I installed the Hypertech chip last evening on my 97 SC 4.6L. Hardest part was lifting out the battery and removing the tray. ( large foreams and hands ) easier to get to the bolt holding in the computer. Used the laquer thinner and scraped the connectors with a knife like the instructions said. Popped everything back in. 30 minutes total.

Turned it on let it idle for awhile to reprogram and then took a short drive. What an improvement!! The truck just seems to hav attittude now. No hesitation. Pulls hard from a stop. When merging/passing just mash the accelerator and hold on!! Downshifts on demand no, even with the OD on.

I had never thought such a simple mod could help so much. Always thought you had to do it the old fashioned way. (Exhaust,Gears, Larger TBI, Cams, etc.....) I would suggest a chip replacement, whatever your brand preference as the next thing to do after the K&N and exhaust.

 

JBRIII...glad to hear the the chip works well in the 4.6L
I just ordered a Superchip from Mike yesterday and should arrive on my door step Monday. I to have a 4.6L and really impressed with what this smaller V8 will do...I can't wait to see the difference when this little "Superchip" gets installed. I really believe that there is a lot of room for improvement when dealing with "all" Ford transmissions...they seem to be very lazy and this is where the chip will really help out and firm up the shifts.

This is like waiting for Santa to come!

2001
Supercrew XLT 4x4 (4.6L)
Deep wedgewood blue / Silver

 

Glad to hear that everything is working great for you.
If you get any track times post 'em here. I won't be able to run until about 9 Nov.

------------------
KV
-----
'97 F150 SC 4.6L Auto 2WD
Burgandy
Nerf Bars
MagnaFlo single in dual out
Hypertech
K&N replacement filter
Bosch Platinum +4 spark plugs
No track times..yet...


[This message has been edited by mileaux (edited 11-10-2000).]

 

Mileaux,

Truck isn't really set up for racing. Tool Box, Nerf Bars ( for my 5 foot wife ). Just wanted more performance and attitude for the street. I'm well on my way.

Do you have any opinions on the GenII K&N FIPK or the Airaid? I already have the replacement K&N. Would it be worth the cost?

JBR

 

I don't know anything about the GenII K&N FIPK or the Airaid setups. Some of the other guys here have one or the other and would be able to answer that question.

Later

------------------
KV
-----
'97 F150 SC 4.6L Auto 2WD
Burgandy
Nerf Bars
MagnaFlo single in dual out
Hypertech
K&N replacement filter
Bosch Platinum +4 spark plugs
No track times..yet...


[This message has been edited by mileaux (edited 11-10-2000).]

 

***

[This message has been edited by mileaux (edited 10-13-2000).]

 

Hi 2001,

You'll notice more change in the added power and shifting characteristics with the Superchip, as we address numerous areas other chipmakers do not. The Superchip is the only one for these vehicles that adds power *all* the time, whereas the others only add power at full-throttle, where there are no emissions standards to be met. And of course the Superchip is made for the exact software revision in each individual vehicle, as compared to the "generic" programming (one program for all 1998 4.6 automatics, for example)done by others.

These are distinctions that make quite a bit of difference in the real world, so whether you're driving conservatively or towing, or what have you, with the Superchip you have a program made specifically for your individual vehicle, and added power at any throttle position, so performance in any situation is improved.

I don't mean to say that the Hypertech doesn't work, not by any stretch of the imagination, just that there are significant differences between the two. As long as each vehicle owner is happy with their choice, that is all that really matters! If it makes you smile, you did well!

I agree, it is amazing just how much improvement to overall driveability as well as raw power can be made in tuning, especially with Ford's soft-shift & other strategies that reduce power availability, etc.

The transmission tuning alone is extremely detailed, as there is no basic inherent problems with the hardware of their automatics, it's a matter of priorities in their programming. Shift delays, transitional spark retards, TQ stratigies, etc. can all be improved upon rather dramatically.

These vehicles come from the factory tuned for the absolute lowest common denominator in terms of fuel supplies across the entire continent. They are configured & calibrated so that you can't hear the intake or exhaust, and can hardly feel the transmission shifting, and these are the very things that many truck owners want to feel & hear.

The automakers figued out about a decade ago that women are buying more then 50% of all new vehicles sold in this country regardfles of vehicle type, and that women are involved in the purchasing decision about 70% of the time, so they have done many things to change the characteristics to what they think women want. Kinda silly, but that's what they've done in many areas, in their efforts to please what they feel is the largest vehicle-buying segment in the America market.

