I was wondering is there different programs for the Superchip..I read some where that the basic program is designed for towing? I maybe wrong please correct me. If there is what are they?
also....
I am going to change gears from 3.08 to 3.73 and a new MAF, T-Body, and headers am I going to need my chip re-programmed and can I do all this at once or should I do one at a time and reset the computer after each mod???

Thanks

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1998 F150 STX 4.6L V8 Black w/Grey int. 6 disc CD-Changer, 5% tint, 2" drop shackles, CheckMate Flush Style bed cover, clear corners, APC Euro Clear Tails, SuperWhites, Infinity 5725cf all around, SS Speed Grille w/ bumper, Helwig rearsway bar,Superchip, Airaid, Mangecor KV8.5 wires, Bosch Plat +4, and Jardine Cat-Back single out.

Future Mods:
Pro-M, Throtle Body, Pulleys, Carbon Fiber, Headers, High Flow Cats, and Edlebrock shocks.

 

If it were me I'd do the mods and then call Mike Troyer and let him tell you what chip you need. It would save a lot of down time and expense that way.

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2000 Harley/Davidson F-150
Lund Bug Deflector
Ventshades
Century "Cargo Cover"
K&N FIPK Gen II
89 F-150 Lariat 4X4 for the "dirty work"!

 

Hi 98STXV8,

When we tell people that it's basically a "towing" type of program in these non-Lightning F-150's, what we are referring to specifically is not the engine tuning, it's the calibration of the automatic transmission's shift characteristics. What we mean is that we're reducing slippage and giving it firmer shifts, but not so firm as to make the shifts too harsh for conservative driving. The only difference between a "towing" and a "musclecar" type of shift characteristic from us, is just how hard the transmission hits the gears upon upshift. In these trucks, our normal programs give a very nice improvement, but they're not so harsh as to upset livestock being towed, or to upset passengers by snapping their heads back on their necks, etc.

With regards to the engine, we're already getting all the power that can safely be made using pump premiuim gasoline, so it's not being "compromised" by a "towing" type of calibration, if that is what you're wondering about specifically.

While you're more than welcome to change the mass airflow meter & throttle body, it won't do much good on a stock engine. Don't get me wrong, they can be great parts, and if it makes you happy please do, but you're not going to get a significant power gain by installing them, and we do not advise increasing the size of either the MAF or the throttle body unless you have either ported heads or a supercharger installed, simply because the "bang-for-the-buck" value isn't there on a basically stock engine. That being said, yes, we can compensate for that aftermarket MAF, and that will have to be done, so you'll definitely need a custom program if you change the mass airflow meter.

If you left out the aftermarket MAF, then nothing else in that proposed modification list requires a custom program in your 1998 model F-F150. To recalibrate the speedometer you just change the reduction gear in the tailshift of the transmission (and the 1998 4.6 F-150 was offered from the factory with a 3.73 rear gear in the "NASTRUCK" edition, so you'll be in good shape there) and that automatically brings shift ponts back into line by restoring speedometer accuracy.

We could do a custom program to help get you another 3-5 more hp from your headers, but that usually isn't *required*, so that's up to you. The only thing in your mods list that *requires* custom programming is the aftermarket MAF (mass airflow meter).

Anytime you want custom programming done, we advise that you get that done all at one time, just so you can take advantage of the fact that Superchips' custom programming fee is a flat fee regardless of the work that has to be done. In your case, it really doesn't matter with the mods you've listed, as only the MAF would need a custom program.

SO it's really up to you; if you delete the aftermarket MAF, then you don't need any custom programming, but if you decide to install it, then we suggest that since you'll have to have a custom program anyway, let's go ahead and do it for the headers as well, and do it at the same time.

If you'd like to go over this in more detail, as always, feel free to give us a call.

Good luck!

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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 03-30-2001).]

 

Thanks Mike...I am just trying to beef up a little more before I get the Supercharger this summer so I will go ahead and get eh aftermarket MAF.

I will be speaking to you soon.



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1998 F150 STX 4.6L V8 Black w/Grey int. 6 disc CD-Changer, 5% tint, 2" drop shackles, CheckMate Flush Style bed cover, clear corners, APC Euro Clear Tails, SuperWhites, Infinity 5725cf all around, SS Speed Grille w/ bumper, Helwig rearsway bar,Superchip, Airaid, Mangecor KV8.5 wires, Bosch Plat +4, and Jardine Cat-Back single out.

Future Mods:
Pro-M, Throtle Body, Pulleys, Carbon Fiber, Headers, High Flow Cats, and Edlebrock shocks.

 

Hi 98STXV8,

Ahh, going for the blower, eh? You lucky rascal, you!

Good move on the MAF then, that sounds reasonable, as having a blower installed can get good benefit from a larger MAF or therottle body. And of course, everyone has to do whatever they feel like doing, we just make a few comments about what we see, etc. and then it's up to everyone what they actually choose to do with their vehicle.

Good luck & talk to you soon!

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