I have a 97 4.6 2WD truck lifted 3 inches from stock with normal 255/75/16 tires. I have a flowmaster cat-back exhaust and the Air Force one air intake. I want to order the 1715 programmer because i've found a trustworthy dude on ebay selling it for a reasonable price (so far). I've read all the threads i can possibly read in the message boards, and i'm still left un-clear as to this -
what will the 1715 programmer do for a *97* with the *4.6*. Everybody has newer model trucks, and to me most without the 4.6l. Does anybody have a 4.6 with the 1715 programmed in it? If so, what kind of performance gains did you get? What are any downsides to the program? Is the 1715 even worth buying for my engine size and year? Also, beyond all the statistics, how easy are these things to install?
Any help anybody can give me is VERY much appreciated, for i dont wanna mess up my truck and have to deal with costs for repairing something stupid.
Thank you for your help!

 

I have the 1715 on my 98' 4.6. I bought it because I wanted a little more power for pulling my TT. When I 1st installed it (wich is very very easy, plug & play) I didn't really notice any improvement, but like what is said in the past it's hard to tell 20-30 hp on a 5000lb truck. I use this truck pretty much 80% for hauling my ATV or TT. Although I havn't seen hair raising increase in power, (i'm pretty sure there is something there) last year I would have a hard time in real windy conditions pulling, this year it dont seam to be as bad, I also feel an increase in power while in 5th gear, dont have to down shift to 4th as much to get some power. As far as MPG, well all the driving I do is variable, so no hard evidence & I also installed a magnaflow muffler. I'm certain I'm getting at least 1-2mph better, but I dont know if that is from the muffler or 1715 or both. overall I would recomend the 1715, just dont expect to feel a huge gain.

 

Dont know how much this would help, but my brother has a 98 with 4.6. He has dual exhaust and a k&n cold air intake. He went to a performance shop and asked them about either a chip or a power programmer and they told him that it is not worth the money. They said the 4.6's cams wont let the engine get the power it needs. They said that he would have to put new cams (there are two) in the heads and he would have a bad boy then. Only problem is that the cams are very expensive. I am not sure how much, but something like at least $500 each. He told him that his best chance for a performance boost was a 75 HP shot of NOS. Hope this helps somehow.