Superchip. . . . well worth the money!!!!
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Galveston, TX
Man, I feel like crap. I bought my truck in the fourth month of 1999. Before my 99F150, I had a 94C1500 w/a Superchip from ADS. As soon as I could, I bought a chip from Jet. The Jet chip was recommended highly by Ford consumers and retailers in the catalogue advertising the Jet chip.
As soon as I installed the chip, I could definitely break the tires loose and was wearing the tires down at a fast rate. As a result (and maybe, just an excuse), I purchased my Swampers. However, while I had the Jet chip in and stock size tires, I felt little if any differences in shift firmness.
After reading several posts and replies on this site, I feel I have been the victim of a salesman's ego and his supremacy issues plus a little of my anxious stupidity. I cannot afford to buy your Superchip plus a transmission shift kit. And I will buy a shift kit, no matter what. I have been dissapointed with Ford's shifting characteristics from the start. And so (maybe dwelling off a little from the topic) I was hoping to get more information and a recommendation on the "Electronic Shift Kit vs. Mechanical Shift Kit" topic [by B&M or whoever with good standings].
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1999 Red F150 4x4 5.4L XLT X-Cab
Towing Package
Corporate 9.75 Rear Axle, 3.55 Limited Slip
Corporate 8.8 Front Axle, 3.55 Open
K&N Generation II
Jet Chip
Gibson Headers
40-Series Flomaster exhaust
32x11.50 Super Swamper SSR
As soon as I installed the chip, I could definitely break the tires loose and was wearing the tires down at a fast rate. As a result (and maybe, just an excuse), I purchased my Swampers. However, while I had the Jet chip in and stock size tires, I felt little if any differences in shift firmness.
After reading several posts and replies on this site, I feel I have been the victim of a salesman's ego and his supremacy issues plus a little of my anxious stupidity. I cannot afford to buy your Superchip plus a transmission shift kit. And I will buy a shift kit, no matter what. I have been dissapointed with Ford's shifting characteristics from the start. And so (maybe dwelling off a little from the topic) I was hoping to get more information and a recommendation on the "Electronic Shift Kit vs. Mechanical Shift Kit" topic [by B&M or whoever with good standings].
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1999 Red F150 4x4 5.4L XLT X-Cab
Towing Package
Corporate 9.75 Rear Axle, 3.55 Limited Slip
Corporate 8.8 Front Axle, 3.55 Open
K&N Generation II
Jet Chip
Gibson Headers
40-Series Flomaster exhaust
32x11.50 Super Swamper SSR
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
Hi RedBull,
If your choice is between a $40 electronic shift improver like the B&M unit, and a real shift kit, I'd go with the shift kit anyday, and it's actually better for your transmission in the long run.
And by the way, the only person you have to make happy when you modify your vehicle is *you*, it doesn't matter what others do, so please don't feel like you have to own a Superchip just because we discuss the Superchip a lot here. We're all here just to help the exchange of useful information, and we urge everyone to do whatever makes *them* the happiest in their mods, by all means!
We recommend using the Transgo shift kits in these Ford automatics, they always work very well.
Just so you'll know, a true shift kit does basically one thing, and that is to increase the transmissions ability to generate physical line pressure, and perhaps give a little bit more manual control in certain aspects, like letting you manually downshift into 1st gear at a higher speed sometimes, for example. A shift kit cannot remove the shift delay signals that Ford uses in their programming( both upshift and downshift), nor can they remove the spark retards that reduce engine power during and just after each upshift, that's what the Superchip does, in addition to raising line pressure. The Superchip does all 3, increasing line pressure while removing the upshift & downshift delays, and increasing power, etc.
But a good shift kit, like a Transgo or even the more expensive Bauman Engineering kits can and do firm up the shifts very nicely with increased line pressure, and if that's what you're looking for, installing a shift kit is an excellent way to do it! We suggest when you install it, if it is the type of kit that has multiple levels of firmness, to install it on the lightest setting. You can always go back and get more line pressure, but if you open it up too much you can't go back. Don't let this scare you away from a shift kit, this is perfectly normal, so just be aware of that.
