Putting larger tires on my 4x4 5.4 supercrew with tow package. Wanted 3.73 gear could not get, so I got 3.55 limited slip. Do I get a chip or program it for pulling a boat, and other trailers? Also want speedo to read right. Putting 295/75/16 on 16/8 (stock are 255s). Need power for towing, gas mileage. Thanks

 

Hi Goochy,

Well, anytime you put taller tires on like that, you're going to see a decrease in performance and gas mileage right away, as you've increased the load on the motor and reduced the numerical gear ratio effectively, so you lose the torque miltiplication as well as now the engine is turning less rpms at any given speed in any gear as a result, and hence is below it's torque curve as well. It's kind like a double-whammy that hurts performance and mileage, though the larger tires look much better I'm sure. .

The speedo corrections can be done in the Superchip on certain codes, that R&D is on-going, so if you want to touch base with us we'll check to see if that can be done for your particular computer code, we can let you know about that. To find out which computer code you have, simply open your front passenger door, and look in the front part of the door frame, in the area of the door hinges. There you will find a code sticker, it will have 3 letters and 1 number on it, and that is your computer code.

Hypertech has been having problems getting tire size corrections for the speedo correctly, sometimes they work in reverse of what you enter, we've seen that in a number of their applications for these Fords, so it's kind of hit & miss with them, sometimes it works fine, sometimes it doesn't, as Ford uses several different techniques to control the calibration of the VSS system & the speedo & odo.

Unlike Hypertech or Jet, etc., the Superchip is programmed according to the exact software revision (computer code) that was loaded into each individual vehicle's computer from the factory, and we also tune at all throttle positions, whereas Hypertech & Jet only tune at WOT (wide-open throttle), so the Superchip is the only one that works adding power all the time at any throttle position, and is programmed specifically for your vehicle.

Probably the easiest thing to do is just give us a call and we can go over all of this with you in detail, to make sure you get what you need & want, and know what can & what cannot be done, etc.

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

 

Thanks alot, getting tires next month will have to wait and see power loss, if any

 

Hi Goochy,

You're very welcome, and by all means, take your time and see what happens when you install the taller tires, there's no rush!

One thing I would suggest is to keep a record of about how many rpms' you are now turning with the factory size tires at your normal cruising speed in Overdrive, like say, at 60 mph, or 65 or at 70 mph, whatever your normal highway cruising speed is. I say this simply because when taller tires are installed, if they are tall enough to put a big hurt on the performance, the real cure is to do a gear ratio change to restore the engine back to turning the same number of rpms for a given speed in Overdrive that it did before. Remember, the engine has a torque curve whose shape is basically set, it's determined primarily by the camshaft profile and to a lesser extent, the intake design. So if you're turing say, 1700 rpm now at 60 mph in Overdrive, and after the tire change you're turning only 1400 rpm at that same speed, what will happen is you'll basically be "lugging" the motor below it's torque curve, and that's when performance and mileage both take a substantial "hit". So for now, just keep an eye on how many rpms you turn with the stock tires at a certain speed in Overdrive, so you can compare.

It may turn out that your tire size change may not be big enough to worry about any performance hit, that will of course depend on just how much taller the new tires actually are over your stock tires. Usually you can go about 1 inch to maybe 1.5 inches taller without taking too much of a performance & mileage hit, but that also depends on the individual.

Good 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 Event Organizer

 

Going to get either 295/75/16 on 16x8 wheels or 285/16/75. Both are 32 or 33 in height (thats close), stock are 255s. Thanks for info, regearing a NEW truck is hard for me to do! plus expensive! Hope to get chip in next few months.

 

Hey Mike,
I was talking with some other folks on this message board they said you da man about chips and such. I new to the realm of tweaks and would like some advice/info. I've done the easy stuff K&N FIPK and flowmaster exhaust. What next? Chip, TB spacer, TB (75 or 80 mm). Keep in mind this truck only has 6K on it and I would like to avoid any warrenty issues. Any info that would keep my pesky Dodge friend in my rear view mirror would be appreciated.

 

Mike,
Regarding the numbers about HP and Torque gains with the 3 top mods, are these number additive? If not, what sort of total gain could one expect with all three for the 5.4?
BTW, I think you provide a great service to the board and would not begrudge you the opportunity to make a living in the process. All personalities aside, keep true to yourself!

