OK,
I'm preparing myself for the flood of Superchip junkies to respond - But, I just was wondering if anyone has experience (not sales brochures) with the other computer enhancers out there.

In particular, I'm interested in HyperTech's PowerProgramerIII. In 3months, their coming out with a dual program which allows you to switch between running HiOctane and unleaded. Plus, need that tranny line pressure up'd a little. Not to mention I'm still under warranty and want to return back to stock w/o pulling the computer. This obviously limits my choice, so why am I asking.... Just curious if the trade offs of so out of wack, that I'd be better with something else (not a HyperTech). So far I can't see them, unless you count that I can't adjust for bigger tires.

Now, before we get started, I've heard about the "throughout the driveable range" argument of Superchips. HyperTech's start around 1000 rpm too. It all depends on how much thottle you push.

(Be kind)
No Vendors Please. Real world users only!


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'98 F-250LD 4x4 5.4 E40D, gibson single-rear of tire, K&N FIPK, ready for the program. Will be going from 245/75 to 265/75 soon too - Scorpion A/T's.



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Frank, I'll be honest with you. I tried the jet chip first and felt no difference in the power or shifting. Then after seeing all the remarks about the superchip I tried it and felt the difference immediately. I have not raced it yet or compared gas mileage, but I really like the feel of it especially on the low end. I don't know anything about the Hypertech

 

Just wanted to make two points - you can return your truck back to normal without pulling the computer. With the Superchip all you have to do is reach up above the passenger kickpanel and remove the chip. The other point is that you will not void your warranty by using a performance chip - of any manufacture. The Magnusson-Moss Warranty act provides that we can use aftermarket products and not void warranties unless a failure is the direct result of using some aftermarket product.

Tom in Tacoma
(Yup - I've got a Superchip and won't part with it...)

 

I have been in your shoes man, i know . i did all the reserch to and came out with the same answer that everyone else seems to have. I got the most out of Superchips and mike was a tremendous help in providing info for those needs. no sales pressure just down to earth answers. GOOD LUCK

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2000 F-250 SuperDuty SC,SB,4x4, 6.8L V-10 auto.3:73 gears, SUPERCHIP, Tech style tonneau cover, back country chrome step bars, Goodyear 305x70x16 ATS tires www/angelfire.com/rock/nFiredude/Firedude26's

 

Hey TColeGrove,

You say, "you can return your truck back to normal without pulling the computer - is to reach up above the passenger kickpanel and remove the chip."

Hummm... was not aware of this. This must mean, 1st, the chip is on the 'outside', and 2nd some kind of socket is also on the outside.

My thoughts are, the socket must have (or should be) a zero insertion socket (like our CPU in our PC's). I very much want to go back to stock every time I go to the dealer (for engine issues). They get really confused when things are not stock - its easier to just avoid the whole topic this way.

Guess I'll have to check into this.
(HyperTech seems soooo much easier though - hooks up to the diagnostic port under the dash. Save stock settings, Reprogram, and Remove, & Burn back to stock anytime.)

Frank

 

Hey Frank,
Here's a pic from the passenger kick panel.
The Superchip is the blue piece.
I placed duct tape on it to make sure it doesn't come out. It's real easy to get to.
Good luck.


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My 2000 F-150

It's A KC Thing....You Wouldn't Understand!!!



[This message has been edited by Spargo2 (edited 07-26-2000).]

 

Hey Frank,
I was trying to figure out what to go with as far as the chip aspect. I hunted and search all across the web and through numerous magazines trying to find the best. The only company that would really give me some good info was Superchips. Then I found this site, and saw how many people actually had a Superchip. I thought to myself, If any of the other chip makers were any better then everyone on here would be running there chips and not the Superchip. I've had mine in for about four months now and I wouldn't get rid of it for anything.

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My 2000 F-150

It's A KC Thing....You Wouldn't Understand!!!

 

Hi Frank,
I too was looking into different performance chips and went with the Superchip.
Superchips already makes a "dual program" chip, it's called a "Flipchip" and can run 2 different programs.Such as a regular unleaded program and a Premium gas program, like the one you talked about.

I don't know if I'm a Superchip junkie, all I know is that it *Works* and does everything Superchips say's it does.

I've only had mine a few weeks and let me tell you, "What a differance!"
The very first thing you notice is the shift points(firm but not too firm) I also noticed more power, specially at the low end, also when I go to pass someone. Remember, the Superchip works all the time, not just at "wide open throttle".

I'm tracking my gas millage now and will post it at a later date. Also, all the other replies are true, after you install the Superchip the first time, you can just pull it off the back or your computer when you take your truck in for service, if you like.

Let me make one suggestion,after you have read enough replies, call or email Mike Troyer from Superchips. He can and will answer any questions you have and will NOT pressure you in any way. He is the most knowledgeable person I have ever talked to on this subject, period.

Good Luck!

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2000 F-150 XLT 4X4 SuperCab Flareside, Black
5.4L,3.55 LS,Off Road Pkg.,ClassIII Tow, CD player,
Captain's Chairs, Keyless Remote, Rear Slider,
Shift-On-The-Fly,Ford Duraliner.
Performance Mods: SuperChip(Yah-Baby!), K&N FIPK
Appearance Mods: Jason Evolution Hugger Tonneau, Westin tube steps, Prime Design Bug Guard.
Future Mods: Cat-back.