Best of luck whatever you decide to do with your truck, and we hope you'll hang out here with us when you have the time.
------------------
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
If your choice is between a $40 electronic shift improver like the B&M unit, and a real shift kit, I'd go with the shift kit anyday, and it's actually better for your transmission in the long run.
And by the way, the only person you have to make happy when you modify your vehicle is *you*, it doesn't matter what others do, so please don't feel like you have to own a Superchip just because we discuss the Superchip a lot here. We're all here just to help the exchange of useful information, and we urge everyone to do whatever makes *them* the happiest in their mods, by all means!
We recommend using the Transgo shift kits in these Ford automatics, they always work very well.
Just so you'll know, a true shift kit does basically one thing, and that is to increase the transmissions ability to generate physical line pressure, and perhaps give a little bit more manual control in certain aspects, like letting you manually downshift into 1st gear at a higher speed sometimes, for example. A shift kit cannot remove the shift delay signals that Ford uses in their programming( both upshift and downshift), nor can they remove the spark retards that reduce engine power during and just after each upshift, that's what the Superchip does, in addition to raising line pressure. The Superchip does all 3, increasing line pressure while removing the upshift & downshift delays, and increasing power, etc.
But a good shift kit, like a Transgo or even the more expensive Bauman Engineering kits can and do firm up the shifts very nicely with increased line pressure, and if that's what you're looking for, installing a shift kit is an excellent way to do it! We suggest when you install it, if it is the type of kit that has multiple levels of firmness, to install it on the lightest setting. You can always go back and get more line pressure, but if you open it up too much you can't go back. Don't let this scare you away from a shift kit, this is perfectly normal, so just be aware of that.
Best of luck whatever you decide to do with your truck, and we hope you'll hang out here with us when you have the time.
------------------
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 Michael,
Good question!
The answer is no, absolutely not. The only reason Ford does that power reduction is *not* for longevity, it's just another aspect of their "soft-shift" strategies, which actually serve to *reduce* the automatic transmission's longevity. However, the tranny is pretty tough, so it will easily survive with minimal maint. to 80-100K miles, as long as any extended warranty coverage in most cases, and so they're (FoMoCo) satisfied. They want to put the driver in an environment where they cannot feel the tranny shifting, can't hear the intake, can't hear the exhaust, etc. This is what they feel the female buyer wants, and since females buy over 50% of all new vehicles sold in this country regardless of type, they have implemented these soft-shift strategies, just like every other automaker.
With our changes in the Superchip, that automatic will last *longer*. I have had a number of the people who work on those transmissions at Ford call us up and thank us for cleaning up the shift characteristics, and they also say that it helps to extend their service life too. They all are very well aware that this is all just due to Ford's "soft-shift" strategies to satisfy the female buyer/driver/passenger, and they don't like it in their trucks any more than any of us do, but they don't get to make those kinds of decisions, they just have to implement their directives.
If you'd like to go over this in more detail, please feel free to give us a call; we'll be happy to go over each specific aspect of what we do so you'll have a thorough understanding of exactly what we're doing, why, and how it affects your vehicle, we're happy to help.
------------------
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 question!
The answer is no, absolutely not. The only reason Ford does that power reduction is *not* for longevity, it's just another aspect of their "soft-shift" strategies, which actually serve to *reduce* the automatic transmission's longevity. However, the tranny is pretty tough, so it will easily survive with minimal maint. to 80-100K miles, as long as any extended warranty coverage in most cases, and so they're (FoMoCo) satisfied. They want to put the driver in an environment where they cannot feel the tranny shifting, can't hear the intake, can't hear the exhaust, etc. This is what they feel the female buyer wants, and since females buy over 50% of all new vehicles sold in this country regardless of type, they have implemented these soft-shift strategies, just like every other automaker.
With our changes in the Superchip, that automatic will last *longer*. I have had a number of the people who work on those transmissions at Ford call us up and thank us for cleaning up the shift characteristics, and they also say that it helps to extend their service life too. They all are very well aware that this is all just due to Ford's "soft-shift" strategies to satisfy the female buyer/driver/passenger, and they don't like it in their trucks any more than any of us do, but they don't get to make those kinds of decisions, they just have to implement their directives.