------------------
Craig Brossman
Ordered 2001 SCrew 4WD Lariat (12/05/00)
Az Beige/Wedgewood Blue
Cpts. chairs, Moon roof, Tow package, CD changer
3.55 lim. slip, Rear slider, Skid plates
Status: Serialized

 

Thanks for the detailed info, it's much appreciated. Judging from most people the poweraid spacer does some good, but most can't stand the noise. So I think I'll pass on that one. As far as the chip, I just finished reading the saga from Rand about the improved mileage. See my comments there. I live and work in Davis, Ca so the mileage thing is moot. I just want snappier response and better shifting, which this chip seems to do. Now, I've heard stories about dealers zapping the chips during certain tests, is this true? If so can I just pull the chip prior to any service?

Ok, the second thing I got out of your message was that I'm on the exponetial part to the performance curve ($$$ for little gains, other than the chip). Let's just say Santa dropped a MAF and TB in the stocking (big stocking), would those items enhance the chips benefits? Or just save the cash for higher octane gas at $1.90/gal here in California (and the crap still has MTBE in it, but I won't get started on that one).

I don't have a true dyno in my garage, I and my buddies rely on the "Butt dyno", were your *** tells you if you feel the difference (simple folk). Alot of people here seem to agree that the chip does the trick. Maybe Santa can take on more request on my list. Can you email me a "special" christmas price on a chip? I think you can grab my email from the board, if not let me know. Also I make great beer, if that will influence your pricing.

Happy Holidays!!

Matt

 

5150PhD, I know Mike is going to tell you to pull the chip temporarily when you go in for service. Otherwise, a code will show that most techs will take for a problem. Better to be safe than sorry, I s'pose. (I would leave mine in, depending what it's going in for, though.)

You're going to love the chip!

------------------
'00 F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition
Hard Tonneau Cover
Superchip
K&N FIPK
Hidden Hitch w/Harley Logo
Peronalized Plate: F150 HD
'99 FLHRCI '95 XLH

 

Thanks for the note Harley

 

Hey Harley how do like those FAT 20" rims man? They are so sweet, would love to give my truck that look, but have to work on engine first, then suspension.

 

Hey, 5150PhD, throw in a signature line or two, so we know what kind of wheels you have when you get a chance!

5150PhD, the wheels are just too cool. I love the way they look and they ride fine, as well! Guess they're not made for rough-roading, but for my use they're great. I get a lot of "dropjaw" looks around here and that's a lot of fun.

Question: During the installation of my new K&N FIPK I disconnected the battery again (as suggested in the instructions). Would that have been necessary to get the new setup (with the FIPK) up to speed more quickly or could I have just left the battery alone. Guess I'm lazy, but am getting tired of resetting all the radio stations, clock, etc. Wonder why they don't just put a lousy $.90 cent lithium battery in the radio so one doesn't lose all the settings?

Am really pleased with the FIPK. Adds a great new mean sound to the engine on hard acceleration, not to mention an extra kick in the pants.

------------------
'00 F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition
Hard Tonneau Cover
Superchip
K&N FIPK
Hidden Hitch w/Harley Logo
Peronalized Plate: F150 HD
'99 FLHRCI '95 XLH

[This message has been edited by HarleyGuy (edited 12-20-2000).]

 

Thanks Mike, I guess 285/75/16 will be my max. might go smaller . I have found a friend who has BIG tires on his, going to go look, and talk to him and compare trucks. That will be the best thing to do, because the trucks are the same.

 

Hi 5150PhD,

Welcome to F-150 Online!

You're already done 2 of the top 3 best "bang-for-the-buck" mods for these vehicles (#2 is the FIPK and #3 is a good cat-back exhaust), so it seems a logical choice to do the best bang-for-the-buck mod next, which is to optimize your powertrain programming with the Superchip. Of course, that's easy for me to say.

Your FIPK kit is worth about 12 hp on the 4.6 and 14 hp on the 5.4 F-150, and a good cat-back exhaust is worth about 10-12 hp on the 4.6, and anywhere from 10-14 hp on the 5.4 motor. Those are the #2 and #3 best bang-for-the-buck mods, respectively.

The Superchip is going to add a maximum of 26 hp & 40 lbs./ft. of the 4.6, and 28 hp & 46 lbs./ft. on the 5.4 motor. It will also firm up the automatic transmission shiftng, remove the top speed limiter, etc., so I'm sure you'll love it in addition to your current mods, and it won't void your warranty, as you are protected by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Basically, the Superchip is going to do as much as the FIPK kit and your exhaust changes combined in terms of the performance increase, and tie them all in nicely together.