 

Yup, it's as simple as pulling it out when you take it to the dealer and reinserting it when you get it back. I would recommend disconnecting the battery and turning on the headlights to drain residual power to the computer. Only problem with doing that each time is you lose your radio and clock settings.

Spargo2's picture pretty much says it all about how the chip connects. It just plugs right into a port.

Give Mike Troyer a call - like the others have said, you won't get a sales pitch - just honest answers and the best customer service you'll ever get.

Tom in Tacoma

 

Thanks all,

Sounds like its pretty useful.

A couple of comments:

As for "pulling it out when you take it to the dealer and reinserting it when you get it back. I would recommend disconnecting the battery and turning on the headlights to drain residual power to the computer".

This kind a defeats the purpose of going back to stock. When trying to diagnose a problem at the dealer you need those error codes in the computer - every time you disconnect the battery you loose them, and it take a long time, to "recreate" the driving profile and the errors of interest.

I would rather have a three way switch on this "flipchip". Stock (defeats the chip), unleaded, and premiumn settings. This way I would not loose the reason for going back to stock - dealer diagnosing a problem and needing the codes, and still have a useable setup.

As for, "works all the time, not just at wide open throttle". I'm sorry to say, this sounds like a bit of marketing. I will concede that other products often don't have any (as much noticeable) effect until 3/4 thottle, but that's hardly WOT (aka, drag racing). I can't remember the last time I was 'on the floor' for more than 3 seconds.

Never the less, I don't see any other manufactures attempting to sway us here on f150online. Either they don't know about us, or ... Superchips is better. I commend MikeT for keeping a professional tone in all the other posts.


I'm waiting to decide, until I take the truck in for one more service - when I'll let it sit overnite there and let them start it up, cold, to see if I can get a 3rd FQR engine. I still hear a tiny bit of piston slap on occasion - really minor, but there. I really just want to use ear plugs every time I start it - "out of ear, out of mind". I may just ignore it and pray I'll make it to 150k miles +. I'm so tired of this.

FrankP

 

Good point about resetting the computer, and the resulting loss of error codes. You can always leave the chip in but make sure you tell the service department that you have it.

In the off-chance they talk about having voided the warranty - you can remind them that the Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act provides that they are responsible for proving that the use of an aftermarket product caused the failure.

Tom in Tacoma

 

TColegrove,

But... All that talk of ....Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act just pisses them off. And more importantly, if you in there for a tranny problem and since this chip DOES effect the stock tranny settings (Line Pressue), that argument will be very interesting indeed! Bottom line, with reprogramming capability on the computers - never go in with anything other than stock!

Especially tranny problems. Ford's E4OD is prone to blowing up when line pressue is increased! Obviously there's a limit which makes this much worse and I don't believe any "Chipper" is willing to go 'too high'. A little increase is generally believed by all, not just the chippers, to actually improve the life span. But the point is, with the known inherent problems of Ford's trannys, going in with non-stock tranny line pressure settings is just asking for an trouble.

Therefore, like the ads says, "Don't leave home without it" (stock settings, when going to the dealer).

So the fact that I'd have to loose the error codes going back to stock makes me want to look more closely at HyperTech.

Frank

PS. 4R100's are just E4OD with a 'Power Take Off' option. I've heard they've "beefed them up", but they have been beefing them up for years now, and they're still the weakest link on the vehicle.

 

Frank,

Don't take this the wrong way, but you sound like you are expecting allot of trouble with your truck and or service department?!?

Also you have other mods on the truck that a service manager could give you sh**t about. When it comes to warranty work.

I had a 97 with the 4.6 that needed the timing gasket replaced and I never got flack for having a superchips, high flow exhaust, and a FIPK. I don’t know if they ran a check on the computer after they replaced the gasket.

So from your attitude about the superchips and your paranoia about warranty work, you should go with the HyperTech's PowerProgramerIII.

Regards,

Sean
SLC, UT


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2000 F150 XLT 4x4 Extended Cab

• Deep Wedgewood Blue
• 4.6L Manual Trans
• Ford Tonneau Cover
• Magnum Bug Deflector
• Panther 16x8 wheels with 285/75 R16 BFG All Terrain T/A
• 'Superchips' Performance Chip
• K&N FIPK (With custom mod)
• Westin Side Bars (Black)
• 3" Jardine Cat-Back Exhaust with Crome Tip
• Clear Corners
• Tinted Font Side Windows

 

Inherent Ford Trans problems? I've been an active member of this wonderful website since November 1997 and the only trans problems that I'm aware of are from the POS 5-speeds.

I think Ren makes a good point about going with the Hypertech - if it's important for you to maintain the error codes that pop up, and you feel the need to hide the fact you're running with a computer enhancement from the service department - the Superchip may not be the one for you.

Should you decide to go with something other than the Superchip - can you let us know what your thoughts are?

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
• Ultra Type 50 16x8" Rims
• Wild Country APT 255/70-16's

Tom in Tacoma

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

 

Ron, what's your 'custom mod' on you K&N?

As for paranoia about warranty work, yeah, after 3 engine replacements, you get like that.