Superchips are they worth it or not
Senior Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,961
Likes: 1
Yup, worth it fure sure!!!!!!!
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Black 1997 F-150 Supercab Flairside. 4.6L with Superchip, Jacobs DIS, K&N Generation II, Cat back Exhaust with Flowmaster 40 and MEG'S Stainless tip in front of rear wheel (nice rumble). 17" Off Road wheel pkg. Lots of body mods. 4 yrs old and still turns heads...and now paid for!!
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Black 1997 F-150 Supercab Flairside. 4.6L with Superchip, Jacobs DIS, K&N Generation II, Cat back Exhaust with Flowmaster 40 and MEG'S Stainless tip in front of rear wheel (nice rumble). 17" Off Road wheel pkg. Lots of body mods. 4 yrs old and still turns heads...and now paid for!!
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 632
Likes: 0
From: DOT BOMB CITY!
Just so you have ALL the information...
Its true, the Superchip does make the engine run a little stronger. Shifts nicer and tows better. HOWEVER, you should also know the down side. You MUST use premium fuel (.20 more in my area) and you MIGHT get worse gas mileage with the chip. Hence, if your at all concerned about fuel costs and consumption, this might not be for you. I'm sure you already know that as you increase HP you usually decrease your mileage and the amount of money you have in the bank!
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Rand
98 Ford Expedition 4X4 XLT
5.4, 3.73s, 17" wheels,
Homemade 3" "COLD" Air-Box
mod, SuperChip, Amsoil
everywhere but tranny, Perma-
Cool combo 6 pass trans/oil
cooler (FQR 5.4 @ 50K)
Its true, the Superchip does make the engine run a little stronger. Shifts nicer and tows better. HOWEVER, you should also know the down side. You MUST use premium fuel (.20 more in my area) and you MIGHT get worse gas mileage with the chip. Hence, if your at all concerned about fuel costs and consumption, this might not be for you. I'm sure you already know that as you increase HP you usually decrease your mileage and the amount of money you have in the bank!
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Rand
98 Ford Expedition 4X4 XLT
5.4, 3.73s, 17" wheels,
Homemade 3" "COLD" Air-Box
mod, SuperChip, Amsoil
everywhere but tranny, Perma-
Cool combo 6 pass trans/oil
cooler (FQR 5.4 @ 50K)
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Tina:
Oh yes!! I had one on my 97F150 4.6 V8 that really got that truck moving. Now have one on my PSD. Just the thought of having to pull it out and drive without it makes me depressed.
I see you too have 4x4, K&N and 40series Flowmaster. I too had those (love the sound of that 40series) on my 97. And I added the chip after having those items. Get the chip, you really wont believe how much your engine will improve unless you do. Also, have you changed your spark plugs yet?? I added BOSCH +4's The don't add any HP but my truck ran smoother after installing them.
</font>
Oh yes!! I had one on my 97F150 4.6 V8 that really got that truck moving. Now have one on my PSD. Just the thought of having to pull it out and drive without it makes me depressed.
I see you too have 4x4, K&N and 40series Flowmaster. I too had those (love the sound of that 40series) on my 97. And I added the chip after having those items. Get the chip, you really wont believe how much your engine will improve unless you do. Also, have you changed your spark plugs yet?? I added BOSCH +4's The don't add any HP but my truck ran smoother after installing them.
</font>
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
How did this chip affect your gas mileage. I currently get 19 to 20 miles to the gallon and the truck seems to do rather well with the 4.6. I currently have a 1999 F-150 SuperCab with a 4.6, V-8. It does as well on the road as the 94 Chevy with a 350 V-8, that I had before it.
Thanks,
Fred
Thanks,
Fred
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Tina:
Oh yes!! I had one on my 97F150 4.6 V8 that really got that truck moving. Now have one on my PSD. Just the thought of having to pull it out and drive without it makes me depressed.