Once you have the Superchip installed, along with your existing intake & exhaust changes, you may find that you are happy with that level of performance, and not want to do further mods, at least while under warranty. That is where a *lot* of people stop in their mods, though of course some do go further.

There are of course other things you can do, like converting to electric cooling fans, installing a set of headers, and underdrive pulleys, those would be the next areas to look at after installing the Superchip in my opinion, *if* you feel you still need more power at that point.

What we generally suggest is to wait at least 30 days after installing the Superchip before you decide you want to do further mods, just so you have a good feel for how it's running and what it's doing in all your different driving situations.

We understand your warranty concerns of course, that is a very valid point when you're talking about $30k-$40K new trucks! Just so you'll know, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which is the legislation that protects us in the use of any kind of aftermarket part whether it's performance, appearance, or just a replacement part, basically states that it is illegal to void your warranty or even deny a warranty claim just because aftermarket parts are installed on the vehicle. In order to legally deny a warranty claim, the automaker has to first prove that the aftermarket part in question was the sole cause of a related parts failure, and they must further prove that had the aftermarket part in question not been installed, the related part(s) would not have failed, and that is strong legal protection.

Bascially what that all means is that as long as whatever you do to, or install in or on your vehicle does not actually damage the vehicle, your warranty remains intact, by law. Here is a link to give you a bit more information on the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, from the web site of the organization that is basically responsible for getting that legislation passed, of which F-150 Online is a member: http://www.sema.org/fedleg/warranty

With regards to installing a larger MAF (mass airflow meter) or TB (throttle body), we genrally don't advise that on a basically stock engine, as there is no real power gain until you do further engien mods. The motor cannot make use of any more airflow capacity in either of those 2 components until you do major mechanical modifications, such as installing a supercharger, ported cylinder heads, etc. Major mods. Until the engine is mechanically modified to thr point that it can literally outstrip the flow capacity of those stock units, it just can't make use of any more airflow capacity, so while they're good parts and certainly have their place, if you want power gains on a basically stock engine like yours, they aren't at the top of the list as power gainers. They won't hurt anything, I don't mean that at all, they just aren't good "bang-for-the-buck" investments as power gainers on a stock motor, so I'd wait on those until you do some real engine work to make them worthwhile, but this is up to you of course.

The only time we've seen a larger throttle body increase power on these vehicles on a stock engine is if you use it in conjunction with the stock factory airbox and paper air filter element. In that case, you'll see about 3 more hp as a result of the effective reduction in restriction. But as soon as you drop a K&N air filter in, or install the FIPK kit like you have, that gain goes out the window. Things like the K&N air filter or any of the several airbox eliminaiton kits on the market for these vehicles actually do work to add power, as they serve to reduce the *restriction* in the air intake tract specifically, so they are worthwhile.

The throttle body spacer has some people feeling that they got a power gain from it, while some others don't feel that way, so that's up to you. I don't think anyone has ever done any really accurate controlled back-to-back dyno pulls with that part to see what it really does.

I hope this information helps a little bit, & best of luck with your truck whatever you decide. Merry Christmas!

------------------
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 12-20-2000).]

 

Hi Goochy,

OK, 32 or 33 inch tires are really pushing it, they should be re-geared for to restore the engine back to turning the same rpms for a given speed that it did before, with the factory tires. Again, the issue here is that the engine will be turning considerably less rpms for any given speed in any gear, and that forces the engine to work below it's torque curve. The *only* fixes for that are to either go back to the original tire sizes, or change gear ratios to get the engine back up in it's power band.

If I may make a suggestion, I would suggest that you do not exceed 32 inches in tire height, as even a 32 is going to hurt performance and mileage noticeably. Going to a 33 inch is going to put a big hurt on those factors unless you do a gear ratio change to compensate. I know this may not be what you want to hear, but you might be surprised at how many people come to us for help *after* making this kind of change, and they're very unhappy, so if I can in some small way help by warning you about this so you can plan for it instead of being surprised and disappointed, that's about the best I can hope for. We just don't want to see you unhappy with this change, as the only cure is going back to the smaller tires or doing the gear ratio change. The Superchip can potentially help by increasing power, but it can't restore the engine back to turning the rpms it needs to, so please give this some thought before you make the plunge on the tires, and best of luck whatever you decide!

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