Hello Mike,

I am 7 months into life with my superchip. All smiles with preformance increase AND MPG increase. Yet I do have a question on the tranny.

Do you(Superchips) have the ability to customize my transmission shift points with the 'Chip?

I am now used to the stock shifting of a chipped trans, and as all Gear-Heads do...I Want More....lol

The two areas I am most interested in helping/changing are the 1/2 shift under light throttle. It is to quick to get into second gear for my liking.

And overdrive, it will go into overdrive at 47MPH bringing the RPM down to 1100 !!
If in traffic I cannot hold off the shifting with my right foot . It jumps into gears to soon and then boggs hard before downshifting. In overdrive if I give it a little right foot to try to force a down shift it will drop into second or nothing. Have not ever had it just kick out of OD into 3rd gear.

Do you have anyway to force a quicker downshift?

Redwing

------------------
2000, F-150, XLT, SC, Flareside, 4x4, 5.4, 3.55ls, ORP,
Tow Package,BFG Allterrain T/A KO's
Downey soft tonneau, Black Westin step bars
Airaid FIPK from the Online store
Superchip from Mike Troyer
Clear Front Corners
Bright REDWINGS red
[img]//www.zing.com/picture/p93980d808ab1ec0069456bc7d1ad4fb4/ff75a67b.jpg.orig.jpg//www.zing.com/picture/pc4e84f577ca348c758b570b804672d45/ff75a67a.jpg.orig.jpg[/img]

Rewired driving lights from low beam dependant
to keyed toggle switch.

My Ford history; Started at Age 15 1965 f-100, 1976 f-250,
1979 f-150, 1989 Bronco2, 1990 full size Bronco,
1995 Explorer(wifes car), 2000 f-150
[img]//www.zing.com/picture/p9df568e8f4c9d02867481187aa6c69e1/ff7b880a.gif.orig.gif[/img]




[This message has been edited by redwing (edited 10-28-2000).]

 

Hi Redwing,

If you want to see how much that Superchip is already helping your downshifting, just pull it out and run without it for a month and see the difference again. We've already pulled out the downshift delays, so nothing more can be done there, they're *gone*.

With regards to changing the upshift points, we only do that on the heavier throttle positions, not on light-throttle. On light-throttle, it's still going to use the same algorithms it always has, which are load & speed vs. throttle position dependant, and that is what determines the upshift point on light-throttle. The ECU will upshift when it determines that the vehicle will not lose its velocity by upshifting, to save fuel mileage. The only thing that's going to change that is to use more than light throttle opening, or convert to manual control either by a shift kit or by holding the gear selector level in the position you want until you want it to upshift.

Sure, we could play around with those light-throttle upshift points, but you'd probably end up with a mess that would reduce driveability, so I'd rather not try playing with it, we've always felt that Ford's design should be left alone there, as it's actually very good, and is designed to improve mileage as much as possible, which you can always override with more throttle pressure.

So you need to either hold it in gear manually, which I don't recommend, or use more throttle opening to let the ECU know that you want more power and a later upshift, as throttle pressure is what is going to control that on part-throttle. And if you're in a situation where traffic won't let you use more throttle opening, then it really doesn't matter much anyway.

If you really want us to play with all that, we can, but I'd give that some thought, and maybe give us call and let's discuss exactly what you want to try to achieve, and we can see whether that's going to be reasonably "do-able" or not, ok?

------------------
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 10-30-2000).]

 

Boy I am sure glad I read this post before getting a chip!! The main improvement I would desire from a chip is the trans changes, and one of the things I specifically hoped for was for it to hold a couple of hundred more RPM's (or so) before shifting during normal aceleration.

------------------
1999 F250LD Lariat s/c
Deep Wedgewood/Harvest Gold
Class III Tow pkg.
255/70/16 tires
5.4 v8
3.73LS rearend
Auto trans.
17,500 mi.
VORTEX Single-in/out Muffler
K&N Filter

 

Thank you for the clarification Mike, I apoligize for the way my post sounded. I just think my trans shifts too soon under ALL acceleration and at all shift points, PARTICULARLY when going into OD.

 

Mike,

Thanks for you explanation on you programing. You are very correct with traffic preventing more throttle then gear choice is not a big deal.

I must also ad that over several tanks of gas average I am getting from 15.0 to 15.8 MPG. this is all city driving. I rarely drive hwy and never long enough to burn a full tanks at hwy speeds. This is with a supercab 4x4 that will race anyone anywhere...lol
My mileage went from high 13's to mid 15's with the addition of the Superchip!!!
Just a side note I DIDNOT buy the chip for gas mileage!!