If you'd like to go over this in more detail, please feel free to give us a call; we'll be happy to go over each specific aspect of what we do so you'll have a thorough understanding of exactly what we're doing, why, and how it affects your vehicle, we're happy to help.
------------------
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 2000 F-150 5.4,
Good question!
Yes, what I'm talking about there is only at WOT, that is correct. What happens is, they lock up the torque converter prematurely in second gear when you are at full-throttle, and when that happens, you can see if vey clearly on the dyno, you lose a lot of torque. This is basically for the "last half of 2nd gear", for lack of a better term, and only @ WOT that this happens.
What we do to "fix" that is primarily to delay the onset of TQ lockup until upshift point among other things, but *only* when you are at WOT. That restores that lost power so you can make use of what you paid for, basically. Perhaps another way to say it is that we have simply "fixed" that problem, and that fix does not affect anything else, that fix takes care of that problem. Anytime you are at full-throttle, the powertrain should respond to that as if it were an emergency call for all possible power, because that is exactly what it is.
We do *not* play with TQ lockup in general at other times because that can start to induce heat, I understand your point quite clearly, and of course that should be a concern, we agree! The majority of what we do to tranny programming (in addition to improving performance) is aimed at *increasing* it's longevity and service life, and much of that involves reducing slippage, so it's all relevant. What we do for that 2nd gear situation is *only* at WOT, because that is where it happens. This does not affect your vehicle at any other time, just when you are @ WOT for the last half of second gear.
No, we do not change the O/D default mode in any of our applications. Personally, I wouldn't ever want that done to any vehicle of ours. Whether you have O/D on or off only affects whether O/D is enabled, nothing else in these F-150's. You won't run any quicker in the 1/4 mile by having O/D switched off, for example, that's another question that comes up often in these trucks.
And yes, of course we can handle your 1994 Cobra's computer too. Those extenders are very expensive for very limited functionality!
It sounds like you have a number of issues between both vehicles here most likely, I would suggest giving us a call when you get a chance, and let's go over all of this in greater detail, we'll be happy to go over everything with you so you can give it some thought and decide what you need/want to do. We can also go over the exact specifics of all your questions regarding what we're doing to auto tranny functions in these vehicles, so you'll have all that data as well.
------------------
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 question!
Yes, what I'm talking about there is only at WOT, that is correct. What happens is, they lock up the torque converter prematurely in second gear when you are at full-throttle, and when that happens, you can see if vey clearly on the dyno, you lose a lot of torque. This is basically for the "last half of 2nd gear", for lack of a better term, and only @ WOT that this happens.
What we do to "fix" that is primarily to delay the onset of TQ lockup until upshift point among other things, but *only* when you are at WOT. That restores that lost power so you can make use of what you paid for, basically. Perhaps another way to say it is that we have simply "fixed" that problem, and that fix does not affect anything else, that fix takes care of that problem. Anytime you are at full-throttle, the powertrain should respond to that as if it were an emergency call for all possible power, because that is exactly what it is.
We do *not* play with TQ lockup in general at other times because that can start to induce heat, I understand your point quite clearly, and of course that should be a concern, we agree! The majority of what we do to tranny programming (in addition to improving performance) is aimed at *increasing* it's longevity and service life, and much of that involves reducing slippage, so it's all relevant. What we do for that 2nd gear situation is *only* at WOT, because that is where it happens. This does not affect your vehicle at any other time, just when you are @ WOT for the last half of second gear.
No, we do not change the O/D default mode in any of our applications. Personally, I wouldn't ever want that done to any vehicle of ours. Whether you have O/D on or off only affects whether O/D is enabled, nothing else in these F-150's. You won't run any quicker in the 1/4 mile by having O/D switched off, for example, that's another question that comes up often in these trucks.
And yes, of course we can handle your 1994 Cobra's computer too. Those extenders are very expensive for very limited functionality!
It sounds like you have a number of issues between both vehicles here most likely, I would suggest giving us a call when you get a chance, and let's go over all of this in greater detail, we'll be happy to go over everything with you so you can give it some thought and decide what you need/want to do. We can also go over the exact specifics of all your questions regarding what we're doing to auto tranny functions in these vehicles, so you'll have all that data as well.
