First, I really disliked the way the tranny shifts on this truck, and that was my primary goal.Better shifting(transitional spark retard) not more power.I didn't want to have to use high octane fuel, and wasn't going to pay for a flip chip and only use one program(also NO 30 day retun policy).I still feel that there is a market for a chip with only transmission improvements, and I would have bought one, mark my words, someday it will be made .To get a chip to my specs would have cost around $300.00 for custom tuning.So thats what I gave myself for a buget. Now what can I get for $300.00.The programmer, only for early models will only download 1 program into the computer, it will allow for tire size changes,however there is no selective downloads, either all of their program or none.so if you want better shifts you'll have to run the octane. Other than setting tire size changes this is no more effective than a chip, only that you are paying $150.00 not to have to manually pull the chip from the computer. My findings... waste of money.I'll pull my computer 100 times over before shelling out that extra$$$.Besides they don't even offer one for my 2001. back to chips,I'm sure everyone here is familuar with the Jet and Hyperchips, so I won't go over that again other that to say, all chips, use higher octane in the base programs, yet these two only provide gains WOT for the same $$$ why pay the same amount for less??. Not many are yet available for 2001, in fact only 2 other sources have a calibration for my code in a price range I was willing to pay.Diablo and Superchips. So I called Mike T, Great guy to talk to.He did answer most of my questions,I asked some question he didn't to want to answer,he explained they want to keep calibrations a trade secret, and without having data in front of him for my computer code, he would be unable to answer exactly anyway, which is totally understandable.However I'm putting this in my new truck, and I want to know what I'm getting.Diablo was a little more techanical with me, however I didn't get exact calibrations there either. Still no sale yet. I still feel these products are very similar, and to choose between them I needed to look at a few points, cost, construction, customer service. I admit I've not seen a Superchip in person, but they appear to be potted, good and bad, good it makes them much more duriable, and less prone to shock and the elements, however you'll never take on apart without destroying it, and although this may be a mute point, there will be less cooling.Yes I know lifetime warranty.Well the Ford EEC computer isn't potted,nor is the Diablo chip.So I gave that one a tie.I like the fact that the Diablo chip fits inside the computer housing. The Superchip remains outside, it seems to me that the Diablo is more secure in place.One point for Diablo. Customer service, well.... Mike is tops,I haven't seen anyone as involved with a product as him, I haven't had much in the way of dealings with Diablo,as they are a newer company, but I can say Mike makes a positive impression,even if you don't have his product he has offered his knowledge.1 Point for Superchip. Cost, well I found a Diablo chip for a great price,I almost didn't belive it, but it was for real. And thats what I chose.Both seemed to have similar types of full range programming, both 30 day no question return policy, Lifetime warranty.I did like the fact that Diablo is trying to set up a dealer network that will allow a dealer to download "base" programs via the internet, go to a dealer give him the code and they burn a chip while you wait,and is working on software to allow for custom tuning at dealers. I don't know if Superchips offers this,if I understood correctly I belive you need to send it in to re-cal. If you want a custom program now they run about $300.00, either get it done as a stand alone from someone like Johnson Motorsports or get a Chip from either supplier and have it re-cal'ed, same cost.One other factor I like is the fact that a new company is emerging, I think competition is a good thing, it keeps prices down and innovation up. I want to give this new company a shot, they seem to have good intentions and I would also like them to suceed.How do I like the chip?, well as of this I have only 10 miles on it, I love the shifts, power wise it seems a little more peppy, my truck has only 3700 mile so I don't beat it, so far so good. I will update this post as I experiance more of the chip.I also plan to run a test of progressing lower octane fuels, to see it it will have any effect on part throttle mild driving. For now it's 93 octane so I can really push the limits and see what I have.Mike, although I didn't get the Superchip, I have to thank you ,if I hadn't seen so many positive posts here on these chips, I never would have considered one having to run premium all the time.I will feel better about it if I do see a mpg increase.
added 3/20/01
www.diablosport.com
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2001 F-150 XLT S-CAB 4.6 "the full ride"
96 Taurus GL
93 Kenne-Bell Supercharged Mustang
"Injection is nice, but I perfer being blown!"