I am interested in doing some changes to the shiftpoints yet. Just not sure if I need to get into the valve body like the good 'ole days with B&M and a C-6, or if you could do this type of tuning with the 'chip.

MJVAUGHAN,

Please don't assume we are on an equal playing field. If you do not have a chip your shifts are now where near what they could be!! Not to be rude but I don't think judging a product you have never used is fair to that manufacturer. If you are not sure just line up a ride with any of thousands of the Superchiped F-150's around this country and see for your self.

My last truck was a built F-250 with a 400HP 460. I did the trans (c-6) rebuild my self and set the governer springs and oil pressures in the valve body to "my" liking. This was a different day with different rules. Meaning no stinking computers to mess with in the tuning process...lol
This is why I am asking for Mike Troyers opinion as to the best method of attack.

Thanks Mike, I'll be intouch


Redwing

------------------
2000, F-150, XLT, SC, Flareside, 4x4, 5.4, 3.55ls, ORP,
Tow Package,BFG Allterrain T/A KO's
Downey soft tonneau, Black Westin step bars
Airaid FIPK from the Online store
Superchip from Mike Troyer
Clear Front Corners
Bright REDWINGS red
[img]//www.zing.com/picture/p93980d808ab1ec0069456bc7d1ad4fb4/ff75a67b.jpg.orig.jpg//www.zing.com/picture/pc4e84f577ca348c758b570b804672d45/ff75a67a.jpg.orig.jpg[/img]

Rewired driving lights from low beam dependant
to keyed toggle switch.

My Ford history; Started at Age 15 1965 f-100, 1976 f-250,
1979 f-150, 1989 Bronco2, 1990 full size Bronco,
1995 Explorer(wifes car), 2000 f-150
[img]//www.zing.com/picture/p9df568e8f4c9d02867481187aa6c69e1/ff7b880a.gif.orig.gif[/img]




[This message has been edited by redwing (edited 10-30-2000).]

 

Is there something wrong with my truck?
I noticed some people are complaining about their transmission shifting up too soon. Maybe I'm just a slow(er)driver but I think mine does not shift soon enough. Of course I can make it shift up at a lower RPM by letting the accelerator up but it actually takes longer than it would with a manual transmission. Would a superchip make that process faster?

------------------
2000 Supercab XLT 2WD 5.4L 3.55LS White w. grey interior, spray-in AND plastic bedliner, hitch
Jeff Emig Special Edition
Picture of my truck

 

HI MJVAUGHN,

Well, don't go making assumptions, especially when you haven't even used the Superchip, as the situation being discussed above is specifically about *light-throttle*, and it doesn't make any sense to change that in most situations.

I did use the term "part-throttle" instead of "light throttle" in that post, so I have gone back and edited that so that others won't start making incorrect assumptions, and that may well have influenced your thoughts as well, so please accept my apologies if you made that assumption based on my post saying part-throttle instead of what I specifically meant, which was light-throttle. I sometimes forget that there will always be someone to come along and take what I've said in responding to a specific situiation literally, and think that it applies to all situations across the board, rather than it being just the response to a particular situation that it in fact is.

What you need to remember is that the response with the Superchip installed is going to be noticeably improved at any throttle position, and in any gear. We do not alter light-throttle upshift points unless there is a specific situation or deficit in a particular computer code where that needs to be changed, which happens only rarely in these vehicles. Meaning, if that needs to be changed we can easily do that, but it rarely happens in these vehicles, as most people when they can't drive any faster than traffic allows realize that and don't worry about trying to be turning more rpms in traffic. We've done more F-150 development than anyone in the world with the sole exception of FoMoCo themselves, and the automatic transmission calibrations, upshifts, downshifts, etc. are *vastly* improved.

It's going to respond to your right foot; if you give it more throttle opening with the Superchip, it's going to upshift later, if you give it less throttle opening, it will upshift sooner, all else being equal; of course we're not talking about when towing, etc. Remember, these algorithms are vehicle speed & throttle position versus load dependant, and work *very* well with the Superchip programming.

So please, keep in mind that this situation in this thread is strictly a light-throttle situation, where he cannot use any more throttle opening due to too much traffic. And in that case, there is no sense in keeping it in a lower gear turning more rpms longer when you can't go any faster anyway!

