 4x4, Towing, Load Leveling Suspension, 4 wheel Disk ABS, 3.73 Limited slip, payload #2, CD, Navigation System (wife), intruder alert system (two dogs)...

 

Hi Andy,

I saw your other post and responded there, as well as leaving you a voicemail.

Just give us a call, and we'll find out what's going on for you. Obviously something isn't right!

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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

 

"AndyU"
The Gibson Sport Truck exhaust may not be the
best choice for towing. They recommend the Gibson Sweptside (single 3" catback) for towing and heavy off roading, gives more torque etc. They do not recommend the Sport Truck for towing, you will get sound but will probably lose some low end torque. At least that is what I was told when researching a system for my Y2K 5.4L 4X4, so I went with the sweptside, and am getting better performance, and mileage. Downside with Sweptside not much louder than stock, just throatier, but getting more so after 5,000 miles. Just my two cents, I know exhaust sytems can be an emotional topic! Good Luck

 

Well, I wish I'd heard about the recommended exhaust system before I had ordered mine. I guess I'll just have to see how it all it all works out. I bought the "sport truck" style because I wanted side exit for the exhaust (for towing) but behind the rear tire, not in front of it. My stock exhaust is side discharge in front of the tire and the hot exhaust gases really ruined my chrome wheels over time. Unfortunately they've all been affected due to the periodic of rotating my tires.

Also for those who may be interested. I spoke to Mike T. today and he quickly and accurately diagnosed my problem. My dealer had flashed my computer with a different program. A sticker under the hood gave the necessary details to determine the modifications made. I'm shipping the chip to Mike and he's going to reprogram it at no charge. Thanks Mike!

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97 F250 LD XLT Supercab, 5.4 V8, 4x4, auto, towing package, 12,000lb hitch, Load Range E tires, Air Lift, 4 wheel Disk ABS, 3.73 limited slip, K&N FIPK, superchip, payload #2, CD, Navigation System (my very lovely & talented wife), anti-intruder system (our two dogs), real horsepower (Red & Topper, our horses)