Luckily, the aftermarket has many of the solutions people want, so they can configure their vehicles exactly the way *they* want them, and that makes thigns much more fun, regardless of what the brand name on the product may be. As long as each vehicle owner is able to make their vehicle do what they want, they're a winner, however they achieve it

------------------
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

 

JBRIII....go out and get yourself a "WMS" fresh velosity tube Air Kit. Hooks right up to your stock airbox housing and you can run a stock or K&N element if you wish...the choice is yours when running the "WMS" system...comes in black or silver!

The Price is about $90.00 (US Dollars)

(403) 243-6205 *Ask for Shannon...HE is the owner of Western Motor Sports Inc located in beautiful Calgary, Alberta (Canada).

 

To JBRIII,

Does your Hypertech seem to be 'engaged' even when only a small foot is in the pedal? I've always been curious about this "wide open thottle" issue. (Personally, I don't buy it. But I don't have anything to compare to.) Do you feel the impact of the chip's programing right from the start, even when you're not WOT? And are the tranny shift's 'firmed up'? I'm having problems with my superchip (check engine light always on - yes superchips has looked at it - I have an odd code, EGF2, for a '98 F-250LD w/FQR 5.4), and am thinking about switching to Hypertech.

Frank

 

mike t.,
what's the difference in programming a chip by knowing the calibration number or computer code?

 

FrankP,

I feel it from the very get go!! It is powerful all the way through the rpm range. Maybe they are comparing it to an older chip, but I definately don't think it's the case now. It definately does work at W.O.T. as well. Passing is a snap, no hesitation, tranny downshifts immediately and you're gone.

And an added benefit is I now get 20+mpg ( when I'm judicious on the right pedal) on the highway. Best I ever gpot before was 16 1/2.

I can't speak for Superchip as I've never tried one, but I'm very satisfied with my Hypertech chip.

 

FrankP,

In answer to your other questions.

-Transmission feels firmer, but not harsh. Especially when you kick down to pass or merge.

-I was worried too about the check engine light coming on, especially reading all the posts here about that happening. I made sure I cleaned the connectors really well. I used a little laquer thinner as recommended by hypertech. And then LIGHTLY scraped the electrodes with a knife. I installed everything back and said a little prayer. Hit the ignition and voila I was off. It's been on about a week now, And I can honestly say it's the best thing I've done to get some gains from my truck. I did the exhaust mainly for the sound, but the chip is by and far the best performance enhancer I've tried.

Hope some of this has helped.

JBRIII

 

Thanks JBRIII,

That does help. Yes, chips are a vast improvement.

Question, is you Hypertech a "power module" vs the hand held programer? ...that connects to the edge connector and the passenger side of the ECU, in the cab. Sure sounds like it.

Do you know if the programer offers any benifits other than, able to "re-program stock back into the truck" - without removing any 'chips'. I'm not sure this is valid for fords.

I had the same experience installing superchip, cleaned edge connectors, etc., and voila off we go.

But mine has Check Engine light on. Sent ECU back to Superchips for a 'read'. Code was correct, so they're not sure what to do yet. Chief Engr. is working on it - I guess in his spare time I'm not in a hurry though. They'll update my prom eventually. But if they can't fix it, Hypertech here I come.

Frank

P.S. My Superchip experience seems to match your Hpyertech description exactly (just as I thought it would).

 

FrankP.
I'd like to know a little bit about your situation. I am experiencing the same thing with my Superchip. The initial start after installation is fine but a hot second start the CEL will come on shortly after depite what type of driving I did with and without the chip. I was beginning to think I couldn't install it correctly but I went out and borrowed a code reader and got a code P1309. According to the local Ford dealer it means "Misfire detection monitor not enabled". I sent the Chip back to Superchips and I expect a new one on Monday. My code is a JLD2. I would like to know a little bit more if your willing to discuss.

'98 black F-150 SC w/5.4 ORP, Flareside, CD changer, Tow package, factory running boards (for wife), Fibrobec hard bed cover, Go Rhino brush gaurd, Ventshades, K&N filter, Diamond blue head and fog lights and door crack.

------------------

 

FrankP,

It is a regular Hypertech power module. (Chip) Not the powerprogrammer.

Good luck with your SuperChip. I'm sure they'll come up with a fix. From everything I've read in these forums they seem extremely helpful and customer friendly.

------------------
97 SC XLT 4.6L
K&N Gen II FIPK
Gibson Super Truck Exhaust
Hypertech Chip
Steel Horse Upper and Lower Billet Grille's