This doesn't mean that the truck upshifts sooner than it should with the Superchip, not by a long shot. Just remember, when you're at light throttle, the ECU senses when it can upshift and not lose velocity, and that is easily overridden with your right foot. That doesn't mean you have to "floor it", it simply means using more throttle opening.

I hope that explains it a bit more clearly for you, and sorry if I threw you off by saying "part-throttle" instead of "light-throttle".

------------------
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 10-30-2000).]

 

Sorry about getting everybody so defensive about their chips. It just bothers me a little that I am looking at purchasing aftermarket mods for a truck just to accomplish something the factory could have done right when it was built. (Remember I just want the shifting improvements not the perf.) Even my friends Z71 Chevy has a factory towing button. And don't give me that crap about their "soft-shift strategy" to appeal to the women buyers. If this strategy is so popular then why are there thousands of chips sold and you all keep Mike in business. But do not mistake my intentions, I am not taking shots at Superchips I think it is a really good product and do recommend it to people. I just don't prefer to pay for the chip and then more expensive fuel from now on, it is just a money thing. Hell I am already driving a $30,000 truck!!!

------------------
1999 F250LD Lariat s/c
Deep Wedgewood/Harvest Gold
Class III Tow pkg.
255/70/16 tires
5.4 v8
3.73LS rearend
Auto trans.
17,500 mi.
VORTEX Single-in/out Muffler
K&N Filter



[This message has been edited by MJVAUGHAN (edited 10-31-2000).]

 

Hi new5.4,

As I explained in a couple of my other posts here, your upshift points are vehicle speed & throttle position versus load-dependant.

The more you keep your foot into it, the higher it's going to rev before it upshifts, because that is basically what you are *telling* it to do with your right foot.

From the factory, even the WOT (wide-open throttle) upshift points are a bit too low for best performance & acceleration, which is why we adjust them so the vehicle will accelerate the quickest. In these F-150's, that is usually an increase of 150-200 rpm over the factory upshift point @ WOT.

Every once in awhile we'll see a vehicle that has some sort of "deficit" in this regard, either a mistake at the facotry (very rare, but can happen) or because of a change in gearing or wheel/tire size. When that happens, we can adjust that for you.

If you like, you can give us a call at our number below, and we can go over this with you, to see if you have something that's really out of the ordinary going on there or not.

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

 

Hi MJVAUGHN,

No problem, and we agree, there certainly are times the transmission will upshift a bit too soon for some people's tastes, it's all part of Ford's strategy to get as good gas mileage as they possibly can, and that's exactly why we make the changes we do, to improve driveability. I also wanted to explain that a bit more clearly for you, and hence my post to you.

With regards to Ford's (and all the other automaker's) soft-shift strategies to satisfy their idea of what the female buyer wants, that's *their* thinking, not ours, and that is exactly why Ford does what they do with their soft shift strategies, to satisfy their idea of what women drivers want. The automakers figured out a decade or so ago that women are buying more than half of all new vehicles sold in this country, and ever since then, they've been doing all kinds of things they think will make their vehicles appeal more to female buyers, these soft-shift strategies being just one manifestation of this thinking. They're resizing arm rests, shortening bottom seat cushions (one of my pet peeves!), etc. for women.

The bottom line is that there has yet to be a vehicle built that makes *everyone* happy in *every* situaiton, and there never will be. That's why we have the aftermarket, to make our vehicles they way we want them.

You have to do whatever makes you happy, just like we all do; there are people who will never modify or change *anything* on their vehicles, and that's fine too, as long as they're happy! As for me, my vehicle is going to be the way I want it, few things are worse than paying all that money for a vehicle that isn't to your liking.

In your case, you could install a shift kit, and that would improve some of those characteristics, without having to use premium gas. I see from your signature line you have already spent money to made other changes, so apparently you aren't adverse to changing things on a new $30K vehicle, like most of the rest of us.

Best of luck with your truck MJ, those Lariats are beautiful & very expensive vehicles!

------------------
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 10-31-2000).]

 

Hi Redwing,

Sure, we can usually do that in the chip, I'd say to just give us a call, and we can go over all of this with you to see what needs to be done.

Sounds like you're getting some nice mileage gains from the Superchip, we're glad to hear it! It's merely a by-product of the performance tuning, but a darned nice by-product it is!