[This message has been edited by jstang (edited 03-20-2001).]

[This message has been edited by jstang (edited 03-20-2001).]

 

HI!... JSTANG : If all you really wanted was a better shifting tranny, why did'nt you just get a shift kit? $100)(U.S) and your done. Keep us updated on your new chip.

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NEAL " THE H.P FREAK" E-MAIL :nnewman@sympatico.ca
'99' F-150 XLT SPORT, oxford white, reg cab shortbox stepside,5.4, auto, 4.10L.S, captain's chairs, bedliner, GTS carbon fiber headlight covers, ***** CEPECK clear halogen driving lights, GTS slotted tailight covers (painted oxford white), fiberglass smooth wiper cowl (painted OXFORD WHITE), FORD locking lug nuts, tinted windows,true duel exhaust with 2.5 inch mandrel bent pipes and FLOWMASTER 3 chamber mufflers with 3' tailpipes exiting before the rear wheel like the LIGHTNING, HELLWIG rear stabalizer bar, 3 AUTOMETER guage pods, filled with tranny temp, engine temp, and oil preasure AUTOMETER "PHANTOM" guages,custom fabricated air intake trac and huge K/N filter, TPS mod, BELLTECH 2-inch rear drop, custom programed SUPERCHIP, BAUMANN ENGINEERING shift kit (on stage 5 setting)BYPASS CLUTCH CONTROL VALVE/PREASURE REGULATOR VALVE, ASP POWER PULLEYS, custom tig welded and ported JBA "JET BLACK coated headers, twin DERALE 16 INCH ELECTRIC FANS, PERMA COOL 14"/10" tranny cooler with 10" electric fan, custom ported (STOCK) throttle body, custom digital air intake temp sensor, custom ported TB intake elbow, relocated ATS.


FUTURE MODS : FORD SVT 24LB INJECTORS, CUSTOM SUPERCHIP FLIP-CHIP, BBK 75MM THROTTLE BODY, 80MM PRO-M MASS AIR METER, AADI F1 RAM AIR HOOD WITH CUSTOM FABRICATED RAM AIR SET-UP, CAL-TRAC TRACTION BARS, EXTRUDE HONED INTAKE MANIFOLD, SHM CUSTOM FUEL RAILS, SHM "RACE WATER PUMP, 90/10 FRONT CE SHOCKS, 70/30 REAR CE SHOCKS, BELL TECH 2/4 DROP, EXPEDITION CENTER CONSOLE, HARLEY DAVISON F-150, LOWER FRONT VALANCE (painted oxford white) and a KENNE BELL BLOWZILLA SUPERCHARGER.

ESTIMATED H.P TO DATE : 330H.P / 425ft/lbs of torque.

CURRENT PERFORMANCE : 1/4 MILE - 14.53E.T * MPH - 93.00 * 0-60MPH - 5.8 * 1/8 MILE - 9.2 * 60 FT - 2.0

OTHER TOYS : "83" PRO STREET FORD RANGER : 351-w stroked to 408c.i 625H.P (natural), 875H.P with 250H.P "BIG SHOT" N.O.S kit, tubbed (crome moly tubing), 12 point chrome moly roll cage, 4-link with coil overs, MUSTANG II front suspension, c-4 tranny (race prepped), 4000rpm stall converter(8 INCH), 3" chrome moly driveshaft,AUTOMETER guages, 15.50 MICKEY THOMPSON rear tires, 4" M/T front tires, CENTERLINE CON-VO PRO rims, fiberglass hood - bumper - prostock hood scoop, wishbone trac-link, two chrome moly driveshaft loops, 16 gallon RCI fuel cell,etc

 

Shift kit doesn't get rid of the transitional spark retard.Thats one of the major objectives I had.I'll go that route(shift kit) after the trucks warranty is over.what I really would have liked is the 87 octane program from a flip chip as a stand alone. If I get tired of using 92 grade, I can always have it re-programed.