I see you too have 4x4, K&N and 40series Flowmaster. I too had those (love the sound of that 40series) on my 97. And I added the chip after having those items. Get the chip, you really wont believe how much your engine will improve unless you do. Also, have you changed your spark plugs yet?? I added BOSCH +4's The don't add any HP but my truck ran smoother after installing them.
</font>
Oh yes!! I had one on my 97F150 4.6 V8 that really got that truck moving. Now have one on my PSD. Just the thought of having to pull it out and drive without it makes me depressed.
I see you too have 4x4, K&N and 40series Flowmaster. I too had those (love the sound of that 40series) on my 97. And I added the chip after having those items. Get the chip, you really wont believe how much your engine will improve unless you do. Also, have you changed your spark plugs yet?? I added BOSCH +4's The don't add any HP but my truck ran smoother after installing them.
</font>
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington, NC
fgetter: I'm guessing you're asking about my old F150??? I sold that truck over a year ago so I'm streching my memory here. I do know it got really good milage for a truck that heavy. (4x4, skid plates, flareside, SC) I think around 17-19 and I never let up on the throttle, VERY bad leadfootitis. You're getting very good milage with your's too.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
From: Pa
Fred
The chip will probably decrease the mileage a little + you,ll have to run premium gas. From an economy view, bad investment but it sure is fun.
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97 Lariet-sc-4.6-4x off road-auto-3.55 LS-
superchip-K&N-3"
pvc air box mod-Granetelli MAF
The chip will probably decrease the mileage a little + you,ll have to run premium gas. From an economy view, bad investment but it sure is fun.
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97 Lariet-sc-4.6-4x off road-auto-3.55 LS-
superchip-K&N-3"
pvc air box mod-Granetelli MAF
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
All else being equal, the only time you are going to see a decrease in gas mileage with the Superchip is under one of these 2 scenarios:
1.) You drive the vehicle harder with the Superchip installed. This is a no-brainer, but even so there are still a few people who think they should be able to drive the vehicle harder with the Superchip and still get better mileage at the same time too, which of course cannot happen, physics are physics. It's very common after first installing the Superchip for people to use more throttle than normal checking out the new performance levels, which will cause mileage to drop, and of course this is strictly due to your right foot, self-explanatory. Once the novelty of a new performance part wears off, and driving returns to a more normal pace, then you can start to make valid apples-to-apples mileage comparisons, assuming there is a valid baseline to being with.
2.) You use a premium gasoline that is of lower energy content than the regular gas that was being used previously. There is no rating for energy content every placed on any gas pumps, and the oil companies will generally not tell anyone what the energy content of a particular refinery run was, so the only real indicator we layman have is constantly and accurately monitoring gas mileage; the brands giving the highest mileage resiults are generally those with the highest relative energy content (BTU's).
And last, let us not forget, this is a *performance* chip.
------------------
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
1.) You drive the vehicle harder with the Superchip installed. This is a no-brainer, but even so there are still a few people who think they should be able to drive the vehicle harder with the Superchip and still get better mileage at the same time too, which of course cannot happen, physics are physics. It's very common after first installing the Superchip for people to use more throttle than normal checking out the new performance levels, which will cause mileage to drop, and of course this is strictly due to your right foot, self-explanatory. Once the novelty of a new performance part wears off, and driving returns to a more normal pace, then you can start to make valid apples-to-apples mileage comparisons, assuming there is a valid baseline to being with.
2.) You use a premium gasoline that is of lower energy content than the regular gas that was being used previously. There is no rating for energy content every placed on any gas pumps, and the oil companies will generally not tell anyone what the energy content of a particular refinery run was, so the only real indicator we layman have is constantly and accurately monitoring gas mileage; the brands giving the highest mileage resiults are generally those with the highest relative energy content (BTU's).
And last, let us not forget, this is a *performance* chip.