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

 

Redwing,

I know what you mean about the early shifting. On my truck I notice it more when taking a sharp corner through an intersection or something of that nature. In that case the trucks stays in 2nd even though speed is low. Then you have the choice of letting it bog or hitting it hard enough to downshift to first.
I don't know about the late models, but in my '95 the 2-1 downshift is an all or nothing thing. To get it to downshift you have to hit the gas pedal fairly hard. Then when it does kick down, it throws the crap out of the stash trays, spills your coffee, etc.!
I haven't bought my chip yet. For now I'm hoping the chip and exhaust will help out the "bog" situation.

 

If all you want is improved shifting, get a real valvebody shift kit installed.

About a hundred bucks, and it really fixes the shifts. Makes them quicker, not harder.

Won't do all the things a chip will do to increase HP, but works well in the tranny.

Not slamming Superchips....just saying there may be a better way to handle tranny mods.



------------------
Greg
'96 Triumph Thunderbird
'99 Ford F150 XLT SC 5.4
'00 Lincoln LS8
Wichita

 

Greg,

You seem to forget, or perhaps not fully know, what a "shift kit" actually does. You claim that shift kits make transmission shift quicker, not harder, and that is not correct at all. Shift kits increase line pressure first and foremost, and that does produce a firmer shift, in addition to hopefully being a quicker upshift as well. Some kits have different levels of firmness, I like those best. Some kits installed on their lightest setting can certainly give upshfits that are not "too firm", but to say they do not increase shift fiirmness, or "how hard" it upshifts, is not correct at all.

I have personally installed most of the shift kits that have been on the market for Ford, GM, & Mopar automatics over the past 28 years, and they *all* raise line pressure. There are shades and grades of "kits" and a lot of variance in their effects. I would agree that a "good" shift kit will quicken the actual upshift execution time, but they all raise line pressure in addition to whatever changes they do with regards to fluid routing & volume flow enhancement.

A shift kit cannot do most of what the Superchip does. The shift kit does absolutely nothing about the upshift & downshift delay signals in the program, or the transitional spark retards in the transmission programming that reduce power during and just after the upshifts (which is why these vehicles "nose over" going into 2nd gear), nor can they do anything about the premature torque converter lockup when accelerating hard in 2nd gear in the V-8 automtic F-150, where the factory program prematurely locks up the TQ and a loss of 100 lbs./ft. of torque occurs. Nor can they do anything to remove the 1.5 second downshift delay signal & the transitional spark retard that reduces engine power after the downshift.

Shift kits have their place, to be certain, I'm even using one myself in my Mark 8, along with the Superchip, a Transgo kit installed in the lightest configuration, "Police/Taxi".

Many people who have already installed shift kits come to us because the shift kit does nothing to change those issues I mentioned specifically above. And of course there are plenty of people who are very happy with their shift kits, to be sure.

I'm a big fan of shift kits when that is what is specifically desired, for whatever reason. But please don't tell people things like a shift kit makes it shift quicker, not harder, as that just isn't the case, they *all* raise line pressure, and that increases shift firmness.
------------------
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 11-01-2000).]

 

"With regards to Ford's (and all the other automaker's) soft-shift strategies to satisfy their idea of what the female buyer wants, that's *their* thinking, not ours, and that is exactly why Ford does what they do with their soft shift strategies, to satisfy their idea of what women drivers want. The automakers figured out a decade or so ago that women are buying more than half of all new vehicles sold in this country, and ever since then, they've been doing all kinds of things they think will make their vehicles appeal more to female buyers, these soft-shift strategies being just one manifestation of this thinking. They're resizing arm rests, shortening bottom seat cushions (one of my pet peeves!), etc. for women."

Obviously, if we didn't have women in the world today, I wouldn't be here. And I wouldn't have much to look forward to in life. However, I just want to reiterate why it is that I believe: Women are the Devil.

------------------
1999 F150 4x4 5.4L XLT X-Cab, Tow Pkg, ORP,heavy duty alternator, factory tranny and engine oil cooler. 8.8 front/9.75 LS rear, 3.55 gears, K&N Gen II, 40 Flomaster (w/4" chrome tip), Superchip, 32x11.50 Swampers. My truck: http://www.tamor.org/membersandrides/joelclarke.html
future mods: JBA headers (Jet-hot coated), Flex-a-lite, JL Audio subs, Sony CD-Player, Magnacharger, cowl induction, straight axle conversion (8 inch lift w/crossover steering), 4.56 gears, 38.5x16 Boggers, Dana 60 front, Dana 70 rear (Detroit locker)