------------------
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 Red Bull Sr.,
You're very welcome, anytime!
A shift kit can only increase an automatic transmissions ability to physically generate more line pressure, and it does that very well, of course. But no shift kit can pull out those upshift & downshift delay signals, and those transitiional spark retards that reduce engine power during and just after the upshift, that is strictly in the computer. (I hope I understood your question on that correctly).
Don't feel too bad about what you've been through, you sure aren't the only one, a lot of people have been in that same boat. And that's the greatest thing about F-150 Online, you can come here and talk to those who have "been there, done that" with the same basic vehicle, so you can avoid what I call the infamous "pay to learn" syndrome, with regards to which parts basically deliver on their promises and which ones don't quite measure up.
Best of luck,
------------------
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
You're very welcome, anytime!
A shift kit can only increase an automatic transmissions ability to physically generate more line pressure, and it does that very well, of course. But no shift kit can pull out those upshift & downshift delay signals, and those transitiional spark retards that reduce engine power during and just after the upshift, that is strictly in the computer. (I hope I understood your question on that correctly).
Don't feel too bad about what you've been through, you sure aren't the only one, a lot of people have been in that same boat. And that's the greatest thing about F-150 Online, you can come here and talk to those who have "been there, done that" with the same basic vehicle, so you can avoid what I call the infamous "pay to learn" syndrome, with regards to which parts basically deliver on their promises and which ones don't quite measure up.
Best of luck,
------------------
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: Mar 2000
Posts: 685
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Mike T: Thanks for the info.
But about the O/D.. I think alot of owners here would like the O/D to default to off when the truck is started. I keeps you from having to turn it off every time you start the truck.
Can you control when the transmisson goes into O/D? (speedwise) I would like O/D to be locked out until around 50 mph. Is this possible?
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2000 F150 XLT 4x4 Short Bed. Amazon Green, 5.4L, SuperCab, ORP, Tow Package, Sliding Rear Window, Electronic Shift, Keyless Entry, LT265-70-17 Tires, Clarion Pro Audio, Herculiner Bedliner, Air Silencer Removed.
1994 SVT Mustang Cobra. #1032 of 6009. Black coupe with black leather int., 3.73 rear, Bassani Exhaust, Aluminum D/S, Bridgestone RE-71 255-45-ZR17
My Home Page
But about the O/D.. I think alot of owners here would like the O/D to default to off when the truck is started. I keeps you from having to turn it off every time you start the truck.
Can you control when the transmisson goes into O/D? (speedwise) I would like O/D to be locked out until around 50 mph. Is this possible?
------------------
2000 F150 XLT 4x4 Short Bed. Amazon Green, 5.4L, SuperCab, ORP, Tow Package, Sliding Rear Window, Electronic Shift, Keyless Entry, LT265-70-17 Tires, Clarion Pro Audio, Herculiner Bedliner, Air Silencer Removed.
1994 SVT Mustang Cobra. #1032 of 6009. Black coupe with black leather int., 3.73 rear, Bassani Exhaust, Aluminum D/S, Bridgestone RE-71 255-45-ZR17
My Home Page
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
Hi 2000,
The speed at which you go into O/D varies depending on throttle position and load on the vehicle, but no, we do not do that, as I've already stated in this thread. There is already a very simple solution; touch the switch when you don't want O/D.
------------------
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
The speed at which you go into O/D varies depending on throttle position and load on the vehicle, but no, we do not do that, as I've already stated in this thread. There is already a very simple solution; touch the switch when you don't want O/D.
------------------
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: Jul 2000
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Kemah, TX
This is the thread I was talking about, Matt90Gt
I WAS JUST RECENTLY REPLYING TO THE TRANSMISSION THREAD ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT TO INSTALL A SHIFT KIT. This is the best I can produce proof that it's not bull ****. This thread is the source to my accusations. Just trying to help.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS, USA
I was mostly excited about getting rid of the 95 mph top speed limit. Now I need a bigger speedo....oh well, it's always something. Superchips do work well indeed. Just another yes vote here.
Toby
Toby