------------------
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
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Valley City, Ohio
If you buy one, I went with the flip chip with a program for 87 and 92. My only thinking was, why pay for 92 on a long road trip. My truck always goes with us on vacation, and why should I run 92 and get the performance gains, just to run down the highway at 70MPH?
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MY TRUCK:
99 F-150 4x4, 5.4 Triton, 3.55 gears, Amazon Green-Harvest Gold two-tone.
MY MODIFICATIONS:
Lund bug shield
Window vent visors
17" Chrome ORP wheels
Clarion in-dash CD
Husky floor liners
Custom dual exhaust w/Flowmster muffler and dual 3" chrom tips
Hidden hitch
K&N Filter
SUPERCHIP FLIP CHIP
Extang tonneu cover
Rancho RSX Shocks
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MY TRUCK:
99 F-150 4x4, 5.4 Triton, 3.55 gears, Amazon Green-Harvest Gold two-tone.
MY MODIFICATIONS:
Lund bug shield
Window vent visors
17" Chrome ORP wheels
Clarion in-dash CD
Husky floor liners
Custom dual exhaust w/Flowmster muffler and dual 3" chrom tips
Hidden hitch
K&N Filter
SUPERCHIP FLIP CHIP
Extang tonneu cover
Rancho RSX Shocks
Thread Starter
|
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Temple, Texas
Thanks for your feedback
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.jpg)
This pic has my stock rims and tire will have pic on new rims and tires soon
97 F150 4X4
4.6 V8 K&N Filter
Manik Grill Gaurd with 2 KC daylighters
American Racing Baja rims
Goodyear Wrangler MT/R 305/70/16 Dual Exaust with 40 series Flowmaster
Panasonic DF-600U and MTX Thunderforms with MTX 6000 in it with a MTX Amp
Web Site http://hometown.aol.com/steveng0143/...sBlack4X4.html
If you have any Questions Email me at Steveng0143@aol.com
------------------
This pic has my stock rims and tire will have pic on new rims and tires soon
97 F150 4X4
4.6 V8 K&N Filter
Manik Grill Gaurd with 2 KC daylighters
American Racing Baja rims
Goodyear Wrangler MT/R 305/70/16 Dual Exaust with 40 series Flowmaster
Panasonic DF-600U and MTX Thunderforms with MTX 6000 in it with a MTX Amp
Web Site http://hometown.aol.com/steveng0143/...sBlack4X4.html
If you have any Questions Email me at Steveng0143@aol.com
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Waukesha, WI, U.S.A.
Mike; could you please explain exactly what a flip chip is, and about the switch for regular gas use? What about using mid-grade gas with these chips. I had a Hyperchip in my '95 F-350 with the 460, and did notice the improvements. Also, how does the chip improve shifting, and what is different about your chips than the compitition? I know I could call for these answers, but thought it could help others. P.S. I have a '97 F with the 4.6l. Thanks.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
Hi ford6mann,
Sure, I'll be happy to briefly go over that info; much of that has been covered here many times, so instead of repeating & typing it all in great detail, I'll go over it briefly, and you might also want to go back over some of the older posts here on the mesage boards in this section for details, or of course, give us a call if you like, we're always happy to speak with you.
Briefly, I'll answer your questions by number, if that's ok:
1.) The Superchip Flip Chip is a Superchip that has 2 separate chips inside, which allows it to contain 2 separate programs. It allows the driver to select which program the vehicle is running on at the flip of it's switch, hence it's name, the Flip Chip. The Superchip installs on the back of the computer as normal, then there is a 2-3 foot long twisted-pair wire lead exiting the module and has a 2-position toggle switch on the other end of it, there is no wiring for the user to do, that's all been done.
2.) The standard single-program Superchip requires the use of premium gasoline. Using anything less will result in loss of the power gain, and may also result in detonation; that will depend on the total effective compensation range of the knock sensor system in each vehicle, as the performance of those knock sensor systems varies quite a bit. Anyone who wants to be able to run anything less than premium with a Superchip needs to use the 2-program Superchip Flip Chip; we can set those up with a pair of programs that is identical, except on one side, the engine is tuned for the use of 87 octane, so you can use regular gas when you want, and still get all the other benefits, like improved automatic shifting, limiter removals, etc, no matter which program you're running on, so you always have better performance, and when you want maximum power, you can just fill it up with premium and flip the switch.
3.) The Superchip does many things to improve automatic transmission shifting. Briefly, it removes all shift delays on upshift & downshift, firms the upshifts, and reduces slippage, increasing the service life of the bands & clutches inside the automatic transmission.
4.) Hypertech only tunes on WOT (wide-open throttle), where there are no emissions standards that have to be met; this reduces their R&D costs drastically, but yields a poor program that can only add power during full-throttle operation. The Superchip on the other hand, fully optimizes both full and part-throttle parameters, thus actually improving drivability and towing performance, giving you better throtle response and more power all the time, at any throttle position. The automakers typically leave more room for improvement on part-throttle than they do on full-throttle, again, this is due to the structure of the emissions laws, and this is a typical short-cut that chipmakers like Hypertech, Jet, etc., take. So the first big difference is that the Superchip works adding power all the time, at any throttle position, while Hypertech, Jet, etc. only add power at WOT. The next big difference is that Hypertech, Jet, etc. only offer one program for all similar vehicles, I.E., only one program for all 1998 4.6 automatic F-150's; but the Superchip is programmed for the exact software revision in each individual vehicle's computer, so you get a program that was made specifically for *your* vehicle instead of one that has been compromised to run on all similar vehicles. We offer anywhere from 80-150 and even more different programs for each F-150 model year's configurations, and this makes all the difference in the world, as different functions and controls are located in different areas from one program revision to the next, making the "generic" approach of Hypertech, Jet, etc. one that yields less-than-optimal results, while the Superchip fully optinmizes every area of the powertrain's programming.
Superchips also does not require nor recommend using the abnormally cold thermostats that Hypertech and some other chipmakers either require or recommend using with their applications.
Those are just a few of the more important basic differences, for further details, please feel free to give us a call.
------------------
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
Sure, I'll be happy to briefly go over that info; much of that has been covered here many times, so instead of repeating & typing it all in great detail, I'll go over it briefly, and you might also want to go back over some of the older posts here on the mesage boards in this section for details, or of course, give us a call if you like, we're always happy to speak with you.
Briefly, I'll answer your questions by number, if that's ok:
1.) The Superchip Flip Chip is a Superchip that has 2 separate chips inside, which allows it to contain 2 separate programs. It allows the driver to select which program the vehicle is running on at the flip of it's switch, hence it's name, the Flip Chip. The Superchip installs on the back of the computer as normal, then there is a 2-3 foot long twisted-pair wire lead exiting the module and has a 2-position toggle switch on the other end of it, there is no wiring for the user to do, that's all been done.
2.) The standard single-program Superchip requires the use of premium gasoline. Using anything less will result in loss of the power gain, and may also result in detonation; that will depend on the total effective compensation range of the knock sensor system in each vehicle, as the performance of those knock sensor systems varies quite a bit. Anyone who wants to be able to run anything less than premium with a Superchip needs to use the 2-program Superchip Flip Chip; we can set those up with a pair of programs that is identical, except on one side, the engine is tuned for the use of 87 octane, so you can use regular gas when you want, and still get all the other benefits, like improved automatic shifting, limiter removals, etc, no matter which program you're running on, so you always have better performance, and when you want maximum power, you can just fill it up with premium and flip the switch.
3.) The Superchip does many things to improve automatic transmission shifting. Briefly, it removes all shift delays on upshift & downshift, firms the upshifts, and reduces slippage, increasing the service life of the bands & clutches inside the automatic transmission.
4.) Hypertech only tunes on WOT (wide-open throttle), where there are no emissions standards that have to be met; this reduces their R&D costs drastically, but yields a poor program that can only add power during full-throttle operation. The Superchip on the other hand, fully optimizes both full and part-throttle parameters, thus actually improving drivability and towing performance, giving you better throtle response and more power all the time, at any throttle position. The automakers typically leave more room for improvement on part-throttle than they do on full-throttle, again, this is due to the structure of the emissions laws, and this is a typical short-cut that chipmakers like Hypertech, Jet, etc., take. So the first big difference is that the Superchip works adding power all the time, at any throttle position, while Hypertech, Jet, etc. only add power at WOT. The next big difference is that Hypertech, Jet, etc. only offer one program for all similar vehicles, I.E., only one program for all 1998 4.6 automatic F-150's; but the Superchip is programmed for the exact software revision in each individual vehicle's computer, so you get a program that was made specifically for *your* vehicle instead of one that has been compromised to run on all similar vehicles. We offer anywhere from 80-150 and even more different programs for each F-150 model year's configurations, and this makes all the difference in the world, as different functions and controls are located in different areas from one program revision to the next, making the "generic" approach of Hypertech, Jet, etc. one that yields less-than-optimal results, while the Superchip fully optinmizes every area of the powertrain's programming.
Superchips also does not require nor recommend using the abnormally cold thermostats that Hypertech and some other chipmakers either require or recommend using with their applications.
Those are just a few of the more important basic differences, for further details, please feel free to give us a call.
------------------
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
Thread Starter
|
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Temple, Texas
How long does it take to recieve it after you order it
------------------
97 F150 4X4
4.6 V8 K&N Filter
Manik Grill Gaurd with 2 KC daylighters
American Racing Baja rims
Goodyear Wrangler MT/R 305/70/16 Dual Exaust with 40 series Flowmaster
Panasonic DF-600U and MTX Thunderforms with MTX 6000 in it with a MTX Amp
Web Site http://hometown.aol.com/steveng0143/...sBlack4X4.html
If you have any Questions Email me at Steveng0143@aol.com
------------------
97 F150 4X4
4.6 V8 K&N Filter
Manik Grill Gaurd with 2 KC daylighters
American Racing Baja rims
Goodyear Wrangler MT/R 305/70/16 Dual Exaust with 40 series Flowmaster
Panasonic DF-600U and MTX Thunderforms with MTX 6000 in it with a MTX Amp
Web Site http://hometown.aol.com/steveng0143/...sBlack4X4.html
If you have any Questions Email me at Steveng0143@aol.com
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Henry County, GA
Are they worth it? Dunno, I received, tried to install, but guess what? I am lucky enough to have the "solder" problem.
...but let me tell you about service (I am not being paid by Superchips or their distributors)...
I called the distributor and basically I have to send Superchips my computer and the superchip. They will make the modifications and overnight the computer and chip back to me.
Well, what do I do without transportation in the meantime? The answer from distributor: "We certainly understand and apologize for the inconvenience, so...we are willing to pay for 1/2 of your rental costs while you are without your truck."
HOLY SMOKES...all this for $200.+ product? I'm still not sure on how the thing works just yet, but if it works as well as the customer service...I'M SOLD!
G'Luck.
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...my first "big" truck
'99 Ford F-150 Lariat
4WD, 4DR...absolutely stock (I guess)
...but let me tell you about service (I am not being paid by Superchips or their distributors)...
I called the distributor and basically I have to send Superchips my computer and the superchip. They will make the modifications and overnight the computer and chip back to me.
Well, what do I do without transportation in the meantime? The answer from distributor: "We certainly understand and apologize for the inconvenience, so...we are willing to pay for 1/2 of your rental costs while you are without your truck."
HOLY SMOKES...all this for $200.+ product? I'm still not sure on how the thing works just yet, but if it works as well as the customer service...I'M SOLD!
G'Luck.
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...my first "big" truck
'99 Ford F-150 Lariat
4WD, 4DR...absolutely stock (I guess)
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
Murfster...That is truly impressive! This kind of service coupled with the results of the Superchip is exactly the reason they will get my business after my new truck arrives.
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Ordered 2-20-01 TPW of 3-12-01 assigned on 2-26-01 '01 F150 Supercab XLT 4x4 SWB
507A Pkg.
Oxford white
Dark Graphite Interior
Captains Chairs
5.4 Triton
Auto Tranny
Off Road Package
Towing Package
Power Moonroof
3.55 Limited Slip
Heated Seats
AM-FM Cassette/6 disc CD
Power Drivers Seat
Sliding Rear Window
Adjustable Pedals
Electronic 4x4 Shift
Immediate Mods - Rhino Liner, 285's on Weld Wheels, K & N FIPK, Catback Exhaust
------------------
Ordered 2-20-01 TPW of 3-12-01 assigned on 2-26-01 '01 F150 Supercab XLT 4x4 SWB
507A Pkg.
Oxford white
Dark Graphite Interior
Captains Chairs
5.4 Triton
Auto Tranny
Off Road Package
Towing Package
Power Moonroof
3.55 Limited Slip
Heated Seats
AM-FM Cassette/6 disc CD
Power Drivers Seat
Sliding Rear Window
Adjustable Pedals
Electronic 4x4 Shift
Immediate Mods - Rhino Liner, 285's on Weld Wheels, K & N FIPK, Catback Exhaust
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 1998
Posts: 729
Likes: 0
From: Windsor, ON, Canada
Stevens - I suggest calling Mike Troyer personally and talking with him. You can find his information at the bottom of one of his posts. Make sure you have your computer code, it is 4 letters/numbers long, if you don't have it, Mike can direct you to the location of the computer on your truck. Keep us posted on what you think after you install it.
Have Fun & Keep on Truckin'
Dean
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1994 F-150 XLT Supercab, Long Box, 302 EFI, 3.55 LS, K&N FIPK, Bosch Platinum +4 Spark Plugs, Automatic, Single Catalytic converter, followed by a Raven Z-55 muffler and finished off with chrome tips (2 1/2" to 3"), Royal Blue in and out, Captain Chairs. Chrome Rims 15x8's, Michelin LTX M/S 105S 235/75R15 (Summer), OEM Aluminum Rims 15x8's, Michelin LTX M/S 108S (Winter), Lightly Tinted, Soft Tonneau Cover, Ford Receiver Hitch Cover & Lock, J&J Enterprises Stainless Steel AirDam with KC driving lights, Lund Supersteps, Lighted Grab Bars, VTech Slotted Taillight Covers, Alpine CDM-7829 Head Unit, PPI 4800 Amplifier, Kicker 10" Solo Baric Sub with Custom Box and Kicker Impulse 6.5 Mid & Tweets.
Have Fun & Keep on Truckin'
Dean
------------------
1994 F-150 XLT Supercab, Long Box, 302 EFI, 3.55 LS, K&N FIPK, Bosch Platinum +4 Spark Plugs, Automatic, Single Catalytic converter, followed by a Raven Z-55 muffler and finished off with chrome tips (2 1/2" to 3"), Royal Blue in and out, Captain Chairs. Chrome Rims 15x8's, Michelin LTX M/S 105S 235/75R15 (Summer), OEM Aluminum Rims 15x8's, Michelin LTX M/S 108S (Winter), Lightly Tinted, Soft Tonneau Cover, Ford Receiver Hitch Cover & Lock, J&J Enterprises Stainless Steel AirDam with KC driving lights, Lund Supersteps, Lighted Grab Bars, VTech Slotted Taillight Covers, Alpine CDM-7829 Head Unit, PPI 4800 Amplifier, Kicker 10" Solo Baric Sub with Custom Box and Kicker Impulse 6.5 Mid & Tweets.