Just curious but if these chips are suppose to make the engines last longer and be more efficeint then why are they not installed into the Fords to begin with?

Also if it reduces the slip for automatic transmissions then why was I told that getting the limited slip axle was redundant in a 4x4? Was I another victim of a dealer?

If I use the chip will I be required to use higher octane fuel?

[This message has been edited by Tadashi (edited 10-16-2000).]

 

I don't know why a limited slip axle would be redundant on a 4x4. Without a LS you often spin one front tire and one rear. Unless things have changed since I had a 4x4 Ranger. My brothers 1984 F250 came with LS front and rear but I don't know on his 95 F350.


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1997 F150 XLT
Debut sport truck
Ext. cab short bed
4.6l 3.55ls Auto
*K&N filter
*Gibson swept side
*superchip
*rancho RS9000
http://community.webtv.net/rexor29/F150
















[This message has been edited by ALLFORD (edited 10-16-2000).]

 

I was told that the limited slip basically worked when you are at a stop and begin moving and lose traction.

Another question about the chip - how does it affect the Fords warranty?

 

Hi Tadashi,

First, let's clear something up here, we are *not* saying that the Superchip is going to make the engine "last longer".

We are saying that most people see longer automatic transmission life with the Superchip, due to the reduction in slippage. This causes the friction materials, like bands & clutches, to last longer in the automatics. Heat is the #1 enemy of automatic transmissions, and the #1 generator of heat in an automatic transmission is slippage.

The automakers themselves do not program these vehicles this way for 2 basic reasons: First, the Superchip programs the engine specifically for the use of premium gas, and the automakers are not going to do that in these trucks, as it would require the use of premium gas, and that would have a big impact on their fleet sales. Second, the automakers are using "soft-shift" strategies in the automatic transmissions to satisfy their idea of what the female buyer wants, not because the increased slippage that results from this is good for the transmission! They figure that most of these transmissions are going to last long enough that they hopefully shouldn't fail while still under warranty.

This is one of the most often-asked questions, why the autoamkers don't do this. You have to remember that the automakers are deliberately trying to provide what they think the biggest number of vehicle buyers want; another way to put it is that they are programming for the lowest common denominator, especially with regards to fuels in these trucks. They figure they are going to be used primarly as work trucks, driven hard with little maintanence, and on the cheapest fuels available. They have a *tremendous* amount of fleet sales driving sales of these trucks, for example.

We, on the other hand, deliver what people who are doing heavy towing, poeple who want better all-around performance, etc., with exactly what they want in terms of our priorities when programming. They want more power, they want to be able to feel the transmission shift at heavier throttle openings, they don't want the silly delays during downshifts when the powertrain should be at it's sharpest response, or the delays and power reductions that occur on upshifts, and many other issues etc.

And by the way, we reduce the amount of slippage in the automatic transmission; that has absolutely *nothing* to do with the limited slip differential(s). The transmission and the differential are two completely different components, my friend.

And no, the Superchip does not affect your warranty, you are protected by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which makes it *illegal* to deny a warranty claim just because aftermarket parts are installed on a vehicle. They have to first be able to *prove* that the aftermarket part in question was the sole cause of a related parts failure; they must further prove that had the aftermarket part not been installed, the related parts failure would not have occured, so your legal protection is very strong indeed. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act gives us a nice set of fair-play rules, as if you do something to your truck that does cause damage, it isn't fair to expect the automaker to be held liable for the damage. On the other hand, you can do anything you want to your vehicle, and as long as it doesn't cause *damage*, your warranty remains intact, by law.

I hope this clears a few things up for you, & good 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 Event Organizer

[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 10-17-2000).]

 

Where is the computer located? I would like to see how hard it is to install before getting the chip. Thanks.

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2001 F150 Lariat SuperCrew 4x4 with 5.4L V8, 3.55 Diff
Options: Class III Trailer Towing Group, 4x4 Skid Plates, Electonic Shift on the Fly, 17-inch 10-spoke cast aluminum wheels, Moonroof, sliding rear window, bed extender, keyless & remote entry, cab steps, Line-X bedliner

 

"TADASHI"
NO the Chip will NOT void your warranty. As to why Ford doesn't use the chip has been expained by Mike Troyer as part of their "soft shift strategy" etc. If you do a search
in the computer ships section you will find several posts that will answer your questions. I am sure Mike will be along and answer on this thread also. To get the full benefiets of the Supoer Chip you need to use Premium fuel.

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2000 F-150, XLT, SPORT 4X4, BRIGHT RED/DARK GRAPHITE, SUPER CAB,
SHORT BED, 5.4L, AUTO, 3:55LS, TOW PACKAGE, HD COOLING/ELECT, SKID PLATES
SPORT CLOTH SIX WAY POWER CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS, CONSOLE, SINGLE CD,
CRUISE,ESOF,REMOTE KEYLESS, FORD SNAPLESS TONNEAU COVER, FORD BEDLINER,
FORD MOLDED SPLASH GUARDS, FORD BODY COLOR CABSTEPS,
MODS: CATCH ALL FRONT MATS, LUND DEFLECTOR, FORD VENT SHADES,
GIBSON SWEPTSIDE CATBACK,
K&N GENII FIPK,
FORD HITCH COVER

NEXT: SUPERCHIP!!

 

Hi Tadashi,

In the 1997 & newer F-150, the computer is located inside the cabin, to the right of the dash assembly and just above the passenger's kick panel. It is mounted so that almost all of it is inside the cabin, but the first inch or so will go thru an opening in the firewall, so it can connect to it's wiring harness.

To remove the computer, it's 3 easy steps: first, you disconnect the battery, second, you disconnect the wiring harness from the front of the computer, and that is right behind the battery and has a single 10mm bolt head dead-center that you loosen until the harness can be detached. Last, you go into the cabin on the passenger side, and you will see that the computer is held to its mounting bracket with a black pressure clip; remove this pressure clip, and that allows you to pull the computer away and out of the cabin. This procedure usually takes about 5 minutes to remove the computer, unless you have the Offroad package, in which case it will take you another 5 minutes or so to remove the battery and it's tray in order to gain access to the wiring harness, due to clearance issues with that package.

If you'd like to go over the installation procedure in detail, please feel free to give us a call, and we'll be happy to go over the details if you like, so you can give it some thought.

------------------
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 Event Organizer