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2001 F-150 XLT S-CAB 4.6 "the full ride"
96 Taurus GL
93 Kenne-Bell Supercharged Mustang
"Injection is nice, but I perfer being blown!"

 

Jstang
how does the diablo hook-up inside the housing? I did not see any open sockets in there-only the edge connector.

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97 Lariet-sc-4.6-4x off road-auto-3.55 LS-
superchip-Airraid-Perma-cool electric fan & controller

 

The way the connecter is on the Diablo chip, when installed it locates all of the chip inside the EEC case.You still use the edge connector.I hope this makes sense to you.It's hard to explain I guess.whereas the Superchip plugs in and remains outside of the case.

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2001 F-150 XLT S-CAB 4.6 "the full ride"
96 Taurus GL
93 Kenne-Bell Supercharged Mustang
"Injection is nice, but I perfer being blown!"

 

jstang,
Good informative post. Thanks for posting. Do you mind telling me where you bought your chip? We do not want to mention prices but wonder if you could tell me where I could go.. thanks!

 

I got it from www.smartyparts.com the gentleman who helped me was Chris Scott.Mention this or any of the many f150 websites for an additional discount on already low prices.

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2001 F-150 XLT S-CAB 4.6 "the full ride"
96 Taurus GL
93 Kenne-Bell Supercharged Mustang
"Injection is nice, but I perfer being blown!"

 

Good to see someone is willing to try another brand of chip. I have been looking at the Diablo also. At about 1/2 the price of a Superchip for the V10 it is within my budget. Keep us posted on how your chip works out.

 

Now that you have some miles on the Diablo chip, any observations? How do you like it so far, etc? thanks jstang!
Jason

 

Thanks alot for your input jstang! It is nice to have a different point of view. Now I am stymied I guess I will look at the Diablo chip now. You did say they affect programming all the way up the RPM band right? It seems kind of silly to have a chip that really only makes more power at WOT. Anyhow hurry up and put miles on that Diablo and let us know if it's any good.

Thanks Bud

 

Well, with only 80 miles on it, I'll tell you just being able to hold the shift to 5000 rpm when you get on it is great, feels real good, pulls hard on top. While 20-26 hp isn't going to push you back in the seat like a giant, silent hand, it is noticable, I'll best describe it thusfar like this, low speed perky, midrange feels stronger, and top end, it really pulls harder, I'm sure due to the higher shift points.You really aren't going to feel 25hp as a giant step up, but it is noticeable.I did consider one of the other chips that only do WOT tuning, figured I could run the lower octane, get the good shifts, just never mash the loud pedal lol...what that ain't gonna happen!!, but for the same(even less) money I decided to go for it.I will also be using my G-tech with and without the chip, after I have run it for quite a while, I found while not as good as a dyno, it helped me a great deal in tuning my Mustang, which in fact I set up my own programs and had made by JMS. I started with a base programs (5) and played with fuel pressure and timing at different rpms to come up with my set up. Johnson Motorsports then burnt me some chips to my order to try, then the same all over again, until I got it dailed in perfect. they did 15 seprate programs until I was happy with the results.I also tried programs from a friend who also has a Bell blown mustang, different EEC calibration code and different year, plug them(EPROMS) in and worked, he now is using one of the programs I had done for my car, and the orginials he had ,he sent back for a copy of mine.These newer Fords, well you can't twist a distrubtor,fuel pressure regulator in the tank(non feedback system) or set tranny line pressure with a cable, its either replace sensors or actuators or do it via the computer.

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2001 F-150 XLT S-CAB 4.6 "the full ride"
96 Taurus GL
93 Kenne-Bell Supercharged Mustang
"Injection is nice, but I perfer being blown!"

 

FYI, I spoke to Mike, and I will be tring a Superchip. I will post my honest feelings after install. I'll say it again, after talking to Mike again, you can't beat the service he does provide. Stay tuned. John

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2001 F-150 XLT S-CAB 4.6 "the full ride"
96 Taurus GL
93 Kenne-Bell Supercharged Mustang
"Injection is nice, but I perfer being blown!"

 

Okay glued to the